Helpline information

Get Help Now

100% Confidential and free

800-923-9141

24/7 Treatment Help

800-923-9141
For immediate Treatment Help Call:
800-923-9141

Recover with us - We're here to help. 24/7 Treatment Help:

Trusted content

28-30 Day Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

Hand marking days on calendar to 1 month recovery

Published: August 14, 2023

Short-term drug and alcohol rehab programs, also called 28-day or 30-day rehab, are a common choice among people who need inpatient treatment for addiction.

Alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs are an immensely valuable healthcare service offered across the country. Substance abuse is a widespread problem, which leads millions to enroll in these programs every year.

Read on to learn more about this type of rehabilitation program including what to expect, who it is right for, and more.

About Short-Term Drug Rehab

Short-term drug and alcohol addiction programs are programs that occur over the course of 28-30 days. The length of the program will vary by facility and by your insurance coverage.

These programs are offered in inpatient rehab and residential treatment programs, but not outpatient programs. 28-30 day programs vary, so they may or may not include detoxification services.

Because short-term programs are inpatient or residential rehab, you will receive around-the-clock care and stay in a designated treatment facility throughout the length of your treatment.

Long-term programs can sometimes be inaccessible due to lack of space, which is why short-term programs are great for people who need intensive care immediately.

Types of Addictions Treated in 28-30 Day Rehab

Short-term inpatient programs are suited for essentially any kind of substance addiction as the care they provide can be tailored to individual needs.

Some addictions short-term programs may treat include:

While 28-30 day programs are suitable to treat many kinds of addiction, as a disclaimer, it’s important to note that short-term programs are meant to be a starting point for your recovery.

In other words, your comprehensive recovery plan should include follow-up care such as outpatient rehab.

Eligibility for 28-30 Day Rehab Programs

To be eligible for a short-term program, you must be able to live in the recovery center for the duration of your treatment. Some people may not be able to stay away from home for this period of time for various reasons and responsibilities, and should choose another option.

28-30 day addiction programs may not also be the best option for people with severe addictions. Some individuals may be best suited to enroll in long-term programs. It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure what level of care you need.

Types of Services in 28-30 Day Rehab Programs

Similar to other kinds of addiction treatment programs, short-term SUD programs offer myriad services.

Detox Programs

Some short-term programs provide detoxification services. Medical detox programs help you undergo detoxification, a process that rids your body of any addictive substances still in your system.

In addition to getting rid of substances, detox services can also help you manage withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and monitor your vitals to make sure you are detoxing safely.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment, also referred to as MAT, is a treatment service that uses FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone to treat addiction.

MAT is a very effective form of addiction treatment. In short, MAT uses medication to control withdrawal symptoms and cravings as you receive other treatment services throughout your care plan.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Another treatment service you may come across in a short-term program is dual diagnosis treatment. When it comes to SUD, many people also deal with mental health disorders, which are often the root of addiction. These are referred to as co-occurring disorders.

Dual diagnosis treatment simultaneously treats addiction and mental health issues as a comprehensive approach to rehab. It typically involves therapy alongside other services.

People who have anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders, bipolar disorder, and more may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a common treatment service seen in addiction recovery programs. It is talk therapy that occurs between an individual and a licensed professional.

The goal of individual therapy is to provide a space for the individual to express their emotions or worries and talk through any obstacles they encounter as they progress through treatment.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is similar to individual therapy, but just as the name suggests, it occurs within a group of people with addictions. Group therapy is great for people to share their experiences, stories, strategies, failures, and emotions with like-minded individuals.

In addition to providing a space to share one’s experience, group therapy is also fantastic for connecting with your peers, building a support system, and finding a sense of community.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a kind of talk therapy that focuses primarily on thought patterns and behavioral health issues that contribute to addiction. This type of therapy helps individuals reframe their mindset to change these patterns and reduce relapse.

Some common kinds of behavioral therapy you may come across include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Behavioral therapy is especially beneficial for people who have co-occurring disorders.

Alternative Therapies

While talk therapy and behavioral therapies are effective therapy options, many people may choose to try alternative therapies in addition to traditional therapy.

Alternative therapies vary quite a bit, but they typically involve some kind of activity.

Some examples include:

  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Adventure therapy
  • Yoga therapy
  • Animal therapy

Relapse Prevention

Some 28-30 day rehab programs may offer relapse prevention services. Relapse prevention helps people learn tools and skills to avoid relapse.

A relapse prevention plan can aid people in learning what their triggers are, how to identify a relapse, how to build a support system, and in finding healthy coping mechanisms.

Aftercare Planning

Aftercare planning is a service that occurs toward the end of your treatment program. Aftercare is any kind of service you continue after completing a program to help reduce the risk of relapse.

For some people, aftercare may include individual therapy, support groups, or even step-down programs such as outpatient treatment.

What to Expect in 28-30 Day Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Short-term addiction programs vary, so you can expect some small discrepancies between programs. However, because 28-30 programs are offered as inpatient treatment, they typically follow a pretty regimented schedule.

Here’s an example of what you might expect in a short-term program:

  • If offered, you will likely start with detoxification to help you get through withdrawal. Typically, detox lasts a few days to a week.
  • You’ll be assigned a room, this is where you’ll stay throughout your treatment. Some treatment facilities offer private rooms while others provide shared rooms.
  • Your day-to-day schedule throughout the program will most likely be very structured with scheduled times for therapy, group therapy, activities, MAT check-ins, leisure time, and any other services you receive.
  • Toward the close of your program, you will likely meet with your treatment provider to go over your aftercare plan and decide on the next step in your recovery journey.

Benefits of Short-Term Rehab Programs

There are immense benefits to short-term rehab programs for people seeking lasting addiction recovery.

Some benefits may include:

  • Reduced risk of overdose
  • Reduced risk of relapse
  • Improved mental health
  • Improved physical health
  • Improved relationships
  • Improved academic or professional life
  • New connections

Again, short-term programs are meant to be part of a long-term recovery journey, so it’s important to continue treatment after a short-term program to truly see the benefits.

Cost of 28-30 Day Addiction Treatment Programs

The cost of a short-term addiction program will vary based on several factors such as your location, your needs, your health insurance, the facility you choose, and more.

However, there are general costs estimated for this kind of addiction treatment. On average, the cost per month for the cheapest inpatient program is around $6,000.

This can be an overwhelming number for many to hear, so it’s important to know that there are often several payment options for treatment. For example, financing options, payment plans, and even scholarships are offered at some treatment centers.

Does Insurance Cover 28-30 Day Rehab Programs?

Yes, some insurance companies cover short-term addiction treatment programs. In fact, some will only offer insurance coverage for this length of treatment.

It’s best to speak with a representative from your insurance provider to understand what your insurance plan will and will not cover. For instance, some may require you receive a diagnosis prior to enrolling in a program while others will require you choose in-network rehab centers.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rehab Pros and Cons

When it comes to choosing between short-term and long-term rehab, it can be tricky, as everyone has different needs based on their addiction, number of addictions, mental health issues, and how long they can commit.

That being said, some people may find that a long-term program is not right for them. In this case, short-term programs can be a great option for people with SUD. However, 28-30 programs are never the end goal in addiction treatment, but rather a starting point.

Addiction is treatable, but it cannot be cured, so recovery is an ever-evolving process.

What to Look for in a 28-30 Day Rehab Treatment Program

Choosing a short-term rehab facility can be overwhelming with so many options, so here is a list of what to look for in a 28-30 day program.

Intensive Care

It’s important that the short-term program you choose is intensive and well-structured.

Because treatment will take place over a short period of time, the care you receive should be more intensive than that offered in an outpatient program or a longer-term inpatient program.

Additionally, well-structured programs can help to ensure that you are receiving all of the treatment programs necessary for your individual needs.

Therapy Suited to Your Needs

Therapy is a huge part of inpatient treatment, including short-term programs. It is vital that you find a program that will address your individual therapeutic needs to help ensure you receive the most beneficial treatment.

For example, if you feel you will respond better to more holistic treatment rather than traditional therapy, try looking for a rehab facility that offers an array of alternative therapies.

On the other hand, if alternative practices aren’t for you, go for a center that focuses on behavioral therapies and other traditional approaches.

Certification and Licensing

Another essential factor to consider when choosing a treatment program is certification and licensing. Treatment facilities should have the necessary licensing to provide addiction treatment services.

Certifications and accreditations are another great indication of reliable treatment. Joint Commission accreditation, LegitScript certification, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation, and National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) accreditation are all signs of a high standard of care.

Additionally, looking to a center’s website to ensure they provide evidence-based care can also be a good idea.

Experienced Staff

Lastly, making sure that the treatment center you choose has experienced staff is a must. All staff should have the proper training, licensing, and certifications to provide the type of treatment you need. For example, staff providing therapy services should have licensing in this area.

You may also be able to get a handle on whether a center has experienced staff based on reviews and testimonials. Facilities with positive patient reviews can often indicate experienced staff.

What Happens After a Short-Term Drug Rehab Program?

After you complete a short-term program, it is vital to follow through with any aftercare plan you’ve devised with your treatment team. Again, short-term programs are not a stand-alone treatment, and should be just the start of your treatment plan.

Aftercare will look different for everyone, but some options include:

  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): IOP treatment is a step-down from inpatient treatment, but more structured than a traditional outpatient program.
  • Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): PHP is also a step down from inpatient treatment but is very structured. It requires people to attend treatment at a facility often for several hours up to five days a week.
  • Group therapy: Group therapy in aftercare is as described above as well as other support groups or 12-step programs.
  • Individual therapy: Individual therapy or counseling after a program is based on your needs whether that be behavioral therapy, talk therapy, or alternative therapy.
  • Continued outpatient MAT: You may choose to continue MAT on an outpatient basis. This will involve regular check-ins for progress and dose adjustments.

Find a 28-30 Day Rehab Program Near You

Short-term rehab programs are a fantastic option for the start of your addiction recovery journey. They offer a diverse spread of treatment options, have many benefits, and are suitable for most substance addictions.

If you or your loved one is ready to find a 28-30 day rehab program, give our helpline a call today for some additional guidance.

© 2024 RehabNet.com. All Rights reserved.