Treatment length depends on the severity of your problem, but addiction experts say most people need at least 90 days of rehab to achieve positive outcomes. This is based on research studies comparing length of treatment with long-term abstinence rates.
In its “Principles of Effective Treatment” the National Institute on Drug Abuse states: “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.”
Adequate time in treatment enables the clinical staff to address any co-occurring health issues that you may have – for example, depression that occurs alongside addiction. And it gives you time to learn new behavioral changes that can help you overcome life’s challenges and improve your health and relationships.
Like diabetes management or other chronic diseases, relapse is common in addiction. This does not mean failure, but rather a need for treatment to be reinstated or adjusted. Recovery is an ongoing process, and multiple treatment episodes may be required to achieve long-term sobriety.