90 Day Alcohol Rehab

When you are considering rehab for your alcohol use disorder, it is important to know the specific timetable for alcohol rehab. In general, 90 days or more is a good length of time to spend in rehab, whether the facility is outpatient or inpatient. Consider the benefits of 90 day alcohol rehab and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Why 90 Days?

SAMHSA describes those patients who completed the “adequate length of stay” for outpatient rehab as those who stayed for the full 90 day period. Those who stayed for this adequate length experienced better results from their rehab treatment. Ideally, all rehab should last as long as necessary and be on the longer side if possible. But the NIDA clearly states that those who attend any type of addiction or substance use disorder rehab “for [fewer] than 90 days” will experience treatment that is “of limited effectiveness.” Even those who stay in treatment longer than this might experience more favorable results.

What Happens in 90 Day Alcohol Rehab?

The length of a rehab program has a lot to do with its effectiveness.

The 90 day rehab is available for patients who seek residential and nonresidential treatment. They will likely experience the same methods, however, as those who attend 60 or even 30 day alcohol rehab. These treatments often include medication that fights alcohol cravings and addiction, therapy that is usually both behavioral and group-based, and other types of activities such as yoga, arts and crafts, or exercise classes.

But the typical treatment types are similar to those programs of shorter lengths. So why is it often so important to attend at least 90 days of treatment? It is more effective for treatment to pass this mark and individuals who stay in it longer find that they have the lessons reinforced and their ability to go without alcohol lasts longer. This can be a very positive experience. Studies have shown that this particular mark is more effective than those that fall short of the 90 day period, but it is easy to understand why longer programs produce better results.

Other Possibilities for 90 Day Programs

Those who choose 90 day programs for residential treatment are going in for a long-term stay. Outpatient treatment centers have 90 day programs as well, but there are other possibilities for programs that last the same length of time. They are:

• Halfway houses or transition living “are designed to support individuals in the early stages of recovery [who] need this residential level of care and/or are homeless.” The “average length of stay is expected to be approximately 90 days or less” (DHHS).
• Sober living houses allow residents to stay, pay rent, and function as they would in society without being alone during this time. A resident will have a roommate, abide by certain rules, and may stay as long as he or she likes.

90 day alcohol rehab is considered the traditional mark for those with alcohol use disorders. Considering your needs, you may choose residential, outpatient, or one of the other 90 day options if this seems to fit you best. It is especially necessary that a person stay at least 90 days if it is his or her first time in a rehabilitation program.