When someone decides to enter a rehab program, it’s a huge step to overcome addiction and reclaim their life. There are considerations and questions, though. One common question is how long treatment should last.

Among the various choices, a 28-day rehab is popular, as it offers a structured, intensive approach within a relatively short period.

However, is 28 days of rehab long enough to stay sober?

This article will discuss a 28-day rehab program’s effectiveness, benefits, and potential limitations. We’ll also explore the critical factors influencing recovery. You will learn:

• About the different types of rehab
• What to expect at a 28-day rehab
• What determines the length of treatment
• If 28-day rehab is sufficient for your needs

Types of Rehab Programs

Different types and formats of rehab programs are tailored to the diverse needs of people seeking recovery.

They’re often broadly categorized as inpatient or outpatient. Outpatient programs let people live at home and attend their treatment sessions flexibly. Inpatient or residential treatment requires living at a facility full-time for a specific duration.

Residential programs offer a structured environment with 24/7 support, making it easier to focus entirely on recovery without being distracted or triggered by daily life.

The duration of a residential program can vary quite a bit. A 28-day program is considered fairly short-term, and long-term inpatient programs can last several months or as long as a year.

The 28-Day Rehab Program

A 28-day program is one of the most well-known residential treatment options, offering an intensive and immersive approach. The recovery journey starts with detoxification and, from there, therapy and working to develop initial coping strategies to maintain sobriety.

The relatively short time frame can feel manageable and make it easier to fit into other personal and professional commitments.

A medium-term program usually lasts 60 to 90 days. These programs provide more extended time for therapy and skill-building. The longer time frame allows for exploring underlying issues more deeply and developing and practicing new skills and behaviors. Research has found that treatment programs lasting at least 90 days have the most positive outcomes.[1]

Long-term programs lasting from six months to a year are designed for people dealing with severe or chronic addictions who need extensive support.

Factors Influencing the Length of a Rehab Stay

Some of the factors treatment providers might consider when determining the length of a rehab stay include:

• Addiction severity: People with severe or long-term addictions may need extended treatment. They need comprehensive care addressing deeply ingrained dependencies and behaviors.
• Mental health disorders: If someone has a co-occurring disorder like depression, they may need a longer stay in treatment to ensure both issues are properly treated with an integrated dual diagnosis approach.
• History of past treatment: With a history of relapse after previous treatment, there may be benefits of a longer program. Longer treatment can reinforce coping strategies and address unresolved issues.
• Support networks: When someone has strong support networks, they may have a shorter rehab stay, while limited external support can mean more time in a structured environment, which is beneficial.
• Personal motivation: How committed someone is to recovery and personal goals influence treatment duration. If people are motivated in their treatment and recovery, they progress faster. Others could need more time to build and maintain their commitment to sobriety.

Is 28 Days of Rehab Long Enough?

Ultimately, whether a 28-day rehab is long enough is going to depend on someone’s circumstances and the nature of their addiction, but the pros of a short-term program include:

• Structure: 28-day programs are structured and include intensive daily therapies and activities away from typical surroundings and triggers.
• Detox: The first step of treatment is usually detoxification. A 28-day program should allow enough time for detox and the beginning phases of therapy.
• Cost: Shorter rehab programs may be more financially realistic. A 28-day program can be less expensive than a longer one, and it can better fit into a person’s schedule.
• Recovery tool introduction: In a 28-day program, essential recovery tools and coping strategies are introduced. Then, an individual can continue to build on these in aftercare or outpatient programs.

The possible downsides of a shorter-term rehab program can include:

• Limited time for deep issues: Addiction involves complex underlying issues like trauma and mental health disorders. Shorter-term programs may not give enough time to address deeper underlying problems fully.
• Relapse risk: If someone doesn’t have enough time to develop and reinforce coping mechanisms, they may be at a higher risk of relapse.
• Aftercare transition: It’s vital to successfully transition from a 28-day program to outpatient care or support group participation. However, shifting abruptly from an intensive program to everyday life can only be possible with a strong aftercare plan.
• Variability: Every person’s addiction and recovery are different. Some people may need more time to develop the skills required to maintain sobriety.

Examples of situations where 28 days may not be enough include:

• Someone has a severe, long-term addiction.
• There’s a chronic relapse history after previous treatment attempts.
• Co-occurring disorders complicate treatment.
• Some don’t have a stable and supportive living environment.
• There’s not enough progress made in the first few weeks of a 28-day program.

Times when a 28-day rehab could be long enough, on the other hand, include:

• An individual has a short history of substance use or a mild addiction.
• There’s a strong support system outside of treatment.
• Someone’s very motivated on their own.
• There either aren’t co-occurring disorders, or they aren’t severe.
• A well-structured aftercare plan is in place.

A 28-day rehab program can be a good starting point for many people, as it provides a time for detox, therapy and developing initial coping skills. However, the sufficiency of staying sober depends on many individual factors.

Find Treatment Now

We encourage you to contact our team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn more about rehab options and what could be a good fit for your needs or your loved one. Our treatment plans are personalized and tailored, including their duration, for the best possible recovery outcomes. Call now to get started!

References:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment