This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to drug rehab. With every addiction, time plays a major role in whether treatment will be successful or not. So exactly how long does drug rehab take?
The length that a person stays in a drug rehab clinic is entirely dependent on the nature, type and severity of the addiction. Some addicts will only need a 4 week stay in a rehab centre, while other addicts may require extended treatment. This is because we are all different and all addict’s addictions will differ, it’s hard to set anything in stone of how long treatment will be. Below you will be able to find out exactly what happens in a drug rehab clinic and how long treatment could take.
Supervised Medical Detox
Prior to being admitted into a rehabilitation centre, some addicts will need to be put through a supervised medical detox. A detox is done to minimise or remove any withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced due to the unavailability and inaccessibility of the drug. The length of a detox may last for anything between 1 and 2 weeks and during this period the person will receive specialised and monitored counselling and therapy and medication to help them cope with the withdrawal symptoms.
Residential (Primary) Treatment
Residing at a drug rehab centre is probably the best way to help a person reach recovery. The treatment Programme may last for anything between 1 and 3 months depending on the severity and nature of the addiction. Addicts are required to remain in the treatment centre for the full duration of the Programme and will receive approximately more than fifty hours of counselling and therapy each week.
Secondary Treatment / After Care
Upon completion of treatment, some recovering addicts may need further counselling and therapy before they can be released back into society. The period immediately after being discharged from a drug rehab clinic is the time when a relapse is most prevalent. It’s highly recommended that all recovering addicts attend secondary care as it’s the best way in ensuring that a relapse doesn’t occur. Secondary treatment can last for anything between 1 and 3 months, however some addicts choose to spend almost 6 months in rehabs to become self-sufficient.
Outpatient Treatment
Addicts may also attend outpatient treatment at a drug rehab centre, which doesn’t involve a residential stay. The addict will attend regular daily meetings where counselling and therapy will be done, however the individual will be able to return home each day. Outpatient treatment might not be the best form of rehab to ensure a full recovery, but it’s beneficial for those who have work or any other important responsibilities to take care of. Treatment will again, usually last for anything between 1 and 3 months.
Tertiary Care
Some addicts might prefer to continue their treatment even after primary and tertiary care in order to ensure a life free of alcohol or drugs. Recovering addicts can attend community support groups and various other therapies and counselling for many years after being discharged from a drug rehab.
Recovery Will Never Stop
It’s important to understand that because there is no cure for addiction and that recovery will be a lifelong process. An addiction will never fade away completely and a person might still experience cravings years after drug rehab and staying clean. If you or a loved one is addicted to or alcohol, call us now and our qualified addictions counsellor will gladly assist in finding the best drug rehab available to suit your needs.
