How Long Should SUD Treatment Be?

Each person's addiction treatment and recovery journey is different. Knowing this, it makes sense that people will have different timelines regarding treatment. While there is no correct length of time for people to be in treatment, some facilities implement general guidelines. What are those guidelines? How could restrictive timelines impact the efficacy of treatment? In general, how long should SUD treatment really take? 

Today, we will try to answer such questions. Meanwhile, it is important to understand that you must seek treatment before you can even consider the length of your stay. West Coast Recovery Centers is dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized care for people struggling with addiction and other mental health concerns. Our nationally accredited San Diego facility provides individuals with a safe and supportive environment that fosters health, healing, and a holistic and integrative approach to addiction treatment. Call or visit our website to learn more about West Coast Recovery Centers today. 

What Contributing Factors Influence One's Length of SUD Treatment

Seeking SUD treatment, especially for the first time, can be overwhelming and confusing. It can be exceptionally confusing to figure out how long one must be in an addiction treatment program, especially if facilities have a 30-day limit. Unfortunately, there is no one right answer to the question of what determines one's length of stay. The answer varies from one person to the next and depends on several factors, including: 

• Facility policies 
• Insurance coverage 
• How long someone can be away from work or their family 
• Whether or not a parent has long-term childcare 
• The type and severity of addiction or mental health concern 
• Access to additional addiction recovery resources and support 
• Relapse history, previous attempts to get sober, and relapse prevention plans
• Support systems in place
• The type of living environment a person returns to post-treatment

All the factors above must be considered when determining the appropriate length of SUD treatment. However, another factor to consider is the type of program you enter. 

How Timelines Vary From One Program to the Next

Addiction treatment timelines will vary depending on the type of program you are enrolled in. For example, a detoxification program will only last a few days up to a week, which is why individuals must enroll in detox transition into a long-term treatment program. Meanwhile, outpatient treatment may last a few weeks to months, whereas participating in a 12-Step program could be indefinite. With this in mind, some other lengths of stay that will vary depending on the program include: 

• Inpatient or residential treatment: Typically lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 days and focuses on providing intensive, 24/7 care in a structured environment 
• Long-term residential treatment: Provides 24/7 care focused on treating severe addictions, but the length of stay can be much more extensive, sometimes lasting 6 months or more 
• Outpatient treatment: Can be short or long, varying from 6 weeks to 6 months. These programs are excellent for people who want to undergo treatment while living at home or do not require intensive treatment to establish well-being

It must also be noted that many individuals in an inpatient program may enter into transitional housing post-treatment. Technically, once an individual completes inpatient treatment, they will return home. Yet, when considering your length of treatment stay, you may want to remember the potential for transitional housing and add that to your timeline. These living arrangements also vary but can last anywhere from 3 to 12 months. 

Determining Which Treatment Program Is Right for You

So, if the length of SUD treatment will vary depending on the program, how do you determine the best program for yourself? The answer will depend on a number of factors. However, determining the right fit for yourself will require comprehensive assessments to: 

• Assess the type and severity of addiction 
• Consider the types of substances you are struggling with
• Evaluate the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions 
• Determine the level of care needed to treat these concerns 
• Review the treatment modalities and approaches most effective for your case 

Additional factors such as support system and environment, insurance coverage, accessibility, and personal preference also affect this important decision. 

Is There a Right or Wrong Length of SUD Treatment?

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong length of SUD treatment. Why is that? This is simply because treatment is an individualized process and recovery is a unique journey. The appropriate length of treatment depends on your needs, and no one should be shamed for requiring a more intensive, long-term approach to addiction treatment. 

Further, the process must not be rushed. The length of stay can impact your overall addiction recovery. The average stay at West Coast Recovery Centers is about 75 to 90 days but, again, it all depends. What is most crucial is that you take as much time as you can and as you need to heal and recover. Contact us to learn more about our programs and determine which treatment options are best for you, today. 

It is imperative to take action if you or someone you love is struggling with substance use. If left untreated, substance use will lead to further complications, the development of mental and physical health concerns, and can even be fatal. Recovery is possible, and the length of treatment does not have to be a barrier to your health and healing. The right treatment program can help you break the cycle of addiction, and you can access continuing care services even after leaving the facility. Call (760) 492-6509 to learn more about treatment, the length of stay, and West Coast Recovery Centers. Reach out and start your path to recovery today.