28- and 30-Day Drug Rehab Programs

What Is a 30-Day Rehab Program?

As the name suggests, a 30-day drug rehab program is a short-term treatment option for addiction, typically lasting around one month. Both inpatient and outpatient 30-day treatment programs offer a level of flexibility for people who aren’t able to attend longer programs.

While treatment plans vary by facility, many 30-day rehab programs offer some combination of behavioral therapy and medical care, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) where appropriate. 

The 30-day rehab program may also include 12-step meetings as part of a structured, comprehensive care strategy for people struggling with substance use disorders.1

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Options

Inpatient or residential treatment programs typically require you to stay at the treatment facility for the duration of your treatment.1 

This means you eat, sleep, and receive all of your treatment on site. As your recovery progresses, many facilities schedule visiting hours when you can see friends and family.

Thirty-day programs may also include outpatient levels of care, such as  intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP). 

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers a nationwide network of rehab facilities that offer both inpatient and outpatient levels of care, based on the patient’s needs.

Call one of our admissions navigators at  (866) 704-8038 to learn more about our comprehensive rehab programs.

What Happens During a 30-Day Treatment Program?

30-day rehab facilities offer a range of treatment services, which can vary by facility.

Treatment may start with medical drug or alcohol detox, where you are supervised and monitored around the clock as you go through the withdrawal process wherein your body is cleared from  all the drugs in your system.1 For some types of substance dependence, medications may be provided to ease withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox is often recommended for managing the acute withdrawal period after quitting alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids.1

After detox, you will begin your recovery work in earnest. Your treatment team may use a range of behavioral therapeutic techniques, as well as provide ongoing medical and mental health care as needed.

Common behavioral therapies in 30-day rehab programs include:1

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change problematic thoughts and behaviors. It can teach you to employ effective coping skills, target and manage cravings, and develop strategies to avoid or manage situations that put you at high-risk for relapse.
• Contingency management (CM): Offers small rewards to reinforce recovery-oriented behaviors, such as showing negative toxicology results, participating in treatment sessions, and reaching recovery milestones.
• Motivational-enhancement therapy (MET): Builds motivation by addressing any ambivalence toward abstinence, being in treatment, and changing behaviors.

Types of Therapy

A decent portion of addiction treatment is provided through a combination of group and individual counseling sessions. Types of sessions may include:1,2

• Group therapy, which can involve behavioral therapy in a small group setting where you can benefit from the wisdom of your peers and gain insights from shared experiences.
• Individual therapy, which will allow you to privately discuss your substance use and problems you may face, including vocational, legal, or relationship issues, in a one-on-one setting.
• Family therapy, which, when all parties are willing to participate, can strengthen family relationships, resolve resentments, and build healthier, more supportive family dynamics that support long-term recovery.
• Medications for addiction treatment, which may help reduce cravings, lower the risk of relapse, and support long-term addiction recovery.

How Do I Find a 30-Day Rehab Near Me?

American Addiction Centers’ (AAC’s) rehabilitation programs vary in duration and are tailored to meet your unique needs. Our treatment centers provide aftercare planning and offer various avenues of support after you’ve completed inpatient treatment. After completing one of our rehab programs, you will be better equipped to face the challenges associated with early recovery if you have a robust support network, such as offered through our virtual support groups, alumni groups, and recovery housing.

After you’ve completed a 30-day inpatient rehab, you may also choose to attend outpatient treatment at an AAC facility, which provides a smooth transition to a relatively less-intensive level of care while balancing your daily responsibilities such as school, work, taking care of children, and managing your household.

How Much Does 30-Day Drug Rehab Cost?

Treatment costs vary by facility and the type of program you enter, as well as your insurance coverage. 

Most residential inpatient facilities in the United States accept private or state-funded health insurance, while other treatment centers may be state-funded rehabs or accept Medicaid. Federal law requires that health insurance plans offering behavioral health benefits provide coverage that is equivalent to what they offer for physical health benefits.4

The cost of outpatient treatment is very often covered by insurance. Out of pocket costs may be impacted by the level of outpatient care, the duration of programming, and services such  medication-assisted treatment and  holistic therapies.

Depending on your specific insurance plan, you may be able to access treatment for little or no cost. Investing in rehab can help you avoid significant long-term expenses linked to untreated addiction, including health complications, accidents, and legal issues.1 In this way, the cost of rehab is an incredible long-term investment in your future and your health.

How Do I Know I Need 30-Day Rehab?

Choosing to go to a 30-day rehab program is a very personal decision and may be influenced by the severity of your substance use and any co-occurring mental or physical health needs.

In many cases, there are several warning signs that suggest you’re struggling with compulsive drinking or drug use and could benefit from professional treatment at a rehab facility. These “warning signs” may also be used by treatment professionals as part of the criteria for diagnosing a potential substance use disorder. These diagnostic criteria include:5,6

• Continuing to use substances even after it has caused or worsened mental or physical health problems.
• Continuing to use substances even after it has caused or worsened problems in your relationships with family or friends.
• Cutting back or quitting hobbies or activities that were important to you because of using drugs or drinking.
• Using in situations that could be physically dangerous, such as while driving or operating machinery.
• Experiencing blackouts or legal troubles as a result of substance use.
• Having difficulty controlling how much or for how long you use drugs or alcohol.
• Having trouble managing your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance use.
• Needing to use more substances than usual to get high or drunk, due to developing a tolerance.
• Spending a significant portion of time drinking, using drugs, or being hungover.
• Thinking about or experiencing cravings for substances.
• Wanting or trying to cut back or quit drinking or using drugs, but being unable to.
• Experiencing withdrawal when trying to stop drinking or using drugs.

Note that only a licensed professional can diagnose you with a substance use disorder and determine whether you need substance use treatment.

Extended Treatment Options

While a 30-day program can be a helpful starting point for many, those with more severe addictions, co-occurring disorders, or previous relapses may benefit from longer treatment options, such as 60-day or 90-day rehab programs. These extended programs provide additional time for healing, engaging in therapy, and building relapse prevention skills. 

That said, some treatment is better than no treatment at all. Even if you can only commit to a shorter program right now, it can still be a meaningful first step toward recovery. A 30-day rehab stay can help you begin to stabilize, build new coping strategies, and gain access to support networks that continue after your program ends. Early engagement in treatment, regardless of duration, can interrupt harmful patterns, spark motivation for change, and open the door to longer-term support when you’re ready.

If you think that you have an issue with alcohol or drugs, you can contact your family physician or speak to one of AAC’s admissions navigators by calling (866) 704-8038. We can help you determine the right path for you and guide you in taking your next healthy steps.

Still Unsure? Take Our Substance Use Self-Assessment

If you’re still unsure of whether you may have a substance use problem, take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.

Success Rates and Statistics for 30-Day Rehabs

The success rate of 30-day rehab programs can vary widely. Outcomes often depend on the specific treatment program, a person’s readiness to change, the strength of their support system, adherence to aftercare recommendations, and their overall physical and mental health.1

• The majority of people who remain in treatment can stop using substances and improve their ability to function in various areas of their lives, including mentally, at work, and in social relationships, while reducing criminal activity.
• Approximately 40-60% of people who attend treatment stay sober after they finish treatment.1

Ultimately, individual outcomes depend on the severity of a person’s substance use, the suitability of the treatment and related services used to address those problems, and the quality of their involvement with treatment providers.

The Value of Aftercare 

Our treatment centers provide aftercare planning and offer various avenues of support after you’ve completed a 30-day program. Once you’ve completed one of our rehab programs, having a robust support network, like from alumni groups and recovery housing, can help you navigate the challenges of early recovery more confidently.

During your 30-day program, you will begin working on an aftercare plan with your treatment team, which may involve stepping down to a lower level of care, such as  outpatient treatment at an AAC facility, or moving into a sober living facility. Our facilities help you seamlessly transition into your next step.

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