Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Since it’s not an easy obstacle to overcome, it can take some time to recover from addiction. That said, it is possible with the right support system, facilities, professionals, and commitment. There’s no set time in which it’s expected for an individual to recover from addiction. But, some factors can influence how long it takes for someone to achieve a sober lifestyle. The main steps in the recovery process include detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, and continuing aftercare. The journey is different for everyone, but here are some ways to gauge how long addiction recovery can take, based on your situation.

Timeline for a Detox

The path to addiction recovery starts with detoxification. Detox is a general term that refers to the body’s process of removing illicit substances and alcohol from the body. The time it takes for withdrawal symptoms to present themselves and subside is what usually encompasses a detox. Different substances take a different amount of time to leave the body, so it’s hard to accurately gauge how long it should take. On average, though, medical detox treatment can last up to four days, since this is when most acute withdrawal symptoms occur. To put the variation into perspective, detoxing from short-acting drugs usually takes a few hours for the process to begin and as little as three days to detox. But getting sober from alcohol addiction is different. It can take up to ten days for detox to occur.

Inpatient Rehab Timeline

Inpatient rehab can only happen after the successful completion of a professional detox program, which can be done anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. It depends on the individual and the substance. Inpatient rehab refers to the services that allow an individual to live in the rehabilitation center during treatment. In most inpatient rehab, you’ll have access to higher care and 24-hour support from medical professionals. Inpatient rehab may not work for everyone, but the rehab length makes it flexible. There are several options, depending on the severity of your addiction and needs. Some of the most common rehab lengths include the following:

30-day programs
60-day programs
90-day programs
120+ day programs

The structure of these programs is generally similar, with the duration being the only difference. A rehab center will assess an individual’s symptoms to determine which treatment length is best for their needs.

Outpatient Rehab Timeline

Outpatient treatment programs are for individuals who want to focus on getting sober on their own without completely giving up the services offered by the rehab facility. Most outpatient rehab programs will allow an individual to return home and work after receiving the services at the center. Though you still have access to addiction recovery services, outpatient rehab makes it more challenging to receive the same level of care the inpatient rehab offers because you won’t have 24-hour medical support. For patients seeking outpatient rehab, it’s crucial to surround themselves with a strong support system outside the facility to ensure that they stay on track with their recovery. When it comes to how long it will take to recover from addiction during outpatient rehab, it can take anywhere from 90 days to months and even years — in some cases, people continue treatment indefinitely.

Continuing Care After Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery is a journey, and continuous care is the only way to make it worth it. It’s important to remember that the following things are a given in any addiction recovery journey. Maintaining sobriety will be challenging, and relapse is often a part of recovery. If you can give yourself that support, you’ll find that the lows will be easier to get out of, and you’ll be able to bounce back stronger every time. Accept these possibilities, and you’re already on the right path. If you relapse, it may be time to:

Increase the frequency of your professional treatment.
Increase the number of appointments with your assigned medical professional.
Exercise a higher level of care outside of the facilities.
Switch your medication with the help of your medical professional.
Make some lifestyle changes.

During the continuing care part of addiction recovery, it is important to consider joining a support group that focuses on recovery-focused activities to help your journey go along more smoothly. While getting professional medical help is crucial, the sense of community with these support groups is an incredible supplement to your recovery. You can create your own support group with the help of loved ones or join already-established local community groups in your area.

Things to Note About the Body and Recovery

Substance abuse can be harmful to the mind and body, sometimes on a permanent level. The more an individual has been using substances, the more likely they may have severe damage to parts of their brain and internal organs. It’s best to get a medical check-up during recovery to assess the damage to the mind and body. This is mainly because substance abuse can also lead to the development or acceleration of certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s and some cancers. If caught early enough and an individual goes through the proper journey to achieve sober living, they should be able to reverse some, if not all, of the damage these substances have had on the body. Even if you can’t completely reverse the effects of a substance on your body, lessening the damage is still good.

Addiction Recovery Feels Hopeful at Ardu Recovery Center

The path to sober living can be arduous, but it doesn’t have to seem impossible. Get the treatment services you need at Ardu Recovery Center. Our Provo, Utah, facilities offer various treatment options to match your needs. From group to individual therapy and detox for various substances, you’ll find that the addiction recovery journey will feel hopeful when you start with us. Get in touch by filling out our online form or calling us at 801-872-8480.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Timeline for a Detox

Inpatient Rehab Timeline

Outpatient Rehab Timeline

Continuing Care After Addiction Recovery

Things to Note About the Body and Recovery

Addiction Recovery Feels Hopeful at Ardu Recovery Center

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