Long-Term Rehab: 6 Month, 1 Year & 2 Year Rehab Programs

Understanding Long-term Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Drug and alcohol treatment is a key part of addiction recovery, but there is not a single program that works for everyone.

Instead, there are several different types of treatment programs—each varying in setting, duration, and intensity—to fit an individual’s specific needs. For some, this may include long-term rehab.

Long-term inpatient rehab involves multiple interventions and ongoing monitoring.¹ It may be especially helpful for people who:

• Have struggled with addiction for a long time.
• Have attended treatment before.
• Have experienced relapse.
• Have both substance use and mental health disorders, known as co-occurring conditions.

Research indicates that remaining in treatment for the entire duration yields positive outcomes.

What is Long-Term Rehab?

While short-term inpatient treatment programs typically last 3–4 weeks, many people benefit from longer programs that provide extended care and support over a longer period of time.¹

Long-term treatment programs often include residential treatment, where patients live on-site for the duration of their care.¹,³ These facilities have staff available 24/7 to provide consistent support throughout recovery.³

Length of stay can vary based on a patients individual needs. Our team works on the creation of a long-term treatment plan – one made with our treatment team and patient collaboratively that is guided by patient needs.

• 90-day rehab programs.
• 6-month rehab stays.
• 1-year rehab programs.
• Extended care lasting up to 2 years.¹
• Continuing programs are available as long as patients need

Because recovery needs change over time, long-term rehab often includes varying levels of care.¹ Programs may offer:

• Individual and group counseling.
• Medication-assisted treatment.
• Physical and mental health treatment.
• Social, vocational, and legal support.
• Family counseling.

Participation in addiction support groups¹,⁴

How Long Does Long-term Rehab Last?

The length of time a person spends in rehab can vary widely based on several factors, including:

• Individual needs.  A variety of factors, such as substance use patterns, co-occurring medical or mental health conditions, social or legal concerns, and vocational needs, will guide the recommended length of stay.
• Programs offered. Different treatment centers may have programs designed for varying durations, which can influence a person’s stay.
• Payment and insurance coverage. A person’s payment method, insurance plan,, or healthcare benefits may impact available treatment options. 

Some inpatient or residential programs are specifically designed to last 90 days or longer, with others extending to one or two years. 

That said, any amount of time in rehabilitation can be beneficial for someone seeking substance use treatment.

Struggling? Our Team is Here to Listen and Guide You.

Our admissions team is here 24/7 to offer compassionate, non-judgmental support. Many of them are in recovery themselves and understand what you’re going through. Whether you’re ready for treatment or just need information, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. You’re never alone when you call us.

Call (866) 884-9104

Benefits & Goals of Long-Term Rehab Treatment

Long-term rehab treatment can be especially beneficial for certain people with substance use disorders. Research shows that:

• Spending at least 90 days in treatment can improve chances of sustained sobriety.¹
• Extending care to 6- or 12-month rehab programs can further increase the likelihood of recovery success.¹

Key benefits include:

• Skill development. Patients have more time to practice coping strategies and feel confident using them after treatment, helping with relapse prevention.¹
• Holistic improvement. Treatment supports more than just abstinence. It can also help people feel healthier overall, manage physical health concerns, address co-occurring conditions with integrated treatment, and improve day-to-day productivity and well-being.¹
• Peer connections. Living and attending groups with others in similar stages of recovery can create meaningful support networks.²,⁴

Personalized pace. Extended stays allow individuals to progress in recovery without the pressure of a short program timeline.¹

Does Insurance Cover Long-Term Drug & Alcohol Rehab?

Typically, long-term drug and alcohol rehab is covered by health insurance.

Your insurance provider and specific plan coverage will determine how long treatment is approved and your out-of-pocket costs. To understand your benefits, contact your insurance provider or speak directly with the treatment center you wish to attend.

What Happens in a Long-Term Rehab Program?

Long-term rehabs vary in structure and focus, offering different addiction treatment options to meet individual needs.

• Therapeutic Communities (TCs): These programs focus on helping individuals adjust to living in a community without substance use. All members of the treatment community play a role in the addiction recovery process. Treatment is designed to build responsibility and accountability, often through a structured, sometimes confrontational, approach.¹
• Specialized Programs: Some long-term rehabs are tailored for specific populations, such as those needing dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders, individuals with medical conditions, or those with severe addictions.

The intensity of services can vary depending on the level of care that you need, but can include:

• A sober living setting that offers counseling onsite or at an outpatient clinic.3
• A rehab facility that offers counseling onsite or at an outpatient clinic.3

Therapies and Services Offered in Long-Term Rehab

Many programs offer a combination of behavioral therapies and medications (as needed) .1 These might include:1

• Individual and group therapy to help you develop coping skills and prevent relapse, which can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management.
• Family counseling sessions to help you improve communication and strengthen relationships.
• Medications to help you avoid relapse.
• Addressing medical and mental health issues.
• Vocational training.

Is Long-Term Rehab Right for You?

It can be difficult to know if long-term rehab is right for you, even though studies have shown that long-term treatment can prove extremely beneficial. Only a physician can help you determine what level of care is right for you.

However, some signs that long-term rehab might be a good fit for your particular situation include:

• A long history of substance use.2
• Attempting lower levels of care without success (outpatient or short-term inpatient programs).3
• Having other issues, such as mental or physical health issues.3,4
• More severe substance use.2,4
• Multiple attempts at treatment in the past.2
• Not having a stable or safe housing situation.3
• Poly-substance use, or using multiple substances.4

Alternatives to Long-Term Rehab

If long-term rehab isn’t a good fit or an option that works for you, attending a short-term inpatient program may be a better choice.

This allows you to receive intensive levels of group and individual counseling in a structured setting that is staffed around the clock, without having to commit to a longer length of treatment.1

Additionally, since treatment occurs along a spectrum, some long-term treatment programs offer 3- or 6-month programs along with 1- and 2-year programs, allowing your length of care to correspond with your needs.