Drug and alcohol addiction can become the center of your life. Living with addiction makes it nearly impossible to function, maintain your health, or protect your mental well-being.
Substance use changes the way your body and brain work. These changes make it very challenging to stop using addictive substances without significant medical treatment and ongoing support.
Many living with addiction require the support of a professional rehab program. Rehab can be the first step of a lifelong recovery journey. However, many people put off getting the help they need because they do not want to commit to long periods of treatment.
So, what can you do if you do not want to go to rehab for 90 days or more? Is a 30-day rehab long enough to help you stay sober for life?
This article will explore 30-day rehab programs. You will learn:
- What to expect during a 30-day rehab program
- The benefits of 30-day treatment
- The potential downsides of short-term rehab programs
- How to find addiction treatment and support
Contact the specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to explore our treatment programs or schedule an intake assessment. Take the first step of your recovery journey by getting in touch today.
30-Day Rehab Programs: An Overview
A 30-day treatment program may occur in an inpatient treatment setting or an outpatient rehab facility. During a 30-day rehab program. People receive comprehensive addiction treatment and support. Treatment plans may include:
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Individual counseling and behavioral counseling
- Medications and medical care
- Support groups
- Relapse-prevention education
- Coping skills
A 30-day treatment program typically begins with a tailored detox program. The length of a detox varies depending on the substance, a person’s general health, co-occurring mental health conditions, and more.
However, in many cases, detox can take several days or weeks. The detox process may take up much of the time spent in a 30-day rehab.
In many cases, treatment facilities offer multiple levels of care and a variety of programs. People may begin in a shorter rehab program before transitioning into longer treatment programs.
Is 30 Days in Rehab Enough For Lifelong Recovery?
For some people, committing to a longer treatment program may be impossible. Having the option of a 30-day treatment program may encourage people to seek treatment when they need it.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of a 30-day rehab program.
Shorter commitment
A 30-day rehab program can help people struggling with addiction get a jump-start on recovery. In the rehab center, people will receive evidence-based treatment and round-the-clock support. Having access to mental health and medical care can ensure people have a safe, complete detox and begin their recovery journey with good support.
Medically-supported detox
People who attend a medically-supported detox program get support and treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. A complete detox gives people a fresh start as they work to overcome substance use disorder (SUD).
Community
Addiction recovery can feel isolating and lonely. Attending a short-term addiction center program provides a community of peers and professionals who can support your recovery journey.
Flexibility
Many addiction treatment centers offer the opportunity to transition into other levels of care or programs if people choose. People who discover they do not feel ready at the end of 30 days may be able to transition into other treatment programs easily.
Holistic treatment
While 30 days may not seem like a long time, people in short-term treatment programs receive intensive, holistic treatment during this period. In treatment, people participate in a range of evidence-based therapies that address the physical, behavioral, and emotional aspects of addiction.
How Long Should Rehab Last?
Many addiction specialists advise that 30 days may not be long enough to ensure lifelong sobriety. Longer treatment programs can give people more time and access to therapies. Research shows that longer treatment programs (at least 90 days) typically have better outcomes and lead to longer-lasting recovery.[1]
However, 30 days is typically enough time to complete the detox process and begin to work toward developing skills to prevent relapse.
What Type of Treatment is Right For Me?
Before beginning an addiction treatment program, you must undergo an assessment to determine which level of care and type of treatment is right for you. This assessment will consist of:
- Questions about your current and past substance use
- A mental health and medical history
- A family history of substance abuse or addiction
- Lab testing
- A physical examination
The information from this assessment will help your treatment team recommend inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment. It will also help them create a tailored treatment and aftercare plan that will support long-term addiction recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health addiction specialists now to learn about our effective treatment programs, verify insurance coverage, or schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)
