What is the ideal length of stay in rehab for those struggling with addiction? There is no exact answer to this question. Any amount of time is good—addiction treatment helps individuals get and stay sober. Being honest, accepting a drug addiction, and seeking professional help are the first steps to recovery. However, therapists agree that longer stays result in lower relapse rates.
How long is alcohol rehab, usually? Or, in the case of other addictive substances, how long is drug rehab? Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers offer programs that last 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days or longer. Call 888.341.3607 to speak with someone from Ashwood Recovery about our addiction treatment programs and how long rehab is for individuals like you or someone you care about.
Why Is a Longer Length of Stay in Rehab Better for Participants?
Because addiction is a chronic disease, rehabilitation will take more than overcoming substance addiction. Rehabs, therefore, do more than help individuals overcome physical addiction—they also provide the tools to overcome the psychological causes and effects of this mental health issue.
Both the physical and psychological negative effects of drug abuse must be assessed and addressed during addiction rehab. Recovering from substance abuse is a lifelong process. It takes time and commitment from patients, but it can save their lives.
What Happens During a Stay in Rehab
When a patient walks into a rehabilitation center, they first undergo an assessment. After the initial assessment comes the detoxification process.
Detox is highly recommended as a means to rid the body of the toxicity associated with alcohol and drug abuse. It typically takes between three to 14 days, depending on the nature, length of time, and severity of the addiction. For substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepine, longer medically supervised detoxifications may be necessary as severe withdrawal symptoms usually occur when the substances get discontinued abruptly.
After detox, patients take part in behavioral therapy interventions. These may be undertaken either through one-on-one sessions with therapists or through peer group sessions. Additional treatment procedures may be necessary for severe addiction. These include:
- Family therapy
- Mental health examinations
- Adult education classes
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders such as depression
Towards the end of rehab, aftercare programs like support groups, sober living environments, and continuous therapy are typically recommended to patients.
How Long Rehab Is Depends on Whether or Not You Stay in Sober Living Homes
For people coming out of rehab, transitioning to everyday work or school routines can be a problem. Sober living homes provide a convenient in-between that gives patients the environmental and social support needed to recover completely.
About Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes require residents to pay rent, be responsible for cleanliness, and follow house rules. They must also take random alcohol and drug tests to prove they are sober. Sober living homes offer residents the following:
- A peaceful environment that is essential for recovery
- Loving friends and family to provide social support throughout the recovery process
While rehabs restrict the movement of patients, people in sober living homes are free to move in and out as they please.
What Happens in Sober Living Homes
Residents participate in peer group recovery sessions where they share their experiences and encourage each other in their journeys. They learn about healthy and non-healthy behaviors, goal setting, emotional stability, coping with cravings, and proper nutrition for people recovering from addiction. Residents also take part in a 12-step therapy program.
Benefits of Longer Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs
Rehab programs that last 90 days or longer have many advantages, such as the following:
- Enough time to cleanse the body of negative toxins
- Enough time to learn about recovery and how to abstain from alcohol and drugs
- Enough time to identify and deal with the root causes of their addiction
People react differently to drug rehab therapy. Thus, patients who have had severe addictions for a long time should stay longer in rehab.
Find Rehab Programs in Idaho at Ashwood Recovery
There is no cure for addiction. However, no matter how severe an addiction is, recovery is possible. Contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 to learn more about our rehab programs in Idaho.