Pros and Cons of 90-Day Rehab Programs

Once someone decides to seek addiction treatment, they have to find which rehab program is best for them. Some trendy programs offer a quick 28-day program that can help with addiction; however, just like 30 days programs, they might not be long enough to address a complex disease like addiction. After noticing the inefficacy of these treatments, facilities started offering 60-day programs. But in the end, 90-day rehab programs became the gold standard for addiction treatment. 

What Are 90-Day Rehab Programs?

90-day programs are exactly what they sound like. Someone goes to an inpatient rehab facility or attends an intensive outpatient program for 90 days. Of those choosing 90-day rehab programs, only 17% of people reported relapsing in the following year. That’s in comparison with 37% of those in treatment programs for fewer days. 

What to Expect from Rehab?

One of the first goals of treatment is to help the addict discontinue substance use. Thus, when a patient first enters rehab, they will undergo a thorough medical and psychological exam. The purpose of these exams is to treat any psychiatric disorders or psychological problems. Additionally, this aims to rule out any underlying medical issues or identify if dual diagnosis treatment is necessary.

Inpatient Programs

Rehab offers a lot of structure, and the most rigorous programs are inpatient ones. Here, patients move into a rehab facility and are surrounded by others in rehab and the rehab center staff. Inpatient treatment programs are often an excellent choice for those who don’t have a safe and sober environment back home. 

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Sometimes, people’s addictions aren’t as severe, or they’ve undergone a detox program and are stable enough to stay home. Intensive outpatient rehab programs (IOPs) are there as a structured rehab program with more flexibility. They are sometimes known as residential rehab. In this recovery style, people have the flexibility to stay home and maintain responsibilities like work, school, and family. However, they do have the structure of attending meetings and therapy sessions several times throughout the week. 

Pros of 90-Day Rehab Programs

A more extended stay in rehab can be quite beneficial to those struggling with addiction. It’s well-documented that 90-day rehab programs can help people address their substance use disorder, and any co-occurring disorder presents more in-depth than shorter programs. 

• Ability to focus on recovery. The detoxification process from most substances extends for at least two weeks. That’s already half of the time people spend in 30-day programs. A more extended rehab program gives you the time to focus on recovery and actively learn the right mechanisms for recovery. 
• More time to focus on relapse prevention. Treating addiction is about addressing the core problem and learning how to cope with triggers outside of rehab. Skills such as interpersonal relationships, personal discipline, and conflict resolution are essential for long-term recovery.
• Provide a change of scenery. Often, people struggling with addiction are surrounded by a toxic environment. A shorter program doesn’t give them enough time to experience a breather from this scenery. 
• Better chances of building healthy habits. It takes our brains at least 21 days to start forming a habit and 90 days to consolidate these new habits. A shorter rehab program won’t give you enough time to learn and practice these new habits.
• Proven better outcomes. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people who stay in treatment for more than 90 days are 22-44% more likely to be employed in the following year. It also reduces their chances of relapsing. 

Cons of 90-Days Rehab Programs

Of course, 90-day rehab programs aren’t for everyone, and sometimes people can’t choose these programs. Although therapists and addiction experts prefer more extended rehab programs, there are some downsides to them.

• More expensive programs. The cost of treatment is often a vast barrier preventing people from seeking help for their addiction. The longer the program, the more expenses. Some insurance coverage won’t cover the entire length of treatment. 
• Conflicts with everyday life. Although we all wish we could do this, not all of us can press pause on our lives for 90 days. This issue is particularly common among females with children who can’t leave their homes for so long. It’s easier for students to take a semester off from school, but it might be impossible for those in the workforce. 

Is It Right for Me?

The decision to enter a residential treatment program is a major one that requires the entire family’s support and encouragement. Outpatient programs have more flexibility, so you can try to juggle both responsibilities simultaneously. However, when choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment, the choice is a very personal one. 

Ask yourself these questions to help you find the best option:

• Will temptations and triggers around the home, family members, school, and work interfere with your sobriety?
• Will social ties try to influence you back into substance abuse?
• Have you been unsuccessful in rehab before?
• Are you still physically addicted to drugs and alcohol?

If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, inpatient treatment might be the right option for you right now. A 90-day program can be intimidating and requires extensive support from your family and friends. Take the following quiz to determine if a 90-day rehab program might be the best fit for you.

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Alternatives to 90-Day Rehab Programs

Inpatient treatment is a common rehabilitation method for clients who require medical monitoring for detox or a controlled and drug-free structured environment. These programs require the client to live at a treatment facility twenty-four hours a day with a length of stay averaging between twenty-eight and ninety days.

On the other hand, if your therapist believes or feels you may not be ready for an outpatient setting, IOPs can be helpful. Intensive care with an outpatient setting can help those in recovery receive additional therapy sessions. IOPs also focus on other invaluable resources that will contribute to your long-term sobriety. 

There’s no doubt that both programs have benefits and disadvantages. The type of treatment someone needs will vary according to many factors and should be considered personal. Let’s take a look at the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. 

Getting Help

With so many alternatives for drug addiction treatment, it can be overwhelming. The most important thing is that you know seeking treatment should always be your north star. Substance use disorders can destroy your family and relationships, not to mention, they can lead you to a path of destruction that can be life-threatening. Don’t let drugs or alcohol win the battle. 

At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our intensive outpatient programs are top-rated among those seeking drug addiction treatment. However, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter treatment plans for our patients. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, contact us today to learn about our different treatment programs.

This is why our treatment programs aren’t compartmentalized into segments. Instead of 30-, 60-, or 90-day rehab programs, you can stay in treatment for as long as you need to get better. 

After a therapist evaluation, our clinic therapists recommend the best treatment plan that might incorporate a drug and alcohol rehab, partial hospitalization, inpatient programs, follow up with an outpatient program, and even suggest aftercare recovery solutions. We believe in doing whatever it takes to help you and your loved ones move past addiction and enjoy a full, healthy, and inspiring life. 

Stop waiting for the right moment and reach out today to learn more about our insurance policies, treatment plans, and more.