How long drug rehab takes depends on each separate case. The physical and psychological profile of the individual drug user combined with whatever substance they are using, plus the length of the drug usage and its severity, all contribute to the duration of rehab. Drug rehab works best when the individual, not the addiction, is treated. A severe drinking problem that has persisted for years will take longer to get under control than an instance of someone overmedicating for a month or two after being prescribed painkillers due to an accident. Some clients will walk out of a treatment facility after 30 days, but those suffering from years of severe addiction will need a minimum of 90 days to feel like they are back in control of their lives.
Addiction should be viewed as a chronic disease, and any drug and alcohol rehab programs should include an aftercare program firmly in place to assist in the transition back to a regular routine.
The Drug Abuse Timeline
There are 30-, 60-, and 90-day programs, and they can all be effective, but most experts consider 90 days to be the minimum amount of time to truly absorb all that is going on. Longer treatment programs allow you to manage the residual cravings that remain and gain enough physical and psychological fortitude to make a new start without hesitation. Time is no more of the essence than when you are trying to reconstruct your life from the ground up. Only about 10% of people struggling with addiction seek treatment. The fear of continued failure discourages many people from pursuing drug rehab, but a treatment program is not like quitting on your own.
Not everyone can spare 30 days, let alone three times that. And the cost of entering a program for 90 days may be unaffordable even with the help of insurance. The first few weeks usually include detox, which can make many people question their resolve to successfully make it through the program. This is the make-or-break moment for many people. But don’t be discouraged. It gets easier, but only after putting in the hard work that sobriety requires.
Sobriety is something that many recovering addicted individuals will spend the rest of their lives working on. You have to start somewhere to end up where you want to be.
What Happens in Drug Rehab?
It’s important to understand what will happen during drug rehab before you start treatment. That way, you know what to expect and can be prepared for the work that lies ahead.
During drug rehab, you will:
- Undergo detoxification – This is the first and most important step in treatment. During detox, your body will rid itself of the drugs you are addicted to. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is essential in order to start your recovery.
- Participate in therapy – Therapy is a key part of treatment. It will help you understand your addiction and learn how to cope with triggers and cravings.
- Join a support group – Support groups provide a vital source of support and motivation. They can help you stay on track with your recovery and avoid relapse.
- Make lifestyle changes – In order to sustain your recovery, you will need to make some lifestyle changes. This may include changing your diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding triggers.
- Stay in treatment – It’s important to stay in treatment for as long as possible. This will give you the best chance of success in your recovery.
Drug rehab is a difficult, but essential process. By understanding what will happen during treatment, you can be prepared for the challenges ahead. With the right support, you can overcome your addiction and build a healthy, drug-free life.
Benefits of Long-Term Rehabilitation
Sobriety is not the only benefit of long-term rehabilitation. A 90-day program is advised for those with severe addiction problems and those who are prepared to make a major commitment to gain their sobriety. The following are some of the benefits of long-term rehabilitation:
- 24-hour health care options
- All the focus is not on detox
- Allows the brain to recover from trauma
- Allows you to spend the appropriate amount of time developing better life skills
- Provides time to work on mental health issues
- Offers strategies to repair broken relationships
Reach Out to San Antonio Recovery Center Today
The drug rehab timeline will be different for everyone depending on many factors, but it is not about how long it takes to recover. It is about how well you respond to the treatment. No one who beats cancer says they wouldn’t have gone through chemotherapy if they knew how long it would take for their cancer to enter remission. Give it the time it needs, and before you know it, you will be healthier and more confident than you ever remember being. Sobriety truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer both men’s and women’s drug addiction rehab as well as inpatient and outpatient programs. We can be reached online or at 866.957.7885 for you to take the first step on your journey to wellness and recovery.
