How Long Does Inpatient Rehab Last?

Written By: Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health Writer
Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
November 17, 2023
Modified:January 3, 2025
Reading Time: 8 minutes

Written By: Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health Writer
Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
November 17, 2023
Last Update:January 3, 2025
Reading Time: 8 minutes

Knowing how long inpatient rehab lasts and what happens in each phase can reduce worries. This can help you or a loved one feel more confident about starting your recovery.

Substance dependence is a severe and recurring condition. Addicts often need assistance to overcome their dependency and maintain sobriety. Depending on the patient’s requirements, rehabilitation centers provide care in various locations and during varying periods.

Substance abuse treatment centers provide patients with the security, care, and guidance essential to recovery. A person struggling with addiction may worry about the rehab process. They might have questions about the type of therapy and how long the care will last.

The time a person spends in a rehab center can differ for each patient. The treatments they need may also vary.

Levels of Care

Families & Addiction

Conventional & Long-Term Programs

Two Types of Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment Models

Two primary models of inpatient rehab treatment options exist. A patient can recover with either regular inpatient treatment or long-term rehab. This choice depends on how severe their substance use disorder is. Therefore, the duration of inpatient treatment varies on the patient’s diagnosis and condition.

1. Conventional Inpatient Treatment Programs

Inpatient alcohol and drug treatment programs typically last between 28 and 30 days. Regular alcoholics are often the ones who benefit most from this therapy. The standard course of treatment includes sessions with a therapist individually, group therapy, and, in some cases, family therapy.

Some people may be persuaded to extend their stay for an additional 60–90 days. Unfortunately, this conventional rehabilitation approach often lasts no more than 90 days.

2. Long-Term Inpatient Rehab

People with severe addiction problems may benefit from staying in a treatment facility for an extended period. These sessions generally run between 3 and 12 months and have individual therapy, family therapy, and group meetings.

There is an emphasis on community lifestyle, and clients are encouraged to join support groups and vocational education. This technique involves a gradual increase in treatment intensity.

The first three weeks of therapy are often the most intense. After that, the following weeks and months need less effort.

Daily Life in Residential Treatment

Timespan and Length of Stay In an Inpatient Treatment Facility

What occurs typically during a stay at a residential treatment facility? Every day living in treatment follows a strict set of guidelines. Participants in inpatient treatment programs often reside in a group setting and attend group therapy sessions together.

Therapy sessions, whether alone or in a group, are often needed every day. You receive a packed lunch, and your free time is very limited. Counseling, twelve-step groups, and education take up most of the day.

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment

Check Your Coverage

You Could Be Covered
100% for Treatment

Journey Through treatment

How Long Does Rehab Last? What To Expect Step-By-Step

Usually, a few different phases of inpatient treatment exist. The following is a sample schedule for inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation.

First Day: Evaluation

Clinical examination and screening occur on the first day of treatment. This procedure typically lasts no more than a few hours and consists of interviews and a urine drug test. The rehab center’s staff will make a personalized care plan for your stay. This plan depends on the information gathered during the first assessment.

The first assessment helps the medical team create your rehabilitation plan. After that, they will update your treatment based on regular evaluations of your condition.

First Week: Detoxification

Alcohol detox is not needed for everyone. People who drink a lot or for a long time may have problems when they stop. These problems can be uncomfortable and even dangerous during detox.

During this time, your body attempts to readjust to life without alcohol. Unfortunately, this is also when withdrawal symptoms peak and might bring psychotic episodes like fits or DTs.

Some residential alcohol treatment centers offer detox treatments on-site. These treatments usually last from a few days to a week. In extreme cases, they may last even longer.

Rolling Hills Recovery Center 24-Hour Helpline

A patient navigator is ready to help. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to help 24 hours a day.

First Four Weeks: Psychotherapy

In any inpatient rehab program, different psychological therapies are used. Each day, recovering addicts and alcoholics attend group therapy and individual counseling. They focus on the issues that led to their addiction. They also learn new and healthier ways to cope.

Sessions with a group therapist may also help work through problems with social interactions. Residential treatment programs usually have both physical and mental parts. The mental part lasts for the whole therapy and even longer.

First Five Weeks: Medical Treatment

Medications can help reduce cravings for alcohol and drugs. They also lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms during treatment. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may be used to address chronic mental health issues.

Inpatient treatment centers often have psychiatrists or medical professionals on staff to assess, diagnose, and prescribe required medicines.

Sadly, there are no miracle cures in pill form. They can help with recovery but need to be used with other treatments for the best results.

Our Patient Navigators Are Here When You Need Them

Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Call today and change your tomorrow.

Find Out Why We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google

Testimonials & Stories of Hope

Months 2-6: The Transition Period

When recovering addicts are ready to leave an inpatient treatment facility, they often face tough situations. Many treatment centers offer step-down programs. These programs help patients adjust to society after being in a controlled, substance-free environment.

These aids facilitate a more seamless readjustment to mainstream culture. A person in early sobriety might live in a halfway house or sober living facility. They will have full access during this time. In most cases, recovering addicts and alcoholics will remain in this therapy phase until they can function independently.

The Second Month and Beyond: Upkeep

Most recovering addicts will begin outpatient treatment after completing an inpatient program. This often involves regular appointments with licensed clinical psychologists and participation in support groups. People who have kicked their addiction may spend years, or even their whole lives, in recovery.

Your Path to Freedom Begins Today

Don't Wait Any Longer. Transform Your Life Today.

Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.

Get a Callback Now

Request a Confidential 100% Confidential Callback

Full Name

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Coverage Options

Permission to Store your Form Information:

Checking this box indicates you understand and accept that the information you submit will be stored and viewed according to our Privacy Policy.

We Make Getting Help Easy

Our Simple Admissions Process

Treatment Planning

Assessment

Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

Schedule Admission Date

Intake

During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.

Tour the Facilities

Personal Tour

One of our caring team members will take you around the clinical facilities and introduce you to the rest of our team and current community.

Settle In

Unwind & Relax

We know that the first day of treatment can be overwhelming for anyone. We work with you to ensure you ease yourself into the treatment process.

getting the help you need

Conclusion

An inpatient rehab timeline will be tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Remember, most inpatient programs can range anywhere from 28 days to 12 months.

It begins with an evaluation, then detox, if necessary, followed by intensive psychotherapy, medical treatment, and a transitional phase back into society. This process highlights the need for ongoing outpatient therapy and support groups for lasting long-term recovery. These resources create a safe space for people to overcome addiction and work towards long-term sobriety.

Sources

Specialized Substance Abuse Treatment Programs: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64815/

Evidence-Based Models of Care: https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-020-01288-6

A Treatment Improvement Protocol TIP 45: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4131.pdf

12-Step Interventions and Mutual Support Programs for Substance Use Disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753023/

Written By:

Dr. Saman Aftab, Ph.D.

About Author:

Dr. Saman is a mental health writer with over six years of experience in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading. She is a practicing healthcare professional holding a doctorate in physical therapy at DOW University of Health Sciences. Dr. Saman started content writing to blend her passion for writing and medicine with her extensive clinical experience.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

Our Location

855-559-8550

Start Your New Life Today!

Your Journey Begins Today

Treatment Designed for You

Freedom Awaits You

Freedom Awaits You

Freedom Awaits You

Contact

The Life You Deserve is Waiting for You.

Take The First Step Now

Take The First Step Now

How Long Does Inpatient Rehab Last?

Table of Contents

Levels of Care

Popular Topics

Families & Addiction

Conventional & Long-Term Programs

Two Types of Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment Models

1. Conventional Inpatient Treatment Programs

2. Long-Term Inpatient Rehab

Daily Life in Residential Treatment

Timespan and Length of Stay In an Inpatient Treatment Facility

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment

Check Your Coverage

You Could Be Covered 100% for Treatment

Journey Through treatment

How Long Does Rehab Last? What To Expect Step-By-Step

First Day: Evaluation

First Week: Detoxification

Rolling Hills Recovery Center 24-Hour Helpline

First Four Weeks: Psychotherapy

First Five Weeks: Medical Treatment

Our Patient Navigators Are Here When You Need Them

Find Out Why We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google

Testimonials & Stories of Hope

Months 2-6: The Transition Period

The Second Month and Beyond: Upkeep

Your Path to Freedom Begins Today

Don't Wait Any Longer. Transform Your Life Today.

Get a Callback Now

Request a Confidential 100% Confidential Callback

We Make Getting Help Easy

Our Simple Admissions Process

Assessment

Intake

Personal Tour

Unwind & Relax

getting the help you need

Conclusion

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Stay Informed & Up-to-Date

Related Inpatient Rehab Topics

Does Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Work?

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab​: What Are The Differences?

Is Inpatient Rehab Covered by Insurance?

How Does Inpatient Rehab Work?: What To Expect

Inpatient vs Residential Rehab

Scared to Pick Up the Phone? Request A Call Back, Let Us Call You

Levels of Care

Addiction Information

Treatments

Speciality Therapies

Substances

You Could Be Covered
100% for Treatment

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: What Are The Differences?