How Long Is Rehab? Drug and Alcohol Rehab Lengths
While many addiction treatment programs last 30, 60, or 90 days, the duration an individual spends in treatment depends on their individual needs and the severity of their addiction.
What is Addiction Rehab?
Rehab is the process of treatment for those suffering from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Treatment typically includes a combination of individual and group counseling, behavioral therapies, psychoeducation, and medication (if necessary).
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 48 million people were in need of substance use treatment in 2023.1
Drug or alcohol rehabilitation can provide individuals who struggle with addiction their best chance to manage their disorder on a long-term basis.
How Long is Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Safe, medical detoxification to help patients through the symptoms of withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to weeks (typically averaging about 7+ days). However, detox is typically not enough for sustained recovery. Thus, it is usually the first step in a more comprehensive treatment plan, which may include inpatient treatment or outpatient care. Some treatment programs may be shorter in duration (14-30 days); others may be longer (60-90+ days). As previously mentioned, your length of time in treatment depends on your individual needs.
Common lengths of stay for substance use treatment include:
- Short-term rehab programs.
- 7-day programs.
- 30-day programs.
- 60-day programs.
- 90-day programs.
- 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year rehab programs.
- Extended-stay programs such as sober living homes.
What Impacts the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Length of Stay?
Variables that may affect the length of stay include:
- Cost and insurance coverage. Depending on whether your insurance covers all or part of the cost of treatment, the length of stay may be limited due to insurance coverage.
- The level of care needed. Whether you need detox, inpatient care, or a more flexible outpatient program, the length of treatment may vary.
Other concerns like childcare and employment may impact the length of stay as well. If you would like to learn more about the best length of stay for your situation, call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at .
Does Insurance Cover Rehab?
Most insurance providers cover at least part of the cost of rehab. However, insurance coverage for rehab varies based on your individual plan. That being said, many addiction treatment centers accept insurance, AAC included, from providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem (Elevance Health in California and Nevada), Cigna, Humana, and more. Additionally, there are also state-funded options such as Medicaid programs that may be able to help with the cost of rehab as well.
The Benefits of Longer Rehab Programs
The advantages of longer-term treatment programs include:
- Allowing you to become acclimated to the treatment process.
- Allowing you to partake in programs after detox to create long-term goals.
- Allowing you to live in a supportive, medically supervised environment away from your at-home, environmental triggers.
- Allowing you to understand your addictions and triggers on a deeper level through guided therapy.
These advantages afford you a better chance of a sustained recovery after leaving rehab.
30-Day Program
As the name suggests, 30-day drug rehab programs usually last around a month. Though the exact number of days in one’s treatment stay may vary, month-long rehab programs generally last between 3-6 weeks either in an inpatient or outpatient setting.2
While no two programs are identical, 30-day rehab programs generally offer some combination of behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, psychoeducation, and medications for addiction treatment (for certain types of substance use disorders). Additionally, 30-day treatment may also include participation in 12-Step meetings and mindfulness practices as well.2
60-Day Program
A 60-day addiction treatment program may involve a stay at a residential or inpatient facility for 2 months or 8 weeks, or it may involve an outpatient program that lasts about the same amount of time. Either way, treatment looks nearly identical to the offerings in a 30-day-program, including a combination of medication (if necessary), individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and mutual help groups such as 12-Step programs.2 However, a longer stay means you have more time to build a solid sober support system and relapse prevention tools.
90-Day Program
Contrary to the name, not every 90-day rehab program is exactly 90 days, but most average about 3 months. Every drug rehab will be a little different, but the majority use evidence-based behavioral interventions, individual and group counseling, and psychoeducation to provide personalized care.
While a 90-day program may involve inpatient or outpatient care, it’s also possible that a 90-day program includes multiple levels of care, allowing you to transition from one level to another as you progress through your treatment.
No matter which type of program you’re in, a 90-day program tailors treatment to address your needs, help you stop using drugs or alcohol, minimize your risk of relapse, and assist you in creating a healthy life in recovery.2
Can I go to Outpatient Rehab Instead of Inpatient Rehab?
Outpatient programs allow you to live at home (or in another safe and therapeutic environment, such as sober living) while attending counseling and therapy sessions at the treatment center and still fulfilling responsibilities at home, work, or school.
There are different levels of intensity of outpatient drug rehab programs but all typically consist of several therapeutic interventions and support services, including group and individual counseling, family therapy, education sessions, occupational or recreational therapy, psychotherapy, family therapy, medication for addiction treatment, and other treatment services.2,3
Benefits of outpatient programs include:
- Flexibility.
- Less cost.
- Ability to use coping strategies in real life situations.
Choosing the Right Addiction Treatment Program
If you or a loved one are ready to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, call AAC at . Talk to an admissions navigator, who can listen to your needs, answer your questions, explain your options, and verify your insurance. You can also fill out the form below.
Inpatient Treatment Reviews
