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Are Residential Drug Treatment Centers More Relaxed in Their Program Timelines?

People who are considering entering residential substance abuse treatment most often ask how long it will take to complete the program. The duration of residential, or inpatient, treatment varies from program to program and from client to client. Some clients are more deeply-entrenched in the vicious cycle of addiction and require a more relaxed timeline while others may be able to work through their addiction’s underlying causes and learn new life skills to maintain their sobriety in a shorter amount of time. Most people who graduate from a residential treatment program enter a new phase of treatment that may offer a little more flexibility, but still provides the support, structure, and guidance recovering addicts need when transitioning into their daily lives outside of the treatment facility. For everyone who is battling against addiction, the road to recovery is a marathon, not a sprint to the finish line.

30-Day Residential Rehab Programs

Most inpatient rehab programs require a minimum stay of 30 days. Depending on the nature of the patient’s addiction, he or she may be required to complete a supervised detox at a detox center. Detox centers provide medical, psychological, and motivational support to help patients avoid potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms as drugs and alcohol exit the individual’s body. After detox, clients spend the next 30 days becoming oriented with the residential facility and the rehab process. Thirty-day programs help patients begin to uncover the underlying triggers that prompt them to abuse drugs or alcohol and may otherwise threaten their .

60-Day Programs Allow Patients to Go Beyond the Basic Introduction

Residential programs that have a 60-day duration give clients more time to work through the underlying cause of their addiction. During the first 30 days, the client detoxes and becomes acquainted with the process. If the individual has a dual diagnosis or another condition that requires treatment and management, the center will make accommodations to address these conditions. The client will also begin attending group and individual therapy sessions and support meetings that will continue after the 60-day program. Counselors will also work to identify other issues that may be affecting the client’s addiction. During the second half of the program’s duration, clients work to establish a stable, sober routine. Therapy sessions will aim for a deeper exploration of the underlying causes of the client’s addiction along with addressing past traumatic experiences and family dynamics that may contribute to the addiction. If necessary, doctors will also make preparation for the client to transfer into a sober living environment for the additional structure after completing the program. All clients, whether they return to their previous homes or move into a sober living environment, receive aftercare when they complete their residential program. During the second half of the program, doctors will begin developing the details of each client’s aftercare support.

90-Day Programs Offer an Even More Relaxed Timeline

Programs that last 90 days allow people who struggle with addiction to work on developing new, healthy habits in a highly structured, supervised environment for over an extended period of time. Longer-term programs often incorporate more intensive behavioral modification therapy to help clients unlearn patterns that have supported their addiction. Treatment centers that offer 90-day programs are likely to include family therapy to identify and correct dysfunction within the client’s relationships to improve his or her likelihood of remaining sober after completing the program. Life skills workshops and educational programs help clients learn new skills they can rely on to avoid relapse. Similar to 30-day and 60-day programs, 90-day recovery programs also connect clients to support groups and help them develop the habit of attending weekly meetings. Many treatment specialists believe 90-day programs give addicts the best opportunity to remain clean and sober.

Treatment at Your Own Pace

If you or your loved one is preparing to enter a residential rehab center, it may be unclear which program duration is the best fit. Our addiction specialists will listen to your concerns, evaluate your needs, and help you determine which treatment program is best for you. We understand that knowing what to expect of enrollment in a residential treatment facility can help ease anxiety. We will work diligently to answer all your questions and to help you feel optimistic about taking the first step toward your personal road to recovery. Call us today to learn more about residential substance abuse treatment options at 833-364-0736.