For many people struggling with addiction, the most effective intervention is a rehabilitation program, like those provided by Avenues Recovery. In rehab, a combination of physical and psychological interventions is used to help patients recover. How long is rehab? The answer depends on several factors, including the substance type, addiction severity, and personal needs.
Key Takeaways on Rehab Length
- Rehab length varies widely, with typical programs lasting 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on individual needs.
- Shorter stays may be sufficient for some, but longer programs generally offer higher chances of long-term recovery.
- Treatment plans are personalized, taking into account substance type, addiction severity, and level of care needed.
- Recovery is a lifelong process, and choosing the right program and pace is essential for lasting sobriety.
How Long Is Alcohol Rehab?
The typical length of an alcohol rehab program is 28 to 30 days for standard inpatient treatment. However, the exact rehab length of stay depends on your individual situation, and there is no hard rule for how long it should take.
How Long Is Drug Rehab?
Drug rehab typically lasts between 30 and 60 days (about two months). As with alcohol rehab, however, actual recovery timelines are individual, and there is no fixed duration for how long residential addiction treatment should take.
What Is the Shortest Rehab Time?
The shortest time you can stay in rehab is 7 days for detox-only programs. Short-term inpatient rehab typically lasts 14 to 28 days. Most professionals consider stays of less than 30 days insufficient for long-term recovery unless they are followed by ongoing outpatient care.
Many patients enter rehab hoping to get out as quickly as possible and reenter the outside world. But leaving rehab too early can lead to relapse. Research shows that you’re more likely to see better results if you stay in treatment longer. A good rehab program will create a customized plan tailored to your needs.
What is the Average Stay in Rehab?
The average length of stay in substance abuse treatment ranges from 30 to 90 days. Short-term programs typically last 28 to 30 days, while long-term residential rehab can extend to 90 days or more. The duration depends on addiction severity, treatment goals, and individual progress.
Choosing the Right Rehab Length
When you’re recovering from addiction, one size does not fit all. The number of days you get in rehab depends on your individual needs. Often, the first step is to speak with a professional in the field of addiction treatment to determine how long your rehab stay should be.
A specialist will take into consideration factors such as:
- The substance used
- The duration of addiction
- The level of care needed
- Affordability
Together, you can make an informed decision on how long rehab should take for you. Remember, recovery is not a marathon. Going through the recovery process at an appropriate pace will increase your likelihood of achieving long-term sobriety beyond the sober living home.
What Does the Rehab Process Look Like?
The rehab process follows structured stages that include intake and assessment, medical detox lasting 3 to 7 days, inpatient or outpatient therapy for 30 to 90 days, and aftercare planning.
Intake
Upon intake, any rehab program will assess your recovery goals and needs. Then, a recovery plan will be determined together with you. Once that’s done, you’ll enter detox.
Detox
The detox stage of rehab is about seven days long. During detox, the body rids itself of the substance you had been using and readjusts to normal functioning. When you’re struggling with addiction, your body can start to rely on the substance you’re using just to be able to function. So when you detox, your body will usually enter withdrawal, which can cause a range of challenging symptoms. To safely manage withdrawal symptoms, it is best to detox in an inpatient facility or hospital. Medication-assisted treatment can help ease withdrawal symptoms, while tapering involves gradually reducing use to avoid fatal symptoms. Once acute withdrawal symptoms subside, recovery begins.
Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab and Therapy
Once you complete the detox process, recovery begins. You will choose the program that best suits your needs. During this stage, you explore the reasons for your addiction and learn to manage it. There are many recovery programs tailored to your individual needs.
Aftercare
Aftercare provides the ongoing support and tools you need after rehab ends, such as therapy, support groups, or outpatient programs. It’s crucial for staying on track, preventing relapse, and building lasting recovery. Many rehab programs have built-in aftercare options.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Options
The length of rehab programs can vary depending on whether they are inpatient, outpatient, or another type. Some common types of programs include:
- Residential Treatment Program
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Outpatient Rehab
- Sober Living
How Long is PHP Treatment?
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) treatment typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks. In PHP, you attend structured therapy sessions 5 to 7 days per week, for 4 to 6 hours per day. The length varies based on your mental health needs, progress in treatment, and insurance coverage.
How Long is Outpatient Rehab?
In outpatient rehab, you attend rehab a few times a week and live at home for the rest of the time. Typically, outpatient rehab lasts six weeks, but it can vary depending on your individual needs.
How Long is Inpatient Rehab?
Inpatient rehab involves a stay at a facility. Specialists guide you through recovery and help you learn to cope with life after addiction. Most insurance companies cover a 28-day stay in a facility, but many patients require longer stays. The most common lengths of stay are 30, 60, and 90 days.
Advantages of 30-Day Rehab Programs
In a short-term, 30-day rehab plan, you stay in the facility for the duration of the treatment. You can complete a 30-day program in either a hospital or an inpatient facility. You’ll have 24-hour access to professionals and treatment for both physical and psychological symptoms, as well as medication management, behavioral therapy, and a support network. This kind of program is usually helpful if you need intensive rehab but can’t commit to a more extended period. Be aware, however, that a 30-day program is usually considered too short to foster long-term recovery unless it’s paired with a robust outpatient program.
Advantages of 60-Day Rehab Programs
60-day rehab programs were created to bridge the gap between extended programs and short-term programs. It is a good option if you can’t take a three-month break but still want the benefits of a more comprehensive program. 60-day rehab combines behavioral, psychological, and physical interventions. This length of stay can help you leave rehab already well on the road to recovery.
Advantages of 90-Day Rehab Programs
A 90-day rehab program provides patients with the most comprehensive rehab experience. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), treatment programs that last 90 days or longer have the highest success rate. These programs treat people with moderate to severe addictions. While the therapies provided are the same as those in a 30 or 60-day rehab program, the more extended period allows you more time to recover fully.
Rehab Options Beyond 90 Days
Though the average length of rehab is generally around 30 to 90 days, rehab programs lasting longer than 90 days (often three months to a year or even longer) do exist for severe or long-term substance use issues. They give you more time for therapy, relapse prevention, and life skills, increasing your chances of a lasting recovery. The main drawbacks are the longer time commitment, higher cost, and temporary separation from work, school, or family.
Drug Rehab Treatment at Avenues Recovery
Recovery is a journey, and while rehab is the first step, long-term success takes guidance, support, and proven strategies. At Avenues Recovery, we combine evidence-based treatment programs with years of clinical expertise to help you navigate the challenges of recovery safely and effectively. Our licensed professionals provide personalized care, and our supportive admissions team is here to guide you toward the plan that fits your needs. You don’t have to do this alone. Contact us today and take the first step toward the life you deserve.
FAQs on the Length of Rehab
How long is a typical outpatient rehab session?
Outpatient drug rehab sessions typically last 2 to 4 hours per day, with treatment scheduled 3 to 5 days per week, for a total of about 9 to 12 hours weekly.
How long do most people stay sober?
Many people who commit to treatment and ongoing support maintain sobriety for years, and often for life. Research shows the first 90 days are the most challenging, but with consistent care, therapy, and support networks, long-term recovery becomes increasingly sustainable. Maintaining sobriety for over a year significantly strengthens the foundation for a lifelong, healthy recovery.
Does every addict relapse?
Not every addict relapses. Many people achieve long-term recovery without relapse through consistent treatment, strong support systems, and aftercare. Relapse is common but not inevitable, and sustained sobriety improves significantly after the first year of structured recovery.
Do you get to watch TV in rehab?
Most rehab centers allow TV during designated free time. Access is limited to prevent distraction from therapy, and content rules vary by facility and treatment intensity.
Is an addict ever fully recovered?
An addict can fully recover, but recovery must be maintained. Full recovery means living a stable, fulfilling life without substance use. Because addiction is a chronic condition, maintaining recovery often involves ongoing support. Many people achieve decades of sobriety and thrive with the right combination of treatment and lifestyle changes.