60-Day Vs. 90-Day Rehab Programs: Understanding the Difference

Every year, thousands of addicts check into rehabs to try and treat their addiction and lead a healthy, normal life. Once you have taken that first step and decided it is time to get help, or if you are helping your loved one check in somewhere, you need to know some basic facts. Consider starting with a 60-day rehab program. Common questions include the following.

Why Attend a 60-Day Programs?

60-day programs have proven to be very successful for a variety of reasons. During rehab, you go through a 7-10 day "detox" which fills up a large portion of your stay if you are going to a 30-day inpatient program. Staying an extra 30 days will give you a longer period of time away from your triggers and enable you to think clearly and remember information throughout your program.

What is Included in 60-Day Rehab Programs?

As with most rehab programs, the 60-day program has a set schedule and amenities. At the most basic level, inpatient rehab includes a room, bathroom, 3 meals a day, individual counseling sessions, and group counseling sessions. You also have access to various activities provided by the facility.

Inpatient vs Outpatient

There are a few differences between these two types of programs. Inpatient is much more in depth, removing you from your triggers and old lifestyle while helping you overcome your addiction. Outpatient is great for those who do not have the time to be away from school or work for long periods of time. It can last anywhere from 30-120 days and includes group and individual counseling sessions multiple times per week.

Any type of treatment is better than no treatment at all, but you should do plenty of research before you settle on a rehab facility. Outpatient, inpatient, 30-day stays, and 60-day stays are some of the most common rehab options available.

Perhaps you want to consider a 90-day rehab program for a longer treatment. 

Considering a 90-Day Rehab?

Research has proven the rate of relapse is much lower with a longer program and the chance of a permanent solution is greater. There is more time to heal physically and emotionally after the detoxification process has been completed.

When an individual considers how to choose a rehab program they must think about which facilities will be covered by their insurance, the location, the pricing, the amenities offered, which facilities specialize in their type of addiction, and any recommendations made from their doctor or hospital. The individual must have confidence in the capabilities of their rehab to succeed in breaking their addiction.

The first week of treatment is about detoxification and most people have difficulty focusing during their last week. The additional time will immerse an individual in the treatment activities so they can learn and understand the techniques being taught. They can focus on resolving their conflicts and issues and what it will take to remain sober once they have left rehab.

An addict requires time to learn how to use recovery skills, manage relationships, positively resolve conflicts, and master personal discipline. This is only part of what is included in 90-day rehab programs. A break from temptations and demands relieves stress and helps a person understand their addiction and figure out what they need to do to remain clean.

What is included in 90-day rehab programs is a learning experience, a detailed education, and recovery concepts. Everything from relapse prevention to the effects of addiction are covered. The brain requires 90 days to be able to reset itself and recover from an addiction.

Websites such as AmericanAddictionCenters.org provide you with multiple tools to find rehab centers near you, as well as a "state funded" treatment guide. For more immediate help you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline, which is available 24/7 365 days a year: SAMHSA.