Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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People participating in 30-day rehabs live in an inpatient facility for about one month. They receive medical attention, attend therapy sessions and support groups, and learn about addiction management.
The goal of 30-day addiction treatment is to place people with substance use disorders (SUD) in a supportive and therapeutic environment. They live with other people learning to manage their addictions and have around-the-clock access to medical care.
The programs are ideal for people focused on and dedicated to recovery and sober living.
The environment is free of the temptation to use drugs or alcohol. People enrolled in these programs have access to the resources needed to support sober living.
Thirty-day programs tend to be strict during the early stages. Residents might be restricted from having visitors during the initial days and weeks, but eventually gain more freedom.
Thirty-day addiction treatment programs are considered moderate programs. They are one of the shortest duration programs available.
This type of rehab is ideal for people who:
These addiction treatment programs allow people with SUD time to focus on recovery without distractions and build a healthy foundation for sobriety.
However, 30-day rehabs are shorter than some other programs and don’t require as big of a commitment as more intensive programs.
Many find 30-day addiction treatment programs less intimidating than 60- or 90-day programs.
People reluctant to seek help for addiction might be willing to commit to a shorter, month-long program because they won’t be away from their regular lives for too long.
Thirty days is long enough to detox and learn sober-living strategies. It’s not an extended or long-term commitment that lasts several months.
In some cases, people choose to extend their stay in residential rehab. For other people, 30 days is enough to provide them with the strategies and education they need to live a sober life.
The benefits of 30-day addiction treatment programs include:
Anyone who is uneasy or nervous about rehab can get a feel for the experience without making a long commitment.
Thirty days is enough time to clear the body of most addictive substances. Detoxification from a substance decreases the risk of relapse.
Thirty-day rehab participants have around-the-clock access to medical care, as well as therapy and counseling.
Living with others who struggle with addiction allows participants to form lasting relationships with people for whom sobriety is a priority.
Substance use treatment programs provide general education on drug and alcohol addiction. Additionally, people learn about their specific addiction and how to cope with it.
Programs temporarily remove people from their everyday lives. They are free of substance use temptation and stress and can focus entirely on sober living.
Cons of 30-day programs include:
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Substance use treatment programs vary from facility to facility. In some cases, the only thing that is the same is the length of the program.
However, in general, 30-day rehab participants can expect:
Behavioral treatments provided in most 30-day rehab programs include:
Substance use treatment programs vary, but a typical day during a 30-day rehab stay might include:
Programs can be gender-specific, age-specific, or addiction-specific.
The cost of 30-day substance use rehab programs varies.
Most residential inpatient programs in the United States accept state-funded and private health insurance. Some programs are even state-funded or accept Medicaid funding.
According to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), all health insurance plans must provide coverage for behavioral and mental health treatment equivalent to the coverage offered for physical health.
The average out-of-pocket cost for someone without health insurance coverage starts at about $6,000. The cost can reach up to $30,000 for someone seeking addiction treatment.
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Determining whether a program at a 30-day rehab facility is right for you can be difficult.
If you’re curious if this type of program might help you, consider the following:
Do you still use drugs or alcohol despite the development of or worsening of mental and/or physical health problems?
Do you continue using drugs or alcohol despite it causing the development of or worsening of problems with friends and family?
Have you stopped doing things you once enjoyed and/or are you neglecting responsibilities to use alcohol or drugs?
Have you used substances in situations that could be physically dangerous?
Do you have difficulty controlling how much or for how long you use alcohol or drugs? Do you need more of a substance to achieve the same result due to developing tolerance?
Do you experience cravings first thing in the morning or any time you’re not using?
Have you tried quitting without success? Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop?
The only way to know for sure if you’ve developed an addiction to a substance is to speak to an addiction specialist.
A stay at a 30-day rehab facility can help you learn about addiction and develop coping skills for your addiction.
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There are several ways to find the right 30-day rehab program. For example:
One of the best places to learn about rehab facilities in your area is by conducting an online search.
Chances are your loved ones already know you’re struggling with addiction. If you aren’t sure how to get help, reach out to them and ask for assistance.
Your doctor can evaluate your situation and refer you to a specific facility right for you.
Many 12-step meetings are open to the public. Attending one is a great way to learn about your options and meet people who were once in your situation.
Once you find a rehab facility in your area, you can contact them and ask for additional information about their alcohol addiction program.
This and similar organizations can refer you to substance use treatment in your area.
Look for programs where the following are a priority:
There are no quick fixes when it comes to substance addiction. A 30-day treatment program is a short-term treatment that provides a solid foundation for recovery.
However, it’s not your only option for treating drug or alcohol addiction.
Alternatives to 30-day treatment facilities include:
Thirty-day programs are considered short-term. However, there are shorter programs that focus mostly on detox.
Some people enter programs for a few days or a week to undergo medically monitored detox. They might also get information about outpatient resources to help them with recovery.
Sixty-day treatment facilities offer longer and more intense drug or alcohol use treatment than their 30-day counterparts.
Treatment in 60-day programs include:
Ninety-day or three-month programs treat moderate to severe addictions. They offer intensive care.
Patients gain access to a broad spectrum of behavioral and medical therapies to treat addictions of all kinds.
Long-term rehab programs that last at least six months or more provide the most comprehensive recovery support.
In these programs, participants have time to understand the meaning behind their addiction. They learn new ways of living that support sobriety and have the tools needed to prevent and deal with relapse.
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