Editor's Note: 2025 Update
This article has been updated in 2025 to reflect current research and best practices for treatment duration and recovery timelines. Citations are drawn from independent public‑health sources.
Treatment Timeline: How Long Does Rehab Last?
One of the most common questions people ask when considering treatment is: How long will rehab last? The answer depends on many factors. While some programs last only a few weeks, effective treatment often requires a longer commitment to build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Understanding the Typical Timeline
Treatment for substance use disorder generally includes several phases:
- Detoxification: Medical detox typically lasts a few days to two weeks to safely manage withdrawal.
- Residential or Inpatient Treatment: This stage often ranges from 30 to 90 days or more depending on individual needs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “for residential or outpatient treatment, participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness.”
- Outpatient and Aftercare: After initial treatment, ongoing care may continue for months or even years. Continued support is vital because recovery is a long‑term process.
Common Program Lengths and What They Mean
Here are common timeframes you might encounter:
- 30 Days: Often includes detox and initial therapy. Suitable for individuals with shorter addiction history or strong support at home.
- 60‑90 Days: Provides more time for therapy, relapse prevention, and building new habits. Studies show better outcomes when 90 days or more is achieved.
- 6 Months or Longer: Residential programs of 6‑12 months may be necessary for those with severe addictions, co‑occurring disorders, or repeated relapse.
What Influences How Long Someone Should Stay
Several factors affect the ideal duration of treatment:
- Severity and duration of addiction: Long‑term use or high‑dose substances often require more intensive care.
- Co‑occurring mental health issues: Dual‑diagnosis cases may need extended time to stabilize both addiction and mental health.
- Support system and environment: A stable home and strong support may allow shorter stays; high‑risk environments may demand longer care.
- Type of programming and level of care: Inpatient care offers structure that often shortens risk; outpatient might last longer but requires home stability.
- Insurance coverage and resources: Practical limitations can influence how long someone can stay, though shorter care may reduce success.
Faith‑Centered and Long‑Term Recovery Mindset
At Good Landing Recovery we believe recovery is about more than time in a facility, it is about transformation of body, mind, and spirit. A faith‑based approach helps individuals integrate biblical truth, community support, and structure so that the healing journey continues beyond formal treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 30 days in rehab enough?
A: For some people with less complicated addictions and strong support systems, a 30‑day stay may be a helpful start. However, research shows that reaching at least 90 days and then continuing with aftercare yields better outcomes.
Q: Can treatment stop when the program ends?
A: No. Rehab is just the start. Ongoing outpatient care, support groups, and life‑skills work are critical parts of long‑term recovery.
Q: Why does it matter how long someone stays in rehab?
A: Long‑term stays allow time to heal the brain, develop coping skills, restructure life routines, and build stability, all of which reduce the risk of relapse.
If you’re ready to explore your options or discuss what length of treatment might be right for you, contact Good Landing Recovery today. We’re here to help you or a loved one take the next step with purpose and faith.
