How Long Does Rehab Last in North Carolina?

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Making the decision to seek treatment for addiction is the first step toward a healthier, happy life. Going to rehab is an investment of both your time and money, so you may be wondering how long rehab will last.

The length of an addiction treatment program can vary based on the severity of your addiction, the program you choose, and your individual needs. However, research shows that the best treatment outcomes occur in individuals who spend at least 90 days in rehab.

Factors that Affect the Length of Rehab

There are many variables that affect how long rehab lasts, and the answer may be different for everyone.

• Addiction severity – Addiction affects everyone differently, with some people having more severe addictions than others. People with severe substance use disorders typically need more intensive support for longer periods of time, so they are best suited for long-term treatment programs.
• Co-occurring disorders – Nearly half of the people who struggle with addiction also have a co-occurring mental health condition. Co-occurring disorders must be treated simultaneously to ensure positive treatment outcomes. However, treating co-occurring disorders may require longer, more extensive care.
• Individual need – Many rehab centers will not guarantee a specific length of stay because the length of rehab depends on your needs, goals, and progress during treatment. Some people enter rehab highly motivated with goals that are easy to reach, while others are slower to make progress and require longer treatment programs.
• Insurance coverage – The cost of rehab is a major factor in choosing a treatment program. Some insurance providers will only cover rehab for 30 days, while others offer extensive coverage for long-term addiction treatment programs. If money is a factor, you may choose to only attend rehab for as long as your provider will offer coverage.

Exploring the Different Rehab Lengths

Most drug and alcohol rehab programs in North Carolina last 30, 60, or 90 days. Each program length has its advantages and disadvantages.

30-Day Rehab

Short teen rehab programs typically last 30 days or less. In 30 days, you can detox completely and begin addressing the root causes of your addiction. A 30-day rehab can also connect you with local support groups and aftercare services.

Unfortunately, 30 days isn’t enough time for most people to establish lasting behavioral changes. It takes time to recover from addiction, and at 30 days you may still not feel 100% yourself. You may still have cravings and poor coping skills.

Unless you have a mild substance use disorder or need a refresher after a brief relapse, 30 days may not be enough to keep you sober. On the other hand, 30 days in rehab is better than no treatment at all, so this is also a suitable choice for people who are reluctant to enter longer treatment programs due to work, school, family, or personal reasons.

60-Day Rehab

60-day rehab programs offer ample time to detox, participate in therapy, heal from the effects of your addiction, and develop healthy coping skills. Many clients can find great success in a 60-day addiction treatment program. However, for those who feel they need more support after 60 days, an additional month of treatment can pave the way for a lifetime of sobriety.

90-Day Rehab

Research has shown that most people need at least 90 days of addiction treatment to stop or substantially reduce their substance use. 90-day rehab programs offer the ideal amount of time to detox, overcome the effects of your addiction, and fully integrate healthy and sustainable coping skills into your daily life.

After leaving a 90-day program, clients are equipped with a relapse prevention plan, aftercare support services, and any other tools that may benefit their recovery. Participating in a 90-day program with other clients also helps promote the development of sober support networks both inside and outside the facility.

Long-Term Treatment Programs

Long-term or extended care programs may be available to support individuals who can benefit from more than 90 days in rehab. These programs offer structured residential support that aids in life skills development.

Can I Check Myself out of Rehab Early?

Yes, nobody can hold you at a rehab center against your will. Most people admit themselves to rehab voluntarily, and they are able to check themselves out voluntarily, as well. In rare cases, an individual may be court-mandated to a treatment program, and they will face monetary fines or legal charges for leaving early.

It’s important to note that leaving rehab against medical advice is never a good idea. Leaving rehab early may increase your risk of relapse, so it’s always best to listen to your healthcare provider and only leave when they agree that you are ready to do so.

Discuss Your Treatment Options With a North Carolina Addiction Specialist Today

At Carolina Center for Recovery, our goal is to provide the individually tailored support you need to get sober and stay sober. Our admissions counselors can evaluate your needs, create a custom-tailored treatment plan based on your needs, and let you know how long we think you’ll need to participate in treatment with us to get the outcome you desire.

To learn more about our North Carolina addiction treatment programs, please contact us today.

References:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders, Retrieved August 2023 from https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders
2. National Library of Medicine: Principles of Effective Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, Retrieved August 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424859/table/ch4.t2/