How Long Does Rehab Last in South Carolina?

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Before entering treatment, many people question how long rehab lasts. The answer to this question is not always simple. There are many factors that determine the length of rehab, such as the level of care, type of program, insurance coverage, and treatment needs. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to remember that no matter how long treatment takes you, it will be well worth the wait. Sacrificing a few months to work on yourself and your sobriety will help you craft a future of success, freedom, and recovery.

Levels of Care and Program Lengths

How long rehab lasts in South Carolina depends highly on the level of care and the type of treatment. On average, detox lasts 4-7 days, residential rehab lasts anywhere from 30-90 days, and outpatient rehab can last for three months or more.

• Detox – Medical detox centers in South Carolina combine medication and counseling to treat people who struggle with drug and alcohol dependence. Often considered the first step towards sobriety, detox involves clearing the body of drugs and alcohol and going through withdrawal. Even though withdrawal can be painful, it is a relatively short aspect of recovery. Most people only spend 4-7 days in detox. However, those with more severe addictions or long-lasting symptoms may stay in detox longer.
• Residential/inpatient – During this level of care, patients live at the treatment facility and are under constant supervision and care. Depending on the patient’s needs, insurance coverage, and specific program, inpatient programs usually last 30, 60, or 90 days. In most circumstances, longer treatment programs are preferred.
• Outpatient rehab – Outpatient rehab programs, whether it be IOP or OP, are generally longer than inpatient. People may participate in outpatient care for up to 130 days. With that being said, there are some exceptions. Some long-term programs provide treatment on an outpatient basis for 6 months to one year.
• Aftercare – Aftercare programs include, but are not limited to, sober living, alumni programs, individual counseling, and 12-step groups. People may stay in sober living for up to a year and participate in other forms of aftercare for several months, years, or for the duration of their sobriety.

The length of each of these levels of care can vary on a case-by-case basis. While short-term programs may be effective for some, many people need long-term treatment and aftercare. For a better idea of how long your rehab program will last in South Carolina, an addiction specialist can evaluate your needs and give you a rough estimate.

How Long Should You Stay in Rehab?

When you make the decision to go to rehab, the clinical team at your treatment facility will conduct a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation to diagnose your problem and develop a treatment plan. Your therapist or doctor may not be able to tell you exactly how long treatment will last, however, they may be able to give you an idea.

Ultimately, how long rehab lasts depends on a variety of unique factors. These include:

• The severity of your addiction – Addiction is a complex disease that exists on a spectrum. Some people have a mild substance use disorder while others have a severe substance use disorder. The longer you have been addicted and the more your addiction has influenced your life and your thinking, the longer you can expect to stay in rehab.
• Co-occurring health conditions – Nearly half of people who enter treatment for substance abuse also struggle with mental illness.[1] Mental illness can complicate addiction and the treatment process. If you are someone who struggles with mental health, you may be better suited for a longer stay in rehab.
• Past history with treatment – Between 40-60% of people relapse after treatment, however, that doesn’t mean everyone needs to start from the beginning.[2] If you are returning to treatment after a relapse, you may be able to benefit from a short-term program.
• Progress during treatment – Everyone is unique and heals at their own rate. It may take you longer to grasp certain ideas compared to your peers. During treatment, you will meet with your primary therapist regularly who will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan to better help you meet your goals. Individualized treatment plans are the most effective, but they also make it impossible to say exactly how long rehab will last.

In the end, it is best to focus on your personal healing and the quality of your care than it is to focus on the length of rehab. Ultimately, your brief rehab stay will seem minuscule when it comes to the remainder of your life in sobriety.

Advantages of Long-Term Rehab Programs

Studies show that longer treatment stays often result in better treatment outcomes. In fact, research suggests most people who struggle with addiction need at least 3 months of treatment.[3] People who rush their way through rehab may not learn all the skills they need to stay sober or be prepared to stay sober outside of a treatment setting. Others who leave rehab early do so before they are prepared to cope with triggers and prevent relapse.

Long-term rehab programs that last 90 days or more provide continuous care and support to patients, increasing their chances of staying sober after treatment. It also separates you from people, places, and things that may trigger substance abuse. Moreover, the longer treatment lasts, the more therapy and healing takes place.

Benefits of Short-Term Addiction Treatment

While long-term rehab programs are thought to be more effective, not everyone has the luxury of setting aside 90+ days to go to rehab. Many people have young kids to take care of, a job that isn’t covered under FMLA, or limited health coverage that won’t cover long-term care. And, some treatment is better than no treatment, making short-term rehab in South Carolina ideal for people who cannot attend treatment for a longer period of time.

Short-term rehab programs, such as those lasting 12-30 days, are enough to introduce you to sober support resources, clear your body of drugs and alcohol, and create a relapse prevention plan. If you are concerned that the length of rehab will seriously affect your life, a short-term program may be right for you.

Start Rehab in South Carolina Today

As you can see, there are many factors that influence how long rehab lasts in South Carolina. The most important thing to remember is that recovery is not black and white. There is no way to guarantee that 60 days in rehab is enough for you to develop a solid foundation in your recovery. However, if you start treatment and leave against medical advice, your risk for relapse increases astronomically. It is best to dedicate all the time necessary to your healing and wellbeing rather than rushing to finish rehab.

Here at South Carolina Addiction Treatment, our custom-curated treatment plans address your unique needs – so no two treatment experiences are the same. We’ll make sure your individual needs and goals are addressed so you can succeed in sobriety. To learn more about our treatment programs in South Carolina or to begin your recovery journey, pick up the phone and give us a call today.

References:

1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
3. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment