How Long Does Inpatient Treatment Take?

Length Of Inpatient Treatment

An average stay in an inpatient treatment program is between 30-90 days. However, the length of inpatient treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of a person’s substance use disorder (SUD), the location and costs of the treatment facility, and a person’s work and family commitments.

Benefits Of 30-Day Programs

A 30-day treatment program can be the foundation for one’s recovery. Many treatment facilities provide detox services to help manage withdrawal symptoms in the first few days, which can be necessary for those with more severe SUDs.

This kind of program may be best for those who care for other family members and whose situation may not allow the time for months-long treatment.

While going to treatment for 30 days is a step in the right direction, early recovery is a vulnerable time. Integrating back into one’s everyday routine can feel overwhelming, so it is imperative to have continued support outside of inpatient treatment.

Benefits Of 60-Day Programs

A 60-day treatment program provides time for the body to fully detox from drug and alcohol use, which is an important step to long-term recovery.

This length of treatment also allows time for more in-depth therapeutic approaches and provides time to learn and practice harm reduction and coping strategies.

Benefits Of 90-Day Programs

While the length and commitment of a 90-day program may seem daunting at first, research indicates that 90 days of treatment can significantly reduce or stop substance use.

A treatment program that lasts 90 days allows more time to identify and fully understand any underlying causes of a person’s substance abuse and possible co-occurring mental health disorders.

A longer treatment program gives people additional time to practice new skills like reframing negative self-talk, emotional regulation, and mindfulness practices. It gives people more time to establish healthy routines and better coping strategies to manage stress and emotional triggers.

Additionally, this extra time allows the person receiving treatment to reintegrate into everyday life, living in sobriety.

Advantages Of Longer Inpatient Programs

Remaining in treatment for an adequate amount of time is crucial, and that will vary from person to person. The duration of treatment will depend on the nature and severity of a person’s SUD. However, studies show that the longer someone stays engaged with treatment and recovery, the better the long-term outcomes.

Whatever a person’s length of stay, an aftercare plan should be implemented once they leave inpatient treatment to provide them with continued support as they integrate into their daily lives again.

Types Of Inpatient Services

The services offered during inpatient treatment are part of what can make it so effective. People can address multiple needs they may be struggling with, not just their substance use.

During inpatient treatment, other concurrent problems may be identified and tended to, such as:

• Medical or physical health issues
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Social or emotional concerns
• Vocational problems
• Legal issues

Types Of Therapy In Inpatient Treatment

No matter the length, inpatient treatment programs will often employ different therapies to help someone with a SUD. Some of these treatment options and therapies may include:

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy will likely be part of most treatment programs. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help people recognize negative thoughts and subsequent behavioral patterns to avoid or cope with triggering situations in the future.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is often a part of treatment, as the impact of substance abuse extends beyond the afflicted individual and often affects their family members as well.

For some, family interactions can be the source of stress or trauma that triggers someone’s desire to drink or use drugs in the first place. Substance use can destroy trust within families. It takes time to heal and release any lingering resentments. It is beneficial for everyone if the family can be involved in the recovery process so that a person doesn’t come out of treatment and step right back into the same dynamics that may have contributed to their substance use.

Group Therapy

Group therapy may be part of the treatment process, as it provides an individual with a support system made up of people who have experienced similar struggles and situations. This creates an ongoing peer support group, which can be vital after leaving inpatient treatment.

How To Decide On Treatment

When looking into treatment options, it’s important to ask yourself:

• Will a medically managed detox be necessary?
• Will insurance pay for part or all of the treatment program?
• Will arrangements for time off work or childcare be necessary?

Answers to these questions can help guide the decision on picking an inpatient treatment option.

It is also important to know what programs are available to help make treatment a viable option for someone seeking help for a SUD.

In the US, under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies must cover substance use treatment and mental health conditions on par with other medical or surgical procedures. However, specifics for this program vary by individual plans, so be sure to explore the details of your specific policy benefits.

In addition, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees working for covered employers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, protected leave for specified family or medical reasons. Employees can also continue their group health insurance benefits during that time.

According to the FMLA, benefits can be instated for conditions like:

• The birth or adoption of a child.
• Caring for a spouse, child, or parent.
• Serious health conditions that make the employee unable to perform essential job functions.
• A family member’s deployment or impending deployment in the military.

These programs exist to help support and make the journey to recovery easier for anyone seeking inpatient treatment for a SUD.

Find Inpatient Treatment Today

Making the decision to enter inpatient treatment is life-changing for many people, so don’t wait to get started.

Contact a treatment provider today. They can answer any questions you may have and help explore your inpatient treatment options.