How long does drug rehab take?

A step-by-step recovery timeline

If you’re thinking about starting rehab, one of the first questions you might ask is: how long does drug rehab take? And it’s a fair one.

Life doesn’t stop just because you’re starting treatment but knowing what the timeline might look like can help you feel more prepared.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of drug rehab depends on your personal needs, the type of substance used, your history with addiction, and whether you’re doing inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what a typical rehab journey might look like.

Step 1: Detox and Withdrawal (1–30 days)

Detox and withdrawal are part of the first phase of your recovery journey. It’s not just about getting substances out of your system, it’s about setting up a strong, supported foundation for the rest of your recovery.

This phase can last anywhere from a few days to up to 30 days, depending on your needs, your health, and the substances involved. With 24/7 nursing care and medical support, you’ll be in safe hands as your body adjusts.

Detox and withdrawal are important steps, but they’re only the beginning. From here, you’ll move into the next stage of your program, feeling stronger, more stable, and ready to keep going.
Need support specific to your substance? Learn more about our heroin, or meth rehab options.

Step 2: Inpatient Drug Rehab (30–90 days)

Once detox is complete, you’ll start rehab, a program where you get 24/7 support in a structured environment.

So, how long does drug rehab take at this stage? Most inpatient programs run for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on your individual progress and treatment plan. Longer stays are often recommended for more complex or long-term addictions or when dual diagnosis support is needed.

During inpatient rehab, you’ll take part in:

• Individual and group therapy
• Addiction education
• Skills building sessions
• Physical wellness activities
• Peer support
• Therapeutic approaches like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness

The routine helps rebuild healthy habits, and the support network gives you space to focus fully on recovery.

Step 3: Outpatient Care and Ongoing Support (weeks to months)

After inpatient care or in place of it for some people; outpatient treatment helps support the transition back to everyday life. You’ll live at home but attend scheduled sessions throughout the week, including therapy, group work, and relapse prevention planning.

So, how long does drug rehab take in an outpatient setting? It really varies. Some people attend a 4-week intensive program, while others stay connected for 3 to 6 months or longer, depending on how they’re tracking.

Step 4: Aftercare and Long-Term Recovery (ongoing)

Recovery doesn’t end when the program does. Aftercare is all about staying supported as you build a new, substance-free life.

This stage often includes:

• Ongoing counselling or check-ins
• Peer support groups
• Sober living arrangements
• Regular health reviews
• Strategies for managing cravings or triggers

At meth rehabs they typically work with you to create a continuing care plan before you leave, so you know where to turn if things get tough.

Whether you’ve gone through cocaine rehab, heroin rehab, or any other treatment path, long-term recovery takes time—and having a plan in place makes all the difference.

You don’t have to rush it

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed. Life is busy. You might be juggling work, family, or other responsibilities. But giving yourself time to heal isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

And you don’t have to do it alone. Call us today.