Short-Term Rehab Addiction Treatment Programs Near Me
While there isn’t a single set length that defines “short-term rehab,” there are general guidelines. In a residential treatment facility, short-term rehab is usually under 30 days, and always under 90 days. Within that range, programs may run 3–10 days or a few weeks.1
28- and 30-day inpatient programs are common and fall under the umbrella of short-term rehab.
Lengths of Short-Term Stay
3, 5, or 7 Day Rehab Programs
People often ask if rehab can be completed in just a few days. While 3, 5, or 7 day stays may sound appealing, treatment for addiction usually requires more time to be effective.
Programs of this length are most often limited to medical detox, where individuals are closely monitored as they go through withdrawal. Detox is an important first step, but it is not a complete treatment plan. After detox, most people benefit from transitioning into therapy and structured support to address the underlying factors of substance use and to strengthen long-term recovery.
28- and 30-Day Rehab Programs
Month-long rehab programs are among the most common forms of short-term treatment. These 28–30 day programs provide more time to combine medical support with behavioral therapies, group and individual counseling, and sometimes family therapy. Offered in both inpatient and intensive outpatient settings, their short duration allows participants to return to their professional, family, and educational responsibilities sooner.
Individual Needs Determine Length of Stay
The right length of treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of substance use, co-occurring mental health needs, and personal circumstances.
Some people may find a 30-day stay provides the foundation they need, while others may require continued care through outpatient services, recovery housing, or alumni programs for ongoing support.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers flexible treatment lengths at our rehab centers to meet you where you are. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you find the right program. Call (866) 928-2705 to start the conversation today and find the right short-term rehab option near you.
30-Day vs. Long-Term Rehab: At-a-Glance
| 30-Day (Short-Term) Rehab | Long-Term Rehab (90+ Days; e.g., 3–6–12–24 months) | |
| Typical length | ~28–30 days (often 3–6 weeks) | Starts at 90 days; may extend to 6, 12, or 24 months based on need |
| Setting options | Inpatient (residential) and intensive outpatient | Primarily residential; may step through multiple levels of care over time |
| Who it may suit | People needing a focused, time-limited reset; work/family constraints; first formal treatment episode | People with a longer history of use, multiple relapses, co-occurring mental/physical health needs, or unstable home supports |
| Core components | Medical detox (as needed), individual & group therapy, relapse-prevention skills, family involvement, aftercare planning | All short-term components plus extended time to practice skills, address complex needs, build routines, and step down gradually through levels of care |
| Advantages | Faster access; easier to fit around life/insurance constraints; strong foundation to launch continuing care | More time for stabilization, coping-skill mastery, and behavior change; helpful when previous short stays weren’t enough |
| Considerations | Time can feel compressed; may require robust post-discharge support to maintain gains | Requires a longer commitment; insurance/benefit approvals and practical logistics (work, housing) need planning |
| Aftercare & continuity | Often transitions to outpatient care, peer support, alumni/virtual groups, and recovery housing | Similar supports, with added emphasis on phased step-downs and community re-integration over a longer horizon |
| Insurance & cost | Varies by plan, network status, and services used | Varies by plan and length; benefits may approve care in stages—treatment team can help navigate |
Bottom line: Short-term programs (≈30 days) can be a strong start, especially when followed by ongoing care. Long-term programs give more runway for complex needs and sustained change. The “right” length depends on your clinical needs, safety, supports, and practical circumstances.
After Rehab
Typically, after a person completes even a short stay in an inpatient program, it is recommended they continue treatment in an outpatient setting for a period of time.
Staying engaged in treatment after leaving a residential facility is important to help reduce the risk of relapse and strengthen new routines and coping skills.¹
Many people find 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, to be beneficial and a vital source of support. Meetings are free and confidential and widespread enough to meet most people’s scheduling needs. Others may find that working with a counselor in an outpatient setting is helpful. Often that includes individual and group therapy with a licensed counselor or therapist, and can be another way to connect with people who can relate to the challenges of early recovery.
Pros and Cons of Short-Term Rehab
There are both advantages and disadvantages to various lengths of stay in treatment. There are many factors to consider, like the amount of time away from family and work, the cost and location of the program, and the severity of addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Short-term rehab may be the only option for some people. While any type of treatment is beneficial, there is evidence suggesting that remaining in treatment for an adequate length of time is vital to sustained recovery.2
However, not everyone can take time off work or step away from their responsibilities at home for long periods of time, which is why short-term rehab is an option.
Although the ultimate goal is ending substance use, any period in a treatment program delivers structure and critical therapeutic intervention, and often helps people quickly gain a new understanding and start a strong, lasting path to sobriety.
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.
Is Short-Term Rehab Effective?
Admitting that drugs or alcohol are negatively impacting your life and seeking help are the first steps in the treatment process, and short-term rehab can be enough to kick-start a person’s journey into sobriety.
Short-term rehab will begin with a person going through detox, if they haven’t already.2 Detox is the very first step in the treatment process. A medically supervised detox, which is a part of many rehab programs, can help manage severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings.2 Patients are monitored by healthcare providers, and sometimes medication is used to manage acute symptoms and help stabilize a person, both mentally and physically, in the early recovery process.2
Remember, any length of treatment can be lifesaving for someone battling addiction. While extended treatment (at least three months) is associated with better outcomes, for many people, continuing with outpatient care after a short stint in rehab is sufficient to maintain recovery.2
Continuing Care in Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab programs often use behavioral therapies, including individual, family, or group counseling sessions, to help improve coping skills and interpersonal relationships.2
Building support and accountability is valuable, especially during early recovery, and counseling, peer support, and community support groups like AA can provide that foundation.
As people progress through treatment, their needs can shift—highlighting the importance of continued aftercare once rehab ends.
Once they have managed to stop using drugs or alcohol, they may need help with legal issues, vocational training, therapy to address mental health disorders, and more.2
How Much Does Short-Term Rehab Cost?
Short-term rehab costs vary, depending on the particular treatment facility, the services provided, and a person’s insurance coverage.
American Addiction Centers can help you navigate the process by finding out exactly what your individual insurance plan will cover and if there are any state-funded options or payment plans available.
Fill out the form below if you are curious about your behavioral health coverage. Don’t give up if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction. There is help available.
Check to see if your insurance is in-network at one of our rehab facilities.
- Insurance can be confusing, let us handle it instead.
- American Addiction Centers has years of experience in the addiction space and is in-network with many big-name insurance providers.
- Your insurance provider will not be notified or contacted by completing this form.
Find Short-Term Rehabs Near You
If you’re living with addiction or know someone who is, there are effective treatment options that can help you get on the road to recovery and back to living the life you deserve.
Whether you need short-term rehab, more intensive long-term rehab or are looking for outpatient treatment, American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) nationwide network of addiction treatment facilities offers addiction-focused healthcare options that meet you where you are to help you get where you want to be.
To learn more about our different levels of care or to find short-term rehabs near you, call us today at (866) 957-4302. Our helpful, compassionate, and knowledgeable admissions navigators are ready to help.
