When it comes the time to start preparing for rehab, a lot of questions may pop into your head. One of the most frequently asked questions about rehab is how long these programs last. The truth is that every person is different and has different treatment needs, so no two rehab programs will be exactly the same. As such, rehab in New Jersey can last anywhere from 28-30 days to several months.
In general, it’s easier to understand how long rehab lasts by breaking it down into the four different levels of treatment:
- Detox
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Aftercare
Not everyone will need to participate in each level of care. However, most people will be encouraged to do so.
Drug and Alcohol Detox Timeline
The first step of the treatment process is detox. Depending on the substance you are addicted to and how severe your withdrawal symptoms are, the length of time you spend in detox will vary.
Factors that dictate how long your symptoms last and how severe they become include:
- How long you have been using drugs or alcohol
- The type of substance you are using (For example, alcohol withdrawal may last longer than heroin withdrawal)
- The amount of the substance your body is used to taking
- Your liver and kidney function
- How fast your metabolism works
- Your age and weight
In general, most people will spend between 3 days and 2 weeks in a drug and alcohol detox center before moving on to inpatient rehab.
Length of Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient is the highest level of care offered at New Jersey rehab programs. During inpatient, you will be required to live at the treatment facility for the duration of your stay. With that said, how long inpatient rehab lasts varies greatly from one person to the next.
There are three standard lengths of stay when it comes to residential treatment programs. These are:
- 30-day programs
- 60-day programs
- 90-day programs
While each program length offers similar therapies as the others, the longer the program, the more intensive the care. As a result, people who meet any of the following qualifications may benefit from a longer-lasting rehab program.
- People with co-occurring disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, OCD, etc.)
- Those with a history of recurrent relapse
- People deemed to have severe substance use disorders
- Those who require intensive medical, emotional, and clinical care
- Individuals who do not have a supportive home environment to recover in
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treatment programs that are shorter than 90 days may have limited effectiveness. On the other hand, longer rehab programs are associated with more positive treatment outcomes.
Duration of Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab programs serve two primary purposes:
- To provide substance abuse treatment to people who cannot attend inpatient services to their work, children, or finances OR to those who do not require intensive inpatient care.
- To provide a “step-down” option for people who have completed inpatient rehab and are looking for ongoing care.
Most of the time, how long outpatient rehab lasts depends highly on your progress in treatment. If you recover more slowly and need support for longer, you could remain in an outpatient program for up to six months.
Alternatively, if you have a minor addiction, a strong support group, and make a lot of progress in treatment quickly, you may only need to stay in outpatient for 30-60 days.
Throughout outpatient, you will work closely with your substance abuse counselor to discuss your treatment goals and progress. Your counselor will make recommendations to you about how long you should continue attending outpatient sessions.
Typically, outpatient rehab lasts between 30 days and 6 months.
Long-Term Aftercare
The best way to ensure long-term sobriety is to continue treating your addiction and working towards your recovery on a daily basis. After all, addiction doesn’t develop overnight, and a 30-day stay in a New Jersey rehab is often not enough to help people stay sober long-term.
After you complete your treatment program, you will be encouraged to find a support group that meets your needs. Some of the most popular recovery support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery, however, there are many different options for different types of people.
Regardless of which program you choose, it’s important to continue with this program for the duration of your recovery. This way, you can constantly obtain support and help to stay sober. There is no minimum or maximum amount of time required for participation in such groups.
Other forms of aftercare that you may participate in for several years after rehab include:
- Alumni programs
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Online support
Again, it is recommended that you never stop participating in some form of care. If you do, consult with a counselor first.
Find a New Jersey Rehab Center Today
In the end, it’s impossible to say exactly how long rehab is going to last for you. Rather than focusing on how long drug and alcohol rehab lasts, it’s best to focus on the quality of care you are receiving so you can make the most out of your treatment stay.
At New Jersey Addiction Intervention, we are dedicated to helping you find the right addiction treatment center for you. Call today to speak with an addiction specialist and get started on your recovery.
Medically Reviewed: February 17, 2021
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.