If you have a child struggling with addiction, it’s only natural to wonder how long they’ll have to stay at a treatment center once admitted. Overcoming an addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for an individual to kick the habit and for the body and brain to adjust to living without alcohol or drugs.
While some addiction treatment programs run for a short period, others are long-term. According to research, long-term rehab stays may be better than short-term ones. This is because long-term rehab allows an individual to not only overcome their addiction but also develop valuable life skills needed to get their life back on the right path.
How Long is Rehab?
There are two main options when it comes to choosing an addiction treatment program for your child – Residential treatment or outpatient treatment. Both of these vary in their duration.
Residential rehab treatment is a full-time inpatient treatment program where individuals get to stay at the treatment facilities. This usually lasts for a minimum of 30 days but can go for as long as 90 days. Research shows that those who spend at least 3 months in residential treatment have a lower risk of relapsing than those who take a shorter time. Detox services are also provided as part of residential treatment and this may affect the length of stay at rehab.
Outpatient treatment programs, on the other hand, allow your child to go home at the end of the day. This is a great option if they have a robust support system as well as less severe addiction. While some opt to start with outpatient rehab, it works best as a step down from residential treatment. Alternatively, your child might opt for an intensive outpatient program where they receive the same level of care they’d get in residential treatment, without staying over at the facility. In general outpatient treatment programs run for about 4 months. A wide range of treatment services is included in the program ranging from one-on-one counseling to group and family therapy.
What Determines the Length of Stay at Rehab?
- Whether or not detox is required. The more severe an addiction is, the longer detoxification will take and this will extend the time spent at rehab.
- The severity and length of addiction. If an individual has been addicted to drugs or alcohol for many years then it’s unlikely that short-term rehab will be effective. Long-term treatment is ideal as it will fully deal with addiction issues.
- Whether there are co-occurring disorders. Depression, anxiety, or personality disorders often occur in tandem with addiction. These may increase the time spent in rehab as they have to be treated along with the addiction.
Still, have questions about the length of stay at rehab, or are you ready to start your recovery journey? Call the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery and let our admissions team find the best treatment plan for your individual needs.