One of the first decisions you will face when considering treatment is how long to go for. Rehab programmes typically range from 30 days to six months, and the right choice depends on factors like the severity of addiction, mental health needs, and personal circumstances.
Understanding what each timeframe offers can help you make a more informed decision, one that sets up lasting recovery rather than a short-term fix.
30-day programmes: stabilisation and early skills
A one-month programme focuses primarily on medical detox and the early stages of therapeutic work. For substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, medically supervised withdrawal is essential for safety and comfort, and this process alone can take one to two weeks.
Once detox is complete, the remaining time is spent learning to recognise triggers and developing basic coping strategies, often through approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). While a 30-day stay can be effective for people with milder substance use issues or those who cannot step away from responsibilities for longer, it generally does not allow enough time to address deeper root causes like trauma or co-occurring mental health conditions.
A 30-day programme works best when followed by structured aftercare. Without ongoing support, the risk of relapse increases significantly.
90-day programmes: where lasting change takes root
Research suggests it takes roughly two months to form a new habit and at least 90 days to integrate it into daily life. This is one reason many clinicians consider three months the benchmark for meaningful recovery.
A 90-day programme moves beyond stabilisation and into the deeper therapeutic work that supports long-term change. Clients have time to explore the underlying trauma, unresolved stress, or mental health challenges that often drive addictive behaviour. These co-occurring disorders are far more common than many people realise, and treating them alongside addiction rather than in isolation leads to significantly better outcomes.
Programmes of this length typically combine evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR with holistic practices like mindfulness, fitness, and bodywork. The extended timeframe also allows clients to practise new skills in a supported environment before returning home, which reduces relapse risk considerably compared to shorter stays.
6-month programmes: comprehensive recovery and reintegration
For people with severe or long-standing addictions, or those who have relapsed after shorter programmes, a six-month commitment offers the most comprehensive path forward.
These programmes typically begin with intensive primary care (detox and structured therapy) before transitioning into a step-down phase. During secondary care, clients maintain access to therapists and clinical resources while gradually taking on more independence. This bridging period is critical: the transition from structured rehab back to everyday life is where many people struggle, and a step-down programme provides a safety net during that vulnerable window.
The trade-off is time and cost. Six months away from work and family is a significant commitment. However, for those who need it, this level of care can be genuinely transformative, allowing new habits and coping mechanisms to become second nature rather than something that requires constant effort.
How to decide what is right for you
There is no universal answer. The right length of stay depends on your history with substance use, whether you have co-occurring mental health conditions, previous treatment experiences, and practical considerations like work and family obligations.
That said, the evidence is clear that longer treatment correlates with better outcomes. A 30-day stay became the standard largely because of insurance and work-leave limitations, not because of clinical evidence. If circumstances allow, a 90-day programme is widely regarded as the point where recovery skills become durable.
It is also worth considering location. Destination rehab programmes, where clients travel abroad for treatment, can offer a meaningful advantage by physically removing someone from the environment, people, and routines that reinforce their addiction.
Facilities like The Dawn Wellness Centre and Rehab in Thailand, for example, combine internationally accredited clinical care with the benefit of distance from everyday triggers, often at a fraction of Western costs. This makes extended stays of 90 days or more financially accessible in a way they might not be closer to home.
Whatever length you choose, make sure the programme includes structured aftercare. Recovery does not end when you leave a facility. It is an ongoing process, and the support you receive after treatment is just as important as the treatment itself.
