How Long Is Rehab?

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, you’re probably wondering: ‘how long is rehab?’ or ‘how long does rehab take?’ Unfortunately, there isn’t a straight-forward answer. That’s because there is no set timeline for how long rehab takes. Every addiction is unique, and so the time it takes to recover from a drug or alcohol addiction will differ from person to person.  

However, in this blog, we will assess the average duration of most alcohol and drug rehab programmes here in the UK, to shed some light on how long you or a loved one may be in recovery for. 

How Long Is Rehab? Average Treatment Lengths 

When it comes to drug or alcohol addiction, the amount of time it will take to recover will differ for everyone. That’s because every addiction is unique; some will be relatively new and moderate, whereas others will be more long-standing and severe.   

However, most inpatient and outpatient rehab clinics offer standardised treatment programmes which give insight into the most common rehab timeframes: 

Common Drug & Alcohol Rehab Timeframes 

Short term rehab programmes can last as little as 7 days. However, these programmes tend to focus exclusively on detoxification, which is the physical healing from addiction. Further rehabilitative treatment is usually required to treat the psychological causes of addiction for lasting recovery. 

Therefore, most rehab treatment programmes typically last between 14 days-28 days for more moderate addictions, and between 30-90+ days if the addiction is more severe. Here’s a breakdown of the most common drug and alcohol rehab timeframes: 

• 7-Day Programmes (Detoxification): This treatment plan focuses primarily on medical detox, the process of ridding the body of all harmful intoxicants built up during addiction. 

• 14-Day Programmes: These treatment plans typically offer both a medical detox and an introduction to rehabilitative therapy so the individual can start to recover psychologically from addiction. 

• 21-Day Programmes: These treatment plans typically offer a greater range of rehabilitative therapies than those found in 2-week programmes, for deeper psychological healing. 

• 28+ Day Programmes: These plans offer more intensive and comprehensive therapeutic treatment for addiction, for more complete psychological healing. 

However, as alluded to earlier, there’s no fixed length of stay when it comes to drug or alcohol rehab. That’s because every addiction is unique, and various factors will determine which length of stay is right for you and your unique recovery journey. 

Factors That Influence How Long Drug & Alcohol Rehab Takes 

When you first enter rehab, you will be assessed by a rehabilitative specialist who will take into consideration a range of factors before recommending a length of stay that supports your long-term recovery. Factors that impact how long alcohol or drug rehab will take includes:   

Severity of the addiction  

Some addictions may be relatively new, and resemble that of a mild dependency. These may only require an initial detox and light therapeutic treatment.  

However, others may be more entrenched, with a deeper psychological dependence that requires more comprehensive therapeutic treatment. 

Duration of the Addiction 

The longer someone has been misusing substances, the stronger the psychological hold of the addiction tends to be. This often makes recovery more challenging and requires a longer treatment period. 

The type of additive substance in question 

Different substances affect the body and brain differently. Some will only generate a physical dependence. This is most commonly the case with mild alcohol addictions, and so detox and light therapy alone might be enough here. 

However, other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, will lead to a stronger psychological dependence, which requires deeper therapeutic treatment.  

Any co-occurring mental or physical health issues  

Other health issues can easily impact a drug or alcohol addiction, often extending the amount of time it takes to recover.  

For example, mental health conditions like anxiety or depression are often tightly linked to addiction, flowing into one another and making recovery more challenging. Longer lengths of stay may therefore be required here for full psychological healing.  

Life responsibilities  

Life responsibilities, such as work or family duties, can also affect how long someone stays in rehab. Longer or more flexible programmes may be recommended to accommodate these commitments, whilst still allowing for full recovery. 

All of these factors means the amount of time it takes to successfully recover from a drug or alcohol addiction will be different for everyone, there is no set timeline. 

Here at New Leaf Recovery, we recognise that addiction rehabilitation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer bespoke treatment programmes tailored to the needs of our clients. We ensure you only stay in rehab for as long as needed to make a full and lasting recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction. 

Why Lengths of Stay in Drug & Alcohol Rehab Matters 

Staying in alcohol or drug rehab for the duration your level of addiction warrants is vital for long-term recovery. This is because coming out of rehab too early carries the risk of relapse, which is when the user turns back to the addictive substance after a period of sobriety.  

This can happen if the individual hasn’t given themselves enough time to fully replace substance-seeking behaviours with healthier coping strategies.  

They may have underestimated the impact of certain triggers or stressors upon rejoining society, or maybe they didn’t give themselves enough time to work on implementing healthier life habits.  

Choosing the right length of stay in rehab is therefore crucial, as it gives the individual the appropriate amount of time needed to work on relapse prevention strategies and make long-lasting changes to their lifestyle.  

Benefits of Longer Lengths of Stay in Rehab 

A longer length of stay in an alcohol or drug rehab allows for more time to be spent in therapy, which is crucial for healing from addiction’s psychological aspects. It typically gives individual access to a greater range of rehabilitative therapies, and allows for more sessions to be taken. Here’s the main benefits of longer length of stay here at New Leaf Recovery: 

2 Week Rehab Programme 

A 2-week stay builds on the detoxification period provided by a 1-week stay, with the main benefit being that clients gain access to a range of rehabilitative therapies that can lay the foundation for lasting recovery. By being introduced to therapies such as 1:1 counselling, group therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), clients can start to uncover the psychological causes of their addictions.

Clients can find out what stressors are acting as triggers for their addiction, and how they can manage cravings through effective coping mechanisms. The programme focuses on establishing a safe and supportive environment where individuals can slowly start to replace addictive thought and behaviours with healthier ones in a structured setting. 

Find Out More About Our 14 Day Programmes  

21 Day Rehab Programme 

Extending the stay to 21 days allows for more intensive therapy for more developed addictions. Here, clients gain access to a greater range of rehabilitative therapies. It allows for the integration of some holistic therapies into the everyday schedule, which may include meditation, art therapy, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

These allow clients to start replacing substance-seeking behaviours with healthier life habits. A 21 day stay also allows for the integration of additional therapy sessions for deeper psychological healing. It gives the clients the time to explore the psychological roots of their addiction in greater depth. They will be able to learn a greater range of coping mechanisms, and have more time to practice these so they can make fundamental changes to their lifestyle and thought patterns.  

Find Out More About Our 21 Day Programmes  

28 Day Rehab Programme 

A 28-day+ rehab programme offers the most comprehensive support available, although this programme can be extended if need be. It allows for the integration of all of the holistic therapies, allowing individuals to fully replace older, addictive behaviours with new, healthier life habits. It also allows for more intensive therapy sessions, allowing for a deeper exploration of the psychological, behavioural and emotional roots of addiction.

Individuals will be introduced to a range of relapse prevention strategies, and have the time needed to effectively practice and implement these into their day-to-day life. They will also be able to build up a stronger support network through more group therapy sessions, and have the chance to fully explore the benefits of completing the 12-steps programme. This immersive approach allows for deeper psychological healing for more severe addictions, equipping clients with all of the professional tools and techniques they are going to need to maintain their sobriety outside of rehab. 

Find Out More About Our 28 Day Programmes  

Aftercare & Family Support Beyond Your Time in Rehab 

Recovery doesn’t end the moment you leave a residential programme. That’s because recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction can be a lifelong journey for many. At New Leaf Recovery, our Rehab Aftercare service is designed to extend the progress you’ve made, helping you to maintain sobriety as you adjust back to everyday life.  

Family support is also woven into the recovery journey. Addiction affects loved ones too, so involving family through therapy and education helps build understanding and a stronger home environment for long-term healing. By continuing support beyond the typical 2-, 3-, or 4-week programmes, aftercare and family involvement ensure you never have to face recovery alone.  

How Long Is Rehab? Seek Support with New Leaf Today 

Addiction can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At New Leaf Recovery, our team is here to guide you through every stage of the recovery journey.  

Whether you’re just beginning to explore treatment or feel ready to take the next step, we’re committed to helping you find the alcohol or drug rehab programme that works for you. 

If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out today. A confidential and compassionate conversation could be the first step toward a healthier, happier future.