30-day and 90-day drug rehab: which is right for you?

When it comes to recovery, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make early on is what kind of treatment program to enroll in. This can have a major impact on your long-term success, but it’s hard to know which type of program is right for you. Two of the most common options are 30-day and 90-day rehab programs. While both options have their pros and cons, there are important differences between them to consider. At Choice House, we’ll explore what each type of program entails to help you make the right decision for your needs.

what happens in 30-day rehab?

In addiction recovery, 30-day programs are designed to provide intensive treatment over a shorter period of time. You’ll typically undergo detox to safely and comfortably eliminate drugs or alcohol from the body, then participate in individual therapy, group therapy and other activities designed to help you develop new coping skills and strategies for staying sober.

While 30-day rehab can be effective for some people, it does have some significant limitations. Because the treatment period is so short, it may be difficult to address all of the underlying issues that contribute to addiction, such as mental health or trauma. Additionally, short-term programs may not provide enough time for you to practice and reinforce the skills you’ll need to maintain your sobriety over time.

what happens in 90-day rehab?

Compared to short-term rehab, 90-day rehab programs offer a more comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. You’ll experience many of the same things as you would in a 30-day program — such as detox and therapy — but you’ll have more time to explore the underlying causes of your addiction and build a stronger foundation for lasting recovery. You may also participate in additional therapies that you won’t find in 30-day programs, such as outdoor therapy, family therapy, experiential therapy and trauma work.

Additionally, a 90-day rehab program provides more time to establish new healthy habits and routines, so you’ll be better prepared to use the skills, tools and strategies you’ve learned to stay sober even after treatment has ended. You’ll also have more time to focus on other important aspects of your recovery, such as your emotional and physical health. Many long-term programs incorporate wellness-based activities like exercise, nutrition, meditation and more, designed to help you feel good both inside and out.

Overall, a 90-day rehab program provides a more complete and intensive approach to treatment that leaves no stone unturned. The additional time allows you to work on your physical and mental health, examine the underlying issues that led to your addiction and develop the skills needed to stay sober, greatly increasing your chances of success.

why longer treatment is better

While it may be tempting to choose a 30-day rehab program because it’s shorter and more convenient, the reality is that longer treatment periods are generally more effective for overcoming addiction. Addiction is a complex and multifaceted disease, and it takes time to address all of the underlying issues contributing to it. Additionally, maintaining sobriety requires ongoing effort and attention, and a longer treatment period gives you more time to develop the skills and strategies you’ll need to achieve lifelong sobriety.

There are many other reasons why it’s better to choose a 90-day program over a short-term one. Long-term treatment provides a multitude of benefits, such as:

• More time for therapy: With a longer treatment period, you’ll have more time to participate in therapy and address the underlying issues contributing to your addiction.
• Better outcomes: Studies have shown that longer treatment periods result in better outcomes, including lower rates of relapse.
• More time to develop coping skills: Recovery is a lifelong journey, and developing healthy coping skills is essential for maintaining it. A longer treatment period gives you more time to practice and reinforce these skills.
• More support: Addiction can be a lonely and isolating experience, but a longer treatment period provides more opportunities for social support and connection with others in recovery.

Pros & Cons: 30 Days vs. 90 Days

​​what current research says about ideal treatment lengths

Current research suggests that longer addiction treatment programs are associated with better outcomes. One study, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, found that individuals who participated in long-term programs or continuing care after initial treatment had higher rates of abstinence and fewer relapses than those who participated in 30-day treatment programs alone.

Another study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine found that individuals who received long-term care had better outcomes in terms of drug use, mental health and employment status. The study also found that the benefits of longer rehab programs lasted for at least five years after treatment.

These and other studies suggest that long-term treatment programs are more effective in helping people achieve lasting recovery. They provide the time and resources to address the social, emotional and mental health factors that contribute to addiction and reinforce the habits or strategies learned in rehab. While 30-day programs can be effective for some people, 90-day programs are recommended for better long-term outcomes.

which length of treatment is right for you?

Ultimately, the decision about whether to choose a 30-day rehab program or a 90-day rehab program will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you have a severe drug or alcohol problem, mental health concerns and a history of relapse, then a 90-day program may be the best option. On the other hand, if you have a less severe addiction and are unable to take time off from work or other obligations, a 30-day rehab program may be more realistic.

It’s important to remember that addiction is a chronic disease. Choosing the right length of treatment is just the first step in your journey to recovery, but whatever you decide, it’s also important to continue attending support groups, therapy sessions and more even after rehab to maintain your sobriety.

At Choice House, we provide a 90-day standard of care for men struggling with substance abuse, as well as community outpatient, transitional aftercare and alumni programs designed to provide support and camaraderie throughout the entire recovery process. We also utilize wilderness and outdoor therapy, family therapy, experiential therapies and more to address all the factors that contribute to addiction, giving clients the tools they need to build the type of life they’ve always envisioned for themselves. To learn more about our treatment programs and how they can help, give us a call at 303-578-4981 to talk to our admissions team. You can also reach us by clicking here or emailing hello@choicehouse.com.