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What to Expect During 28-Day Drug Rehab Programs

1236 N Wabash Ave, Kokomo, IN 46901, United States of America

Curious about what happens in a 28-day drug rehab program? Let's explore what you can expect during this process.

When embarking on the journey

When embarking on the journey to recovery, entering rehab is a crucial first step. In the initial days, the focus is on detoxification, followed by a period of adjustment to the rehab environment, typically spanning the first 2-3 weeks. During this adjustment phase, individuals participate in both group and individual therapy sessions.


The goal is to delve into the root causes of addiction while equipping individuals with coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques. The duration of 28 days may seem fleeting. It provides an opportunity to grasp fundamental concepts of 12-step programs, relapse prevention, and understanding the nature of addiction. However, it might not offer ample time for comprehensive lifestyle changes necessary for sustained sobriety.


The Effectiveness of Rehab Duration:

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the duration of treatment is a pivotal factor in achieving lasting recovery. Research indicates that the majority of individuals require a minimum of 3 months (or 90 days) in rehab to substantially reduce or completely halt drug use. As a general guideline, extended time in rehab often translates to more favorable outcomes.


This doesn't imply spending the entire 90 days within a residential facility. Most individuals engage in a comprehensive continuum of care, encompassing 90 days or more in total. For instance, you may spend 28 days in inpatient treatment, followed by a month in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and the final month in standard outpatient care. This progressive transition allows you to apply acquired coping skills in real-life scenarios while still receiving crucial support.

Pros and Cons of 28-Day Rehab:

Short-term rehab programs come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks, necessitating careful consideration before making a choice.

Pros of 28-day rehab include:

  • Cost-effectiveness compared to long-term treatment.
  • Often covered by insurance plans.
  • Minimal disruption to work, education, family, and other responsibilities.

Cons of 28-day rehab include:

  • Inadequate time to address underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.
  • Potential for individuals to rush through treatment.
  • May not be sufficient for individuals with severe substance use disorders.

Extending Your Stay in Rehab:

It's entirely normal not to feel entirely prepared to leave rehab after a mere 28 days. Addiction is a multifaceted challenge that often demands prolonged treatment. If you believe you're not ready to depart after a month, that's perfectly acceptable!


The beauty of recovery programs lies in their adaptability. You should never feel compelled to leave a treatment program before you're genuinely ready. The ideal length of your stay is determined by your specific treatment requirements and the progress made during therapy.


If, as day 28 approaches, you and your addiction counselor agree that a longer stay would be beneficial, your treatment program can indeed be extended. Remember, the goal is your lasting recovery, and flexibility in the duration of treatment is a valuable asset on this journey.

By Evan Grimes October 2, 2023
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How Long is Residential Rehab? Residential rehabilitation offers a holistic approach to helping individuals overcome their substance use disorder. The duration of your stay in a residential rehab facility may vary, but the ultimate objective is to provide a secure and nurturing environment conducive to healing and recovery. The length of your residential rehab program depends on various factors, whether an extended stay lasting 90 days or more or a shorter-term stay of less than 30 days. Average Length of Stay for Inpatient Rehab Individualized residential rehab programs typically last between 28 and 90 days and are tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. However, most individuals tend to stay for less than 30 days. The length of stay is based on factors such as the individual's progress, severity of addiction and co-occurring disorders, motivation for change, and treatment plan. For some, a short-term stay may suffice, while others may require a more extended duration to address complex issues. It's worth noting that the length of stay can be extended beyond the initial plan if necessary. Additionally, many facilities offer aftercare programs to provide further support. Factors That Impact Rehab Length Several factors contribute to determining the appropriate duration for your stay in a residential rehab program, such as: Type and severity of substance use disorder: People with more severe forms of addiction due to highly addictive substances like opioids, meth, and cocaine may require longer rehab stays than marijuana. Co-occurring mental health disorders: Individuals who are dealing with the simultaneous presence of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD often necessitate an extended period of time to address both their addiction and mental illness effectively. For U.S. Military veterans, managing co-occurring complex PTSD may require a residential treatment program lasting 45 days. Similarly, individuals grappling with more pronounced co-occurring personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder, or schizoid personality disorder may require an extended stay in residential treatment due to the intricate nature of these conditions. Attitude towards treatment and recovery: Individuals who maintain a positive attitude towards recovery have a higher chance of receiving timely care compared to those who resist it. Continuum of care availability: If a facility offers a continuum of care, this can help reduce the length of the stay by providing additional support through outpatient and aftercare services. Drug use history: Individuals struggling with long-term drug addiction may require an extended duration within the facility in order to cultivate fresh coping mechanisms and establish healthier routines. This extended period allows for more effective management of co-occurring disorders. The support system at home: Having a supportive home environment, understanding family members, and understanding friends can aid a successful transition after rehab. Benefits of Long-Term Rehab It's essential to understand that the duration of a residential. rehab program is just a component of recovery. Opting for a longer treatment plan can aid individuals in making permanent modifications to their lifestyle and avoiding relapse. A prolonged stay allows for the cultivation of beneficial habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management techniques. In addition, availing of various programs, therapies, and services can enable individuals to identify the underlying causes of their acquisition of new skills to prevent relapse. Residential Rehab in Kokomo by Wabash Recovery At Wabash Recovery, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive care in a safe and supportive environment. Our residential rehab facility is located in Kokomo, Indiana, on a spacious property. Our residential treatment program is 28 days, but we also offer flexible residential treatment. Our flexible residential treatment program allows us to customize your residential length of stay based on your unique needs. Some patients may only need residential treatment for two weeks before switching to our IOP programs. Others may need to stay in residential treatment for the full 28 days but can step all the way down to IOP. This tailored approach helps us meet you where you are in your recovery. If you are interested in learning more about our residential rehab programs, contact us or get started on the journey to recovery today. CALL US AT 765-780-7689
By Evan Grimes September 25, 2023
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