Addiction is a chronic condition of the mind, body, and spirit. It is something that does not develop overnight, but can quickly spiral into a pattern of life-threatening and compulsive behaviors. When the time comes to get help for your addiction, you want the best possible treatment that meets your individual needs.
There are many different types of addiction treatment programs in the Boston area. Some offer extended-care programs that last 90 days or more. Others offer short-term treatment lasting anywhere from 12 to 30 days. Although evidence shows that programs lasting at least three months are the most effective, few people are eager to spend that long in an alcohol or drug rehab program. But are 30 days of rehab really enough to keep you sober?
There are advantages and disadvantages of a 30-day drug rehab program. The best way to find out if you can benefit from a 30-day treatment program is to speak with a qualified addiction specialist.
How Long Should an Addiction Treatment Program Last?
No two individuals will have the exact same treatment program. While a 30-day drug rehab program may be right for your friend, you may require a program that is more intensive.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it is vital that all patients remain in treatment for an adequate amount of time. Leaving rehab too early or not receiving care for long enough can result in relapse. NIDA explains:
“The appropriate duration for an individual depends on the type and degree of the patient’s problems and needs. Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment.”
As a result, most addiction treatment programs last at least 90 days in totality. These 90 days may involve multiple levels of care, such as residential treatment, day treatment, IOP, and OP.
The Benefits of a 30-Day Drug Rehab Program
Even though longer addiction treatment programs are generally recommended, there are several benefits of a short-term rehab program, such as:
- You don’t have to take too much time off of work
- You don’t take too much time away from family and loved ones
- There is still enough time to learn about the disease of addiction
- Co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety can be diagnosed
- You learn about recovery-related resources in your area which can help support you once the 30 days are over
- There is a focus on relapse prevention so you will learn practical coping skills for recovery
A 30-day addiction treatment program can give you a solid foundation for recovery in a short period of time. However, it will not guarantee your long-term sobriety.
Determining The Severity of Your Addiction
The primary factor that will influence how long your treatment program should last is the severity of your addiction. Addiction is formally diagnosed as a “substance use disorder” or SUD. SUD is diagnosed on a scale of mild, moderate, and severe. Some people have mild SUD and can sober up with a brief detox program or a 12-day rehab program. However, others have moderate to severe SUD, which requires more extensive, longer-lasting care.
There are several signs of addiction, and the more you identify with it, the more severe your addiction is thought to be. Signs and symptoms used to diagnose SUD or addiction include:
- Developing a tolerance that requires you to use increasing amounts of the drug you are addicted to
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug due to physical dependence
- Having strong cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Wanting to stop using drugs or moderate your drug use but being unable to do so
- Trying to stop using drugs but having more than one failed attempts
- Isolating from friends, family, and loved ones
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Continuing to use drugs despite a worsening health problem or life issue
- Spending excess time obtaining, using, and recovering from drugs
- Acting out in illegal, reckless, or compulsive behaviors to continue your drug use
If you only identify with 2-3 of the above-listed symptoms, a 30-day drug rehab program may be enough to introduce you to a life of sobriety and provide you with the tools you need to stay sober. However, if you identify with more than 3 of these symptoms, you may need to consider a longer-lasting treatment program.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Is a 30-Day Drug Rehab Program Long Enough To Keep You Sober?
Spending 30 days in an addiction treatment program can benefit anyone who struggles with addiction. One month in rehab is always better than none, and your treatment program can be extended at the end of the 30 days if it needs to be. With that being said, no 30, 60, or 90+ day drug rehab program will guarantee you will stay sober for the rest of your life.
Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse is part of recovery for many people. The best way to prevent relapse is to continue treating your addiction beyond the completion of your treatment program. A few ways you can safeguard your recovery in the long term are:
- Enrolling in an outpatient or nighttime addiction treatment program
- Participating in a 12-Step group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Building a sober support network through an alumni program, recovery-based group, religious group, and/or loved ones
- Practicing relapse prevention strategies like mindfulness and self-care
- Participating in individual drug and alcohol counseling after finishing rehab
Ultimately, the answer is no; 30 days of rehab is not enough to keep you sober, but it is enough to get you started on your recovery journey.
Find a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program That Meets Your Needs
Whether you’re in search of a short-term or long-term drug rehab program in Massachusetts, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Woburn Addiction Treatment, we offer flexible and individually tailored treatment programs that help you recover at your own pace. Get started on the road to recovery by calling and speaking with one of our dedicated admissions coordinators today.
