How Long is Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

Substance addiction is a serious and complex disease that can have profound impacts on the user. Those living with drug or alcohol addiction are likely to need intervention and treatment from a medical team to get and remain sober. Detox centers offer treatment in a wide range of environments and for various lengths of time, in order to accommodate the circumstances, needs, and health of the individual.

A comprehensive and safe detox process can take anywhere from a few days to weeks. After detox, individuals will usually be offered a therapeutic program to work through the psychological aspect of dependence. This can take weeks or even months, and some people may continue to have contact years after their initial admission. Here we are going to look at the question, How Long is Rehab?

Do I Need Rehab?

Recognizing addiction can be difficult, especially as it’s common for dependence to progress over time. What might have started as a recreational drink or drug taking can spiral out of control. Unfortunately, often by the time an individual is aware of the problem, they have a fully-fledged addiction. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is engaging in problem substance use, seek professional medical advice as soon as possible.

There are some specified criteria that can help to identify an issue, and these are often used by doctors to diagnose a possible substance use disorder. These criteria include the following indicators:

  • Using substances despite them causing negative consequences
  • Relationships being harmed by substance use
  • A loss of interest in things previously enjoyed
  • Using substances in scenarios that could be dangerous, such as driving
  • Experiencing memory loss due to substance abuse
  • Attempting to stop using but being unable
  • Failing to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home
  • Increased tolerance for substances
  • Spending a considerable amount of time being drunk, high, or hungover
  • Having strong urges or cravings to use drugs
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping drug use

How Long Are Substance Abuse Rehab Programs?

Accepting that you have a problem and you are ready for help is a brave step and it’s the most important decision for your health and future. Many people in this position find they have a number of questions and concerns about recovery. How long rehab lasts, what their addiction treatment options are, whether to choose outpatient rehab or inpatient treatment, and which treatment center to choose, are all common concerns for individuals entering this phase.

There are a number of considerations that could impact the length of stay at a detox facility including:

  • Type of substance used: depending on which drug is being used, dependency and withdrawal may vary. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the substance, and how long the process continues.
  • Length of drug abuse: How long drugs have been used and at what concentration can impact the length of rehab.
  • Personal components: No two bodies are the same, and this is relevant in drug detox. The length of rehab can be impacted by a person’s metabolism, hydration, nutrition, and overall health.
  • Co-occurring disorders and poly-substance abuse: If an individual is detoxing from multiple substances, or they are living with an underlying mental health condition, this may incur a longer overall program.

There are some typical lengths of stay, however, because of individual experience, they may vary.

Seven-Day Programs

Detox is the crucial first stage of any treatment program in recovery for treating substance misuse. Taking part in a safe and comprehensive detoxification process can set you up for the treatment to follow and for lifelong recovery.

As aforementioned, the detoxification process can range from a few days to weeks. A seven-day detox is a common average length of stay which sits between recovery from mild to very severe cases of addiction.

This is the process of ridding your body of any traces of drugs and toxins, and re-establishing the natural processes without the presence of substances. Detox uses the natural filtering systems of the body: the kidneys and liver. Usually, the initial days of detox are the most difficult and dangerous, and this is where medical supervision is crucial to ensure your safety and comfort and to intervene in the case of a medical emergency.

Seven-day programs are likely to include the following components:

Medical Detox

This is the process of detoxification under the guidance of medical professionals and will often use medication to ease symptoms. The purpose of medical detox is to set you up for a sustained and safe recovery and relieve the discomfort associated with withdrawal. Medication may be used to address:

  • Physical damage from drug use
  • Complications of withdrawal
  • Introducing replacement medications
  • Easing pain and discomfort
  • Managing psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia

Detox can carry severe health risks for the user which is why it’s strongly advised to undergo medical detox.

Counseling

Although typically therapeutic work is carried out in the weeks and months after the initial detox, some seven-day programs will incorporate elements of therapy and counseling.

Nutritional and Well-being Support

Prolonged drug use can result in deterioration of well-being and malnutrition over time. The detox process is an opportunity to work with healthcare staff on personal health goals and nutrition plans to aid your recovery. Depending on the specific program, you may be offered spiritual counseling, physical exercise sessions, and alternative therapies too.

Thirty-Day Programs

Sometimes it can be difficult to strike a balance between comprehensive care and enabling individuals to re-enter their lives without too much disruption. Twenty-eight to thirty-day programs find a good middle ground, offering an intensive level of care for those struggling with drug addiction.

This length of program is often referred to as short-term residential treatment, given that you are likely to stay at the treatment facility for the duration of your treatment without returning home. Throughout your length of stay, if your recovery is progressing well, you may be offered family and friend visits.

Although longer programs generally have the best outcomes, month-long programs are more accessible so may in turn result in more cases of successful recovery overall. It’s common for individuals to begin with a twenty-eight to thirty-day program and then progress onto another form of care such as outpatient treatment or regular counseling sessions.

Thirty-day programs will always start with detox and are likely to include the following components:

Behavioral Therapy

Every treatment facility is unique and the therapies they offer will be varied, but most will offer a combination of behavioral therapies. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is one of the most commonly employed therapies in the treatment of drug abuse. The purpose of this is to alter a person’s beliefs and cognition about their self-esteem, life, choices, and the world around them, and in turn, this can reduce the perpetual cycle of drug addiction. Individuals will work with a therapist to understand the role an addictive substance plays in their lives, develop healthier coping strategies, identify triggers, and make balanced decisions.

Contingency Management is another behavioral therapy that may be used in substance abuse treatment. This method focuses on positive reinforcement to alter behavior. It’s concerned with the idea that if we reward positive behavior, it is more likely to be adopted. In substance abuse treatment, this could take the form of extra recreational activities or family visits.

Medication Assisted Treatment

Depending on what the drug addiction is, medications may be used in a thirty-day treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms. Medicine should only ever be administered by licensed medical professionals and it’s important to recognize that not every recovery process will benefit from medication. It can be particularly useful in the management of acute withdrawal symptoms after stopping opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines.

Support GROUPS

Many drug addiction treatment facilities will offer forms of mutual aid support as part of their month-long programs. This can complement more formal therapy and give hope to individuals attempting to overcome addiction. Support groups can offer a chance to discuss substance misuse and receive non-judgmental support outside of treatment.

Sixty-Day Programs

Sixty-day programs are likely to incorporate similar structures and therapies as thirty-day programs with some additional facilities and treatment options. Furthermore, sixty days gives individuals a considerable length of stay in order to fully immerse in their recovery. This method can be ideal for those who have had trouble maintaining sobriety with other treatment programs.

Sixty-day or two-month programs tend to be run in an inpatient rehab setting. This means residents will live in a sober facility and have access to round-the-clock inpatient care. This provides a safe and secure environment for individuals to focus on their addiction treatment without the triggers and temptations of everyday life.

Sixty-day programs will always start with detox and are likely to include the following components:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is an important element in any recovery process as it gives people an opportunity to work one-on-one with a therapist and work towards long-term sobriety. In sixty-day programs, there is a chance to make stronger connections with their therapist which can result in a hugely beneficial relationship. People who are living with a co-existing mental health disorder are likely to gain a lot from taking part in individual therapy.

Group Therapy

Group therapy enables people to talk about their addiction with others who are going through similar challenges. This can provide people with support and perspective, as well as remind them that they aren’t alone in their struggles. Although group therapy does exist in shorter treatments, this length of stay in rehab is suited to these group dynamics as relationships and a sense of community can be established.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a very specific form of treatment that works in circumstances where the family unit plays a role in the addiction and/or recovery of an individual. This modality can work to heal the family relations and get through conflicts that may have led to, or been caused by, drug use. It’s also a dedicated space to better understand and communicate with each other about substance addiction but also more generally.

Ninety-Day Programs

A ninety-day or three-month addiction treatment program offers intensive care to people who are experiencing severe addictions or very complex substance misuse, have a co-existing mental illness or behavioral health disorders, require special medical considerations, or have a history of unsuccessful addiction treatment. Three months gives clients a dedicated length of stay to focus on recovery and heal their physical and mental health. Three months can offer longer-term care than most other programs.

Ninety-day programs typically take place in residential treatment centers where residents live at the facility with other clients. Here they engage with therapists and medical staff and are likely to be offered a wide range of therapies and activities. This format offers 24/7 supervision and, if required, access to medical services.

One of the main distinguishing features between one or two-month programs and three months+ programs is the sense of community built within the center. This can be a hugely beneficial component of treatment for some clients. Research tells us that in order to achieve and preserve sobriety, it is crucial to maintain healthy relationships and improve self-esteem in order to protect oneself against destructive relationships.

Ninety-day programs will always start with detox and are likely to include the following components:

Life Skills Training

Individuals who have experienced more complex or severe substance use disorders are likely to have missed a considerable amount of time from work, school, and participation in life generally. Three-month programs tend to give clients an opportunity to take part in life skills sessions, empowerment programs, and educational activities. These could include learning how to cope with life challenges, peer pressure, work problems, and challenging relationships. This form of support can make it easier for people to return to everyday life and avoid using substances to manage their difficulties.

Social Activities

In a three-month program, you are likely to be offered to join group activities and social engagement. This is an important part of drug addiction treatment for a number of reasons. Socializing and stimulating oneself through communication can heal broken neuro-pathways that were damaged during substance use abuse. Additionally, it can reduce isolation and loneliness, in turn reducing the development of mental illness. Many individuals who take part in social activities during rehab find that their cravings reduce as they have a positive focus to replace substances.

Activities could include group exercise, yoga, meditation, art, communal cooking, and much more.

Aftercare Planning

Establishing an aftercare plan enables individuals to transition confidently from addiction treatment to the outside world and their regular life. Having a plan in place can reduce stress and anxiety for what is often a complex process.

Sometimes aftercare will incorporate a form of outpatient treatment with continued appointments to maintain communication. These can be scheduled around the client’s life, ensuring they are able to progress through their recovery and maintain a level of independence.

Sober Living Homes and Residential Programs

A sober living home can provide a helpful balance between inpatient rehab and an outpatient setting. Often, individuals will move from a hospital residential treatment environment to a sober living community, giving them time to establish healthy routines outside of the center, and practice the tools learned in rehab.

This can be a really positive progression for some individuals and reduces the chances of relapse considerably. A sober home or ‘halfway house’ can ease the anxieties of returning back to everyday life as it provides a sense of structure. Although the level of support is reduced from inpatient care, it can provide an interim level of care from the surrounding sober community.

Residents in these programs are not confined to the center or building and can leave and return as they wish. This gives people a gentle reintroduction to independence and enables them to engage in responsibilities and reestablish relationships. Despite sober living residences having more flexibility than inpatient rehab, they are likely to have regulations such as curfews and attendance at any meetings.

Some of the most beneficial elements of this communal setting include being part of a sober community, accountability to recovery, and forming positive friendships, all of which can contribute to lasting sobriety.

Treatment Options

At NP Addiction Clinics, we offer comprehensive residential addiction treatment and mental health services for clients in the Port St. Lucie area of Florida. We offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies performed by leading specialists in holistic mental health, alcohol, and drug abuse.

It’s our mission to support you in every step of the journey, so no matter what stage you are at, our doors are open. We offer individually tailored programs which we are confident will set you up for sustained sobriety and a healthy future.

If you are ready to make a bold step in the right direction, get in touch with us to find out more about our treatment options and therapeutic modalities.

We know it can be a frightening time and there are many anxieties around recovery. For many people, the fear of withdrawal or relapse can cause them to suffer in silence. We want to assure you that we understand these concerns and we are well prepared to support you through this time. For more information about our drug and alcohol abuse programs, call us today at (888) 574-3506.

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Samantha Kelly​

Director of National Business Development & Admissions Coordinator

I am a dedicated and passionate professional with extensive experience in business development Admissions and marketing. I have an incredible passion for showing others that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel if someone truly wants it.
Being in recovery myself I understand the struggles of addiction and alcoholism. I Started this Career path in 2009. With multiple years of experience, I bring a multi-faceted approach and am always seeking new ways to make a difference in the lives of those I work with.

Kim L. Buckner

Facilitator

As a Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker, Pastor, Peer Advocate, and Facilitator. Kim helps clients avoid relapse by understanding their triggers. Those people, places and things that can cause craving, as well as internal triggers like feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Kim also clients with identifying and building healthy relationships now that they’re clean and sober.

Kim’s background includes extensive experience as a motivational speaker and work in faith-based organizations helping youth and adults alike. He says he is motivated by giving back to the community, understanding, and not judging who she comes into contact with. Kim’s favorite quote is by Dr. Raymond Johnson: “The respect given to others rebounds to the giver to deny the scared in the Other is to deny it in oneself.”

Caty Burns

Clinician

Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

During those seven years, she taught life and coping skills as well as behavior management, provided case management and peer recovery services, and facilitated treatment teams that included the client, family, providers, and community members. I have also worked at an IOP providing group therapy services. She is currently working towards my Master of Social Work.

In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants.

Madison Knowles

Mental Health Therapist

My name is Madison Knowles, I am a Mental health therapist at NPAC. I am a single-mother of two and I have a daughter who is globally delayed and has been diagnosed with autism. I have been in this industry since I was 16 years old, as I was fascinated with human behavior. I obtained my masters in applied behavioral analysis and started off working with people with disabilities. I then found my love for counseling when I worked with juveniles who had mental health and substance use issues. I then decided to go back for my mental health therapy license after that and working in a forensic treatment center. I went on to obtain my therapy credentials and since 2017, I have also been working on my PhD in forensic psychology in which I am currently working on my dissertation. I am inspired by change and how resilient people can be. My favorite inspirational quote is “Some will, Some won’t, So what, NEXT!!!” This quote has inspired me to try, try, and try again no matter how hard life gets, someone will give you a chance eventually. As a therapist at NPAC, I have been given the opportunity to work with diverse populations such as in substance use and mental health and I am known for my work with people on the schizophrenic spectrum as well as with other clients with other severe conditions including personality disorders.

Megan Carmona, LMHC

Lead Therapist

Our Lead Therapist, Megan, is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. As Lead Therapist, she provides individual, family, and group therapy sessions to our clients.  Megan says “I am very passionate about therapy, especially about supporting my clients in exploring their strengths and identity. My goal is to provide individuals with the tools that can help them achieve independence in coping with their challenges and facilitating personal development.” In her free time, Megan enjoys watching docu-series and playing video games with her family. Her dream is to own acres of land so she can care for vulnerable animals, especially old dogs, cats, and horses. 

Kristen Bensley

Primary Clinician

As Primary Clinician, Kristen works with all aspects of our clinical team, from case management to primary therapy.  She has broad experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining our team at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, Kristen was part of the team awarded the Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation by Cigna. She says her motivation is to help people rediscover who they are and become excited about the future and all the possibilities life offers. Kristen’s favorite quote is: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Ronn Daigle, MSW

Therapist, Utilization Review Clinician

Ronn Daigle services as a Therapist and Utilization Review Clinician at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 2011, with experience in all facility-based levels of care. Ronn earned, both an Associate of Arts in Psychology (2013) and Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an Addiction Studies Concentration (2015) from Indian River State College. 

Ronn additionally earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2021 and is a current Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working toward licensure (LCSW). He describes himself as detail oriented, and solution focused.

Ronn says: “There is nothing more fulfilling than working with someone who doesn’t believe in himself or herself, and being there in the moment with them when the belief begins. We work with individuals who come to us at a point and time in their respective lives where they do not believe that change for others is possible; let alone for themselves…throughout the process they eventually come to a point where they realize that change is not only possible, but achievable.”

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI

Assistant Clinical Director

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI is the Assistant Clinical Director at Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic who specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ, addiction, as well as mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to Bipolar Disorder, trauma, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy, and is fluent in Spanish.
 
Throughout my years of practice, one of the things I enjoy helping people find is inner peace. Whether you are in the deepest parts of depression, overrun by your anxiety, controlled by your addiction, or there are certain issues in your life that are negatively impacting your ability to function, and have a happy, healthy life, maybe now is the time to talk about it. I am a big believer in empowerment, working hard in therapy, and utilizing different techniques to help you regain that inner peace that may have been lost along the way. I want to work with you as a team because with two people, absolutely everything is possible. I want to be there as a therapist, to help build you up, support you, but also help you be honest with yourself and accountable. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, my biggest goal for you is going to be simple….for you to no longer need my services. Why? Because if you no longer need my services, it means that you have regained your peace, you have regained your strength, you have regained your confidence. It means that you now have the tools to address any issues that try to derail you, and best of all, you will have the insight to overcome and thrive. So let’s begin this journey together, and get you to the place you want to be, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in your sobriety.

Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC

Clinical Director

Aurelio has worked with those that suffer from the disease of addiction in adults and juveniles alike for over 10 years, beginning in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years, working with those that were succumbed by addiction due to trauma and continuing his passion for helping those in need locally in Central Florida.

He specializes in both Addictions and Trauma, he has worked first as a therapist then as the clinical supervisor to both the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court programs in Brevard County. Aurelio has been instrumental in developing substance abuse treatment programs directly tailored to help those that also suffer from complex trauma due to their addiction. He has been recognized by several organizations for his forward thinking and ability to tailor treatment to individuals in the most restrictive environments.

Mr. Ayuso received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Aurelio specializes in the treatment of Addiction, Trauma, and Abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Therapies. At the Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic he passionately develops holistic curriculums that foster the belief that through addressing the mind, body, and spirit together, the Disease of Addiction can be addressed successfully.

Robert Lehmann, MHSA

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration with a concentration in Mental Health Administration and over twenty-five years of experience as a senior executive at addiction and mental health treatment facilities.

One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction. Bob has been actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. Recently he was one of the founders of the Florida Addiction Treatment Coalition (FATC) and is its present Vice President. FATC was designed to bring together treatment executives in Florida to advocate on behalf of treatment facilities and the clients they serve adhering to a foundation of integrity and service excellence.

Jose R. Toledo, M.D.

Medical Director

A well-rounded and accomplished individual, Jose R. Toledo, M.D., is the Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a neurologist with 25 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1991 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He completed his neurology training at the State University of New York and his Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

He also completed 24 months of acute inpatient psychiatry at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center, University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 2008, Dr. Toledo participated in and was certified in the continuing medical education activity entitled “Buprenorphine and Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence” from The Medical University of South Carolina during which began his quest to found and head Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a brain specialist with particular competence in addiction medicine and out-patient detoxification treatment and integrates the fields seamlessly. He is certified to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone). He incorporates his background in neurology into the addiction field. Dr. Toledo is member/fellow of The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine