How Long Does Addiction Treatment Last?

If you struggle with a substance use disorder, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]

The best way to overcome alcohol and drug abuse is to attend substance abuse treatment. These programs will provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery. For example, during an addiction treatment program, you’ll receive an individualized treatment plan, evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and more.

If you are wondering how long addiction treatment programs last, you’ve come to the right place. On average, an addiction treatment program can take 30 to 90 days. That said, it is always best to spend as much time as you can spare in one of these treatment programs, as you’ll have enough time to learn about the root causes of your substance use disorder and change negative patterns of behavior. 

In this article, you will learn: 

• How long does addiction treatment take?
• Why do treatment programs take so much time? 
• Should you choose a 30, 60, or 90-day program?

What is the Length of Addiction Treatment? 

Substance abuse treatment involves a variety of services, including individual therapy, group counseling, psychoeducational support groups, holistic care, and relapse prevention planning. Because all of these services can take time to complete, the shortest treatment program available is 30 days. 

That said, substance abuse treatment programs can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. The amount of time you spend in a treatment program will depend on your personal needs, including how severe your substance use disorder is, whether you’ve experienced a relapse in the past, and whether you have co-occurring mental health conditions that require treatment. 

Why Does the Treatment Process Take So Long? 

If you are recovering from alcohol or drug abuse, you’ll need addiction treatment. Your length of stay will depend on your personal needs. Someone with a mild substance use disorder might not need more than 30 days, while more complicated conditions require at least 90 days of treatment. 

The treatment process can take up to 90 days for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Creating a comprehensive treatment plan based on an in-depth assessment that allows the treatment center to understand your needs 
• Partaking in individual and group counseling for several sessions over 30 to 90 days 
• Addressing the root causes of substance use disorders, which could include past trauma, underlying mental health disorders, or negative behavioral patterns
• Learning important coping strategies to avoid relapse and mastering them before you tackle sobriety independently
• Completing holistic care services to help your mind, body, and soul heal, including meditation, yoga, massage therapy, art and music therapy, and more
• Engaging in peer support and participating in support groups to build your community, to ensure you have long-term access to support from people who understand what you’re going through
• Tackling negative behaviors that contribute to substance abuse, like codependence, strained relationships, self-esteem problems, and self-medication
• Engaging in specialty care services, like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or co-occurring disorder treatment (dual diagnosis care)
• Participating in family therapy to ensure you have support at home once you leave the program
• And more!

The recovery process is different for everyone. While some people might get what they need out of individual and group counseling within 30 days, others need a little extra support. If you need more time to engage in group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and relapse prevention planning, you might benefit from a 90-day program. 

Choosing Average Length of Stay: Is it Better to Attend a 30, 60-Day Program, or a 90-Day Program? 

How long an addiction treatment center lasts depends greatly on your needs. Your length of stay could vary, as most centers offer 30, 60, and 90-day treatment plans. Your treatment team will help you figure out how much time you need to spend engaging in individual therapy and group therapy. 

While it would be ideal if recovery only took a few days, it tends to be a lifelong process. That said, treatment centers usually only last between 30 to 90 days. During this time, you’ll learn how to maintain your sobriety on your own. 

If you are having a hard time deciding whether to choose a 30, 60, or 90-day program, you should consider what the experts have to say. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and treatment lasting significantly longer is recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.”[2]

In other words, you have the highest chance of maintaining long-term recovery if you choose to attend treatment for 90 days. Your treatment depends on how well you respond to therapy as well. If you don’t fully commit to participating in your recovery services, you won’t develop the skills and tools you need to recover. 

Additionally, choosing a 90-day program means you’ll have more time to address co-occurring mental health disorders or underlying trauma. Additionally, spending more time in substance use treatment will allow you to improve your physical health during your program. This can make you more likely to maintain long-term sobriety. 

Find Out What Length of Treatment Program You Need With Blue Star Recovery

The benefits of longer rehab have been proven time and time again. If you are considering the rehab length of stay, it is best to choose a 90-day treatment plan. You’ll have the time you need to engage in counseling, behavioral therapies, and psychoeducation. 

While the length of stay varies, the experts at Blue Star Recovery can help you decide what amount of time is right for you. Even though many addiction treatment programs provide 30 or 60-day programs, we make sure our clients receive the amount of time they need to recover.

You also want to choose the right addiction treatment program for you. At Blue Star Recovery, we offer evidence-based and individualized substance use treatment, ensuring you receive the tools you need to be successful.  

Contact Blue Star Recovery today to find out what length of treatment you need to recover. Our addiction professionals will analyze the variables affecting the length of treatment and determine what is right for you. 

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
2. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment