When you’re struggling with substance abuse or addiction, getting professional help is one of the most important steps you can take. Still, it can be intimidating. You might have questions like, “How long is drug rehab?” and “How will rehab fit into my current life?” These are important questions to ask, but the truth is, timelines and commitments can vary. For some, enrolling in a drug treatment program requires putting parts of your life on hold—such as work or school commitments—to focus fully on recovery. Rehab itself can take anywhere between 30 days and 12 months, depending on the individual.

While this sounds like a lot, it’s actually a good thing. Drug rehab isn’t meant to be a countdown; it’s a process designed to help you heal physically, emotionally, and mentally. When you embrace the journey, from detoxification to long-term therapy, the road to recovery unwinds. It becomes less about how long rehab takes and more about how much you grow along the way. Every stage of treatment serves a purpose, whether it’s overcoming withdrawal symptoms, handling compulsive cravings, addressing the root causes of addiction, or learning the tools needed to build a sober life long-term.

Understanding what to expect—and how different rehab programs are structured—can make the process feel less overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore how long drug rehab typically lasts, what experts recommend, and what each stage of rehab involves so that you can know what’s ahead.

How Long is Drug Rehab Typically?

Recovery from addiction is not one-size-fits-all—and neither is drug rehab. The length of stay in a drug rehab program will depend on your (or your loved one’s) individual needs. Some people can find what they need after 90 days in rehab. Some might benefit from nine months or longer in a treatment program. The duration of treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis, and getting sober is just the first step.

Personal factors that can influence the length of treatment include:

• The type of substance(s) used, as some drugs come with more intense cravings and higher relapse risk
• The severity of an addiction, based on how long, how often, and how much a person was using
• Whether co-occurring disorders exist, as mental health issues alongside a substance use disorder can be complex, requiring longer stays in treatment

Additionally, it’s important to note that there are many different types of rehab programs, each with varying lengths. The best program for you will depend on the factors above. However, as you research how long rehab lasts, you’ll likely come across the following options: 

• 7-day detoxification programs (designed to get you through the withdrawal process safely) 
• 30-day rehab programs  
• 60-day treatment programs 
• 90-day treatment programs 
• Long-term treatment programs (between 3 and 12 months) 

In addition to the above, you may also find extended stay facilities—also known as sober living homes or halfway houses—in your research. These are residences for people who have graduated from their rehab program, but are looking to sustain sober living in a safe and structured environment longer-term. 

All of the above programs can help in treating substance addiction. However, longer stays in treatment are typically recommended for those struggling with a substance use disorder. 

What is the Recommended Length of Drug Rehab? 

In general, treatment experts recommend at least 90 days in rehab. However, longer stays in treatment are associated with more positive outcomes. 

In their Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that “good outcomes are contingent on adequate treatment length.” Of course, the length of rehab will largely depend on each person’s needs and the degree of their addiction. But the NIDA agrees that at least three months in treatment is needed to overcome substance abuse. Anything less than 90 days is of “limited effectiveness.” They explain:

“The appropriate duration for an individual depends on the type and degree of the patient’s problems and needs. Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment.”

The NIDA also points out that substance addiction is a chronic illness, and relapse can be a normal part of the recovery process. Relapsing during or after drug rehab does not mean that a person has failed; it simply means that the treatment plan needs to be adjusted, or that another stretch in treatment is needed to overcome new challenges. 

“Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment. As with other chronic illnesses, relapses to drug abuse can occur and should signal a need for treatment to be reinstated or adjusted.”

When individuals stay in treatment longer, the likelihood of relapse can be reduced. That is why treatment professionals recommend staying in residential rehab for 90 days or more. While this stretch of time may be intimidating, it can lead to longer-term results (and help to prevent the need for additional rehab down the road).

It is also worth noting that the recommended length of treatment varies depending on the substance abused and whether the treatment is outpatient or residential. The NIDA uses the example of opioid addiction, for example, stating that methadone maintenance – a form of ongoing, outpatient, medically-supervised treatment – takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. 

How Long Does Drug Treatment Last at Turnbridge? 

Specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, Turnbridge operates with the understanding that rehab is not one-size-fits-all. Everyone will have different experiences with substance use, different health considerations, and a varying willingness to attend treatment at all. As such, everyone should be encouraged to move through treatment at their own pace.

When clients enter Turnbridge’s residential program, they receive a personal evaluation that helps clinicians understand their needs and set the course for treatment. Turnbridge also offers a phased approach to treatment, which means that clients get to work through the process on their own timeline. As progress is made and milestones are met, they graduate to the next phase. Some take longer than others to achieve their goals, and that’s entirely okay. The healing process is not always linear, and everyone’s circumstances are unique. 

With all that said, we have studied our clients’ experiences and observed a correlation between their length of treatment and ability to stay sober after the program. Specifically, for teenagers and young adults at Turnbridge, the most successful outcomes were achieved after 270 days, or nine months, in our addiction treatment program. 

After 270 days of treatment, more than 95 percent of clients remain sober for one year. An incredible 80 percent remain sober for two years following this duration of treatment. Only 5 percent of clients required additional care after 270 days in rehab. 

But this is just the beginning. Sobriety is only one measure of success. On top of being abstinent from drugs and alcohol, those who completed 270 days of addiction treatment reported profound behavioral changes, including better coping skills, better relationships, better physical health, and greater independence in life after treatment. This is a testament to the value of long-term rehab. 

What are the Different Phases of Drug Rehab?

While everyone will work through the different stages of recovery at their own pace, knowing what to expect in rehab can help you feel more confident in the road ahead.

For those experiencing a substance use disorder and struggling with acute withdrawal symptoms, detoxification is typically the first or preliminary step to recovery. Detox should be done in a medically supervised setting, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and dangerous. Detox takes between three to ten days, on average, but will depend on the specific drug of abuse. Detox is different than rehab.

Once detox is complete, a residential treatment program is typically recommended for substance use disorders. Residential treatment enables you to focus fully on your recovery, without the distraction of everyday life, stressors, and pressures. These programs are staffed with specialized clinicians who will help you unpack the root cause of your addiction and develop skills to overcome it long-term. Again, this typically happens in phases.

Turnbridge offers a three-phase treatment model that is carefully designed to guide young people through recovery and personal growth. Our structured approach is tailored to address the unique needs of individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders, while setting them up for a successful and productive life after treatment. While each step is personalized to the individual, the phases involve:

1. Reconnection: 

Most people approach rehab with some skepticism, which can limit their progress in treatment. The goal of this phase is to connect clients to the treatment process, as well as their treatment community, and engage them fully. This means participating in a full schedule of therapy, recreational activities, support groups, health and wellness routines, and fun experiences with their sober network. This phase helps clients open up to the treatment process, build relationships with other sober peers, and lay the foundation for recovery.

2. Reintegration:

Phase I lays the foundation for recovery, while Phase II builds upon it – helping clients develop important life skills, set and pursue goals, and make a plan for their life ahead. For example, during this phase, clients learn how to prepare healthy meals, stick to a consistent exercise routine, budget their finances, reintegrate into school/work settings, and maintain healthy relationships with family and friends. This is all done while still receiving clinical care and therapy, attending 12-step meetings, and receiving support.

3. Revitalization:

Phase III of treatment is focused on maintaining long-term recovery and empowering clients to lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives after treatment. While their therapy and meetings still continue, clients are given more independence to emerge from treatment and pursue their goals—encouraged to find jobs, take college classes, volunteer at local agencies, and more. This phase is all about ensuring a smooth transition from treatment and giving clients confidence and excitement around the life ahead.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Addiction? 

Substance addiction is a chronic disease that makes lasting changes in the brain. Like other chronic medical illnesses (e.g. diabetes and asthma), addiction has both physical and behavioral components that require in-depth and long-term care. It requires continuous evaluation, attention, and adjustment to ensure long-term abstinence and success.

As such, recovery from addiction is a marathon, not a sprint. While a person can detox from drugs and alcohol in a matter of days or weeks, recovering fully from addiction requires a lifelong commitment. It does not end with treatment or rehab. 

Learn how long it takes to break an addiction here.

Because it is a chronic illness (just like diabetes), substance addiction must be managed throughout a person’s life. It requires ongoing, active management and care. However, this does not mean a lifetime in and out of rehab. Many people go on to live happy, meaningful lives after treatment is complete—particularly after attending treatment for several months or more.

Of course, we understand that long-term treatment may not be accessible or realistic for everyone. While longer bouts of rehab are recommended, barriers such as cost, school, employment, and family obligations can hinder one’s ability to commit to long-term care. For these individuals, 30 or 60 day inpatient treatment programs are an option, followed by extended outpatient care. This ensures that one gets the skills developed in an inpatient setting, but provides them the support of a longer-term treatment program. Extended care programs also help to ease their integration back into mainstream society. 

Turnbridge offers mental health and substance use disorder treatment, specifically tailored to the unique needs of adolescents and young adults. We understand that the commitment to a rehab program, especially as a young person, can be scary. However, long-term treatment can set you (or your loved one) up for long-term success. Learn more about our programs by visiting us online, or call 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment professional.