How Long Does Rehab Take?

Drug rehabilitation programs and addiction recovery treatment can be the difference between a life of addiction and one of sobriety for many people.  Getting professional help is vitally important if you’re struggling with a substance that continues to get the better of you.  But many people, when faced with the financial commitment of a drug rehab program, often wonder how much time the treatment will take out of their everyday life.

The truth is, it really varies from person to person.  Some patients are good with a 30 Day Program while others benefit from a longer stay like 90 Days.  Studies find that the longer you commit to a rehab residency program, the higher your chances for a successful recovery.  It’s a training process that takes time and for severe addictions, the patient is better off in protective and supportive care to fight the temptations and symptoms of withdrawal.

Factors like personal medical history as well as mental and emotional state can factor into the equation for determining how long rehab will take for a successful recovery.  The best way to gauge the time commitment you’re looking at is to speak with an addiction treatment specialist or a medical doctor.   These professionals can assess your own unique situation to give you a ballpark estimate for a healthy length of stay in a treatment center.   However, no one can truly predict how long it will take for your body and mind to heal from the ravages of addiction.   It’s really up to you.

Keep in mind that drug and alcohol treatment doesn’t end after you exit the rehabilitation program, regardless of how long your stay.  True recovery is an ongoing process that will continue for the rest of your life.  Long term recovery and sobriety will often require years of ongoing therapy and counseling to learn to deal with cravings, temptations, and the ever-present threat of relapse.

Many addicts don’t achieve a perfect recovery their first time through rehab either.  For particularly powerful or devastating addictions, the battle can be very difficult and statistics show that a few instances of relapse and additional rehab are often required before the patient fully recovers.  This shouldn’t discourage you from fighting the fight, however.  It’s your life you’re fighting for, after all.  Commit to recovery, no matter how long it takes.