How Long is Drug Rehab?

The answers to these questions aren’t as straightforward as you might think. The truth is that they depend on a few different factors—which often vary from person to person. Below, we take a closer look, helping you get the answers you need to take that first step toward recovery.

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How Long Do Most Drug Rehab Programs Last?

Rehab programs tend to fall within a few standard timeframes. These usually include:

• 30-Day Programs: This type of program is best suited for those with mild to moderate drug addictions and those who may not be able to commit to longer programs (or their insurance or financial situation doesn’t allow this). This is usually the minimum stay or length for most drug rehab programs.
• 60-Day Programs: This timeframe can help those with mild to more severe addictions, helping you do the deep work needed for lasting recovery. This time allows you to explore your triggers in more depth, effectively adapt healthy coping mechanisms, and develop habits and support to sustain your sobriety.
• 90-Day Programs: This is often considered the optimal rehab program length. According to research, this also usually leads to the highest favorable outcomes.

There are also options for extended stay programs (longer than 90 days), such as sober-living options, and even shorter programs, like seven-day programs. Yet, the success of these programs may vary. Selecting the rehab program length that’s right for you, however, depends on various factors.

Factors That Impact the Length of Rehab

When considering your rehab program timeline, the following factors often come into play:

• Cost and insurance coverage: For many, this is a major factor when determining your rehab timeline. Insurance may only cover a certain length of rehab or partial costs.
• Severity of addiction: This determines the level of care you will need, influencing the length of your rehab program.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions: This may necessitate a longer stay or rehab program to address depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other issues driving your addiction.
• Motivation and engagement: Some individuals may go through rehab multiple times. In fact, relapse can be a natural part of the recovery process. Thus, for some, it may take two or three times (or more) to truly commit and engage in treatment—as well as sustain it. 

Benefits of Longer Rehab Programs

While short programs can be effective, many experience increased positive outcomes with longer treatments. This is because it gives way to:

• True healing and recovery
• In-depth therapeutic work
• New habit formation
• Lifestyle changes
• Increased community and social connection
• Increased aftercare planning and tools
• Reduced relapse rate

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What Does Drug Rehab Involve?

A comprehensive drug rehab program, such as the ones offered at Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), includes a few major components. Upon admission to rehab, a thorough assessment is conducted, and detox begins—which involves ridding the body of the abused substance. Detox can take seven to 10 days, depending on the severity of your addiction and the type of drug abused. At FRC, our medical staff monitors you 24/7, ensuring your safety and support every step of the way.

After your initial detox, you’ll begin your core treatment, which may include various therapies like:

• Individual therapy (such as CBT and DBT)
• Group therapy
• Holistics
• Mindfulness and relaxation
• Health and wellness approaches
• And more!

However, the choice between inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation significantly impacts both the structure and duration of treatment. 

Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab offers 24/7 care in a structured, trigger-free environment, making it ideal for those with moderate to severe addiction, co-occurring mental health issues, or unstable home lives.

Programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days, with extended options up to a year for more complex cases. Days are tightly scheduled, with five to six hours of therapy, plus time for meals, recreation, and rest. Outside contact is usually limited early on to help clients focus on their recovery. The immersive nature of inpatient care often leads to quicker early progress but requires putting daily responsibilities on hold.

Outpatient rehab, on the other hand, allows clients to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions. It’s a flexible option for those with mild to moderate addiction, strong home support, or unavoidable work or family duties. Programs vary in intensity—from Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) meeting five to seven days a week, to Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) meeting three to five days a week. Clients learn to apply recovery tools in real life while receiving accountability through therapy and regular drug testing.

When deciding between inpatient and outpatient care, consider your addiction severity, home environment, daily responsibilities, and insurance coverage. Inpatient treatment is often recommended for more serious cases or those needing medical detox. Meanwhile, outpatient may work best for those with a stable support system, work or family obligations, and a lower risk of relapse.

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How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Drug Addiction?

At the end of the day, recovery is a journey—not a destination. It often doesn’t follow a linear path. While rehab lays the foundations for sobriety, true recovery takes place long after treatment ends. For many, it’s a life-long process, involving re-committment.

The first 90 days are often the toughest. The body starts to heal, your sleep may improve, and you may start to think more clearly—but cravings can still be intense, and relapse risk is high. That’s why structure and support during this phase are so important.

Following this, the post-acute withdrawal can last from six months to two years. Emotional ups and downs, anxiety, fatigue, and trouble focusing are common. These symptoms usually fade over time, but being aware of them can help ensure you have healthy coping mechanisms and support to overcome them.

During the first couple of years, recovery is about building new habits, managing triggers, and finding a support system. Hitting the one-year mark is a major milestone, which may significantly boost your chances of long-term success.

After two years, recovery becomes more stable. By year five and beyond, recovery is fully integrated into daily life. Relapse becomes much less likely, though staying mindful remains important. At FRC, we understand that healing and recovery is a long road but one worth taking. We also know that recovery doesn’t end when rehab does. This is why every drug rehab program we offer also provides aftercare strategies, tools, and resources, ensuring you have the support you need to stick with it.

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Does My Insurance Cover Rehab?

Most major insurances will cover your rehab in some shape or form. How much your insurance covers your rehab stay depends on your specific policy. We encourage you to check your plan beforehand and get pre-approval prior to treatment.

With one of the biggest hurdles toward recovery revolving around finances, the FRC team is proud to help you verify your insurance. When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form. Recovery is possible.