Why The Length of Stay Matters
When it comes to rehab, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that works successfully. Many factors uniquely affect how effective rehab is, how long it may need to be, and the chances of relapse. However, clinicians agree that longer, comprehensive treatment yields the best chance of success and good long-term outcomes.
According to a dataset by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, the average stay in short-term residential treatment is approximately 25 days, whereas long-term programs average around 135 days. The median lengths represented by the data are significantly shorter, at 35 days for long-term residential rehab and 19 days for short-term residential rehab.
Some professionals explain the rehabilitation process in phases, with each phase varying in length based on a patient’s initial condition and progress. The initial phase of rehab is known as stabilization, where a patient will be monitored and cared for to heal from withdrawal symptoms or a mental health crisis. From this point, different types of programs will vary in their routines and typical lengths of stay. In this article, we’ll cover the various types of programs and their timeframes, the factors that can determine the length of care, and how doctors decide when to discharge a patient from rehab.
Types of Programs and Typical Timeframes
Many different types of treatment fall under the colloquial umbrella of “rehab”. While these types of treatment may seem similar, they have their own unique approaches, each with its own pros and cons. Each type of treatment is designed for a different duration as well. The three main types of “rehab” treatments one can consider are medical detox, inpatient residential treatment, and partial hospitalization.
Medical Detox
Medical detox is the most self-explanatory type of treatment on our list: patients are medically supervised while they safely withdraw from alcohol or drugs. The main goal of these programs is for patients to achieve a foundation of sobriety without risk of severe side effects from withdrawal. These short and well-monitored stays typically last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
Inpatient Residential Treatment
Inpatient treatment is what many people imagine as the stereotypical rehab: a residential treatment facility where stays from 30 to 90 days are common. These treatment programs combine a mix of medical supervision, therapy, skill-building, and medication adjustment to achieve optimal results. In general, the more severe or complicated the case, the longer the stay.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial hospitalization operates on a flexible schedule, allowing patients to benefit from the best aspects of both inpatient and outpatient care. Clinicians use partial hospitalization when overnight monitoring is unnecessary, but many of the same features of inpatient care would be beneficial. Treatment length can vary significantly, typically lasting anywhere from several weeks to several months.
Factors That Affect Length
As briefly mentioned earlier, each patient will have several unique factors that determine their length of care. While some factors may be considered challenges and therefore increase a patient’s length of stay, positive factors can likewise have a positive effect. Your care team will assess your individual situation during intake and use this information to create a personalized recovery plan.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the positive factors that can support shorter or more efficient care:
- Mild to moderate substance use
- First-time treatment with high motivation
- Strong and involved support system
- Stable residence and employment
- Access to consistent aftercare
- Managed co-occurring mental health conditions or lack thereof
One of the most impactful factors on one’s entire rehab experience is the severity and duration of their substance use. The type of substance used is incredibly important to keep in mind: nearly every substance causes different withdrawal symptoms. A patient’s addiction can be looked at holistically when taking into account medical and psychiatric comorbidities.
Another key indicator of how long care may take is a patient’s prior treatment history and their risk of relapse. Patients with a history of addiction, relapse, or failed treatment often require longer stays in rehab to achieve the best long-term outcomes. This is where having a stable support system is essential; with a strong foundation of social support, the risk of relapse can be reduced.
Some factors that dictate care length and outcomes are outside of a patient’s control. Not every insurance provider is equal when it comes to rehab treatment. Determining what your insurance covers is crucial when first applying for care, as many plans only pay for a limited number of days or weeks of rehabilitation per year.
How Clinicians Determine Discharge
A patient’s clinicians and care team will work through a series of steps to determine when a patient is ready to be discharged from rehab. Each type of program and each provider will have their own process toward discharge. However, there are a few key factors that patients can familiarize themselves with to be prepared for this transitional period.
First, clinicians will look for progress toward functional markers: reduction in symptoms of addiction and withdrawal, stability in emotions, stable housing and employment plans, and the existence of a support network. These are key indicators of future success and foundations of a healthy recovery. Adherence to medication schedules, routines, and engagement in therapy are additional milestones that clinicians monitor to gauge progress.
Patients who progress toward their treatment goals and adhere to their relapse-prevention plan will see progress toward discharge. As patients near discharge, their care team will use their clinical judgement and evidence-based approaches to determine if a patient is ready to be discharged. During this phase, care teams often include patients and their outside support systems in step-down care planning and scheduling.
Practical Takeaways For Your Family
In the end, the length of rehab will vary based on a variety of factors that make up an individual’s addiction. Everything from the severity of one’s substance use to the existence of co-occurring mental health disorders can complicate treatment. No two recovery journeys look exactly the same. Ultimately, what truly matters is that patients find a program that meets their needs, providing them with the time and tools they need to heal. The goal is lasting recovery, regardless of the duration of care.
If you’re ready to learn more about how rehab can help you and your family, we’re here to help. Our experienced team at Safe Harbor can walk you through your options, explain what to expect, and help you take the next steps toward recovery with confidence. Reach out to us today to speak with our compassionate team to have your questions answered.
