30, 60, 90 Day Treatment

If you have decided that you are ready to seek treatment for an addiction, the next step is choosing a treatment program. A major factor in this process is identifying the ideal length. Inpatient programs typically range from 30 to 90 days. While these programs have similar structures, the longer a program is, the more time a patient has for working on each step of their recovery. Generally, longer-term stays lead to more success, so it is typically a good idea to choose the longest stay that your budget allows.

30-day treatments

In a 30-day program (many are actually 28-day programs), you will have a full month to focus on your addiction. The treatment program will begin with medically supervised detoxification, helping you get the addictive substance out of your body without causing physical harm. Some substances can be dangerous to withdraw from, which is why medical care is necessary.

Then, the program will focus on counseling, often both one-on-one and in a group. The goal is building a network of sober peers and developing coping strategies for times when you might be tempted to use. You will likely also work on learning new healthy habits, such as exercise and proper nutrition.

Many 28-day programs are lockdown programs, which means you are not allowed to leave the facility or have visitors during the time that you are there. This allows you to fully focus on your recovery throughout the four-week program.

60-day treatments

A 60-day program can be a great middle-ground for someone that knows they need a lot of support to overcome their addiction but cannot afford the cost of a 90-day program. These programs, like all inpatient rehab programs, begin with detoxification.  Following that, patients can receive counseling, skills training, and other support in developing new healthier habits.

After leaving rehab, most patients choose to take advantage of aftercare outpatient services. With this service, they can return to the facility for weekly therapy and also develop a plan to prevent relapse. These programs are typically available to anyone completing a rehab program and can be hugely beneficial in maintaining a healthy and substance-free lifestyle long after returning to the challenges of daily life.

90-day treatments

The longest treatment term offered at most facilities is a 90-day program. It is also the most expensive, and it can be difficult for many people to step away from their daily responsibilities for three months. However, if you can manage these external challenges, these programs have the highest rate of success. They begin, like all rehab programs, with detoxification. Participants then work on coping strategies and the underlying challenges that lead to addiction.

The longer time frame means that patients have the time to get to know and trust the care providers. They also can get used to living a sober lifestyle without any of the pressures of the outside world. With a full three months to develop new habits, the chance of relapse is significantly lowered.

While 90-day programs can be helpful for anyone with an addiction, people whose addictions are severe, or who have already attended a rehab program and relapsed, should strongly consider committing to a 90-day program.

Finding your ideal length

How do you know which program is best for you? A short-term treatment program can be helpful if you need to escape from the daily grind for some time to work on your addiction but cannot commit to a longer program without risking the loss of your job or other major challenges. These programs give you a chance to detoxify, clear your head, develop some strategies for coping with your addiction, and then return to the “real world” with a clean slate. Many people will choose to stay involved with outpatient treatment programs once they have left a short-term facility.

A long-term treatment program is a great way to make real progress on your addiction. These programs allow you to fully focus on your health for three months. If you have a severe addiction, this amount of time may be necessary to create new habits and move past your cravings. It can be challenging to commit the time to a long-term program, but choosing to do so is a significant investment that often pays off.