Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab: 30 Day, 60 Day, & Long Term

How Residential Drug Rehabs Jump-Start Recovery

Inpatient drug rehab programs provide 24/7 care to patients who need intensive support for the best chance at breaking free from drug or alcohol addiction. Inpatient addiction treatment programs are structured to navigate detox and withdrawal symptoms, change negative habits with behavioral therapy, and find support and connection with group therapy and holistic activities.

While inpatient programs are generally more effective than outpatient programs, that success comes at a cost. Living at a treatment center for an extended period of time means taking time away from family, friends, and work, which is a luxury not everyone can afford. Inpatient programs are also more expensive than other forms of treatment.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of residential drug rehab, when it treatment makes sense, and how to pay for treatment if you decide it is the best choice for you.

What is Inpatient Drug Rehab?

Inpatient drug rehab is a structured, residential treatment program where patients live onsite for 30+ days while receiving 24/7 medical care, counseling, and holistic support to overcome substance use disorders.

The main benefits of inpatient programs are that they:

1. Have regular monitoring to safely manage the detox and withdrawal process
2. Provide intensive care to get you off your addiction quickly and effectively
3. Get you away from environments and cues that may trigger relapse
4. Give you strategies and a support network for long-term success

Programs usually run 30 to 90 days, though the length varies by clinical need and your ability to stay away from home for longer than a month. Inpatient is the second most intensive level of care, the first step down after medical detox. 

After the initial program has completed, patients will progress to lower levels like IOP or outpatient therapy for continued support while long-term habits are being built, gradually reducing frequency as needed over time.

Does inpatient rehab work?

Yes, residential rehab programs are a highly effective form of treatment for SUD. Studies show that inpatient programs often have positive outcomes than outpatient options, with success rates between 50% and 68% for those who complete treatment vs 35% to 45% for outpatient treatment.

Program completion rate is also an important factor in long-term success. One study found:

Compared to outpatient counseling and/or medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient programs often yield better results for people with severe substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions.

While MAT and outpatient care are effective, especially for opioid addiction, they may not provide the same level of daily support, peer connection, and structure that inpatient treatment offers.

While success is not guaranteed with any program, inpatient rehab (particularly long-term programs) provides the strongest possible foundation for recovery by combining intensive medical support, therapy, and life skills training when people are most vulnerable in the recovery process. 

What happens during inpatient drug rehab?

While no two inpatient treatment programs are exactly alike, most offer a core group of treatment services that are likely to include a combination of medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, holistic treatment, and life skills education. Here’s what to expect from a typical inpatient program.

Medications

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be offered as part of a resident’s treatment plan, particularly for alcohol, opiate, or benzodiazepine addiction. These medications are prescribed to treat withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings and/or prevent relapse. Methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine are commonly prescribed medications in these situations. 

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies focus on teaching life skills and coping mechanisms that help you change dangerous substance use behaviors. Therapy sessions may include individual, group, and family counseling. That said, some of the most common behavioral therapy techniques used during inpatient drug rehab include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Contingency Management Interventions
• Community Reinforcement Approach
• Motivational Interviewing
• Family Behavior Therapy

Holistic Treatment

Holistic methods of addiction treatment focus on treating the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of the individual to achieve “whole person” recovery. Methods include physical exercise, mindfulness-based activities, and spiritual services. Common holistic therapies for addiction treatment include:

• Massage therapy
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Spiritual services
• Guided meditation
• Art therapy
• Animal-assisted therapy

Life Skills Education

Inpatient treatment offers comprehensive care that equips you with the tools to succeed in life beyond rehab. This requires additional supports beyond addiction counseling and medical treatment. Life skills education addresses a full range of concerns that someone struggling with substance use disorder may face.

Aftercare support services may include:

• Vocational counseling: You may receive guidance for job searches or career path selection.
• Housing assistance: Staff can help you find housing that puts you in an environment to encourage recovery. What’s more, you may also receive guidance on obtaining financial assistance for housing.
• Educational counseling: Support staff can help you establish educational goals and provide guidance on how to pursue them.
• Nutritional classes: You learn about the importance of a nutritional diet and how to prepare and enjoy more nutritious meals.
• Peer support groups: You participate in a number of peer support groups while in residential treatment, including 12-step programs. Experts suggest continuing with this type of support  after completing inpatient treatment.

Think inpatient rehab might be the right fit for your or a loved one? Talk to someone now to learn more about treatment options.

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How Long Does Inpatient Drug Rehab Last?

How long rehab lasts will vary based on your medical need, financial situation, and ability to stay in an extended inpatient program. As a general rule, you can expect to spend 3 – 14 days in detox, 30 – 90 days in inpatient rehab, and 6+ months on ongoing outpatient therapy and check ins.

Common program lengths include:

• Inpatient medical detox (3 – 14 days): The shortest inpatient programs are medically managed detox, which may be anywhere from 3 to 14 days depending on severity of withdrawal symptoms and the specific substances being treated. 
• Short term inpatient (15 – 30 days): Programs lasting one month are a good starting point for alcohol and drug rehab. This is the shortest recommended time period for addiction treatment programming. By starting here, you can determine if a longer treatment program would be helpful. Additionally, since the length of stay is shorter, this type of inpatient rehab generally costs less and is usually covered by insurance.
• Long term inpatient (60 – 90 days): Longer inpatient programs allow you to dive deeper into the experiences and issues at the root of your substance use disorder. They also have the highest success rate, since you have more time to strengthen your sobriety skills and adjust to life without substances before you leave the structured environment of inpatient treatment.
• Hybrid programs (2 – 4 months): For many individuals, family, work, or financial obligations make it difficult to enroll in a longer-term inpatient program. Hybrid approaches provide the desired treatment in a slightly different format. For example, you may attend inpatient treatment for 30-45 days, then return home and continue treatment in an intensive outpatient program for another 30-45 days.
• Long-term recovery residence (3 – 6 months): Sober living homes or halfway houses offer transitional settings for long-term support. You live communally in a substance-free environment while continuing to work on your recovery. This step can be helpful for those who don’t feel ready to jump back into the “real world” after inpatient drug rehab.

Who Benefits Most from Inpatient Rehab Settings?

There’s a reason so many treatment options are available: rehab is not one-size-fits-all solution. Some individuals may benefit more from outpatient treatment due to particular life circumstances. For many, though, inpatient drug rehab offers the best chance at long-term success.

Individuals who are most likely to benefit most from inpatient addiction treatment include those with:

Severe addiction

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If you have a severe addiction, 24/7 supervision can provide the ideal environment. Staff helps you safely manage withdrawal, provides a structured, stable environment, and assists with developing a long-term recovery plan.

Triggering environments

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For some, staying at home and undergoing treatment is not a viable option. If you are surrounded by too many triggers, it makes recovery especially challenging. You need the drug-free environment of inpatient rehab to avoid triggers while you begin your recovery journey.

Dual diagnosis

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For individuals with a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorder, inpatient treatment may be especially effective, as it provides an opportunity to treat both conditions simultaneously in a controlled environment.

Intense withdrawal

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Depending on the type and severity of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. This is particularly important for alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opioid addictions. Inpatient care is designed to monitor and treat withdrawal symptoms.

Veterans

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Research has shown that veterans benefit from inpatient treatment programs compared to other types of treatment. One study of 300 veterans with drug and alcohol use disorders found that 90% demonstrated a preferential need for inpatient care,

Compulsory drug treatment

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Inpatient treatment can be an effective option for individuals in prison or who have received a court order to attend a rehabilitation program. Although results are mixed, in some cases, research has identified positive impacts of compulsory inpatient treatment on criminal recidivism and drug use.

Inpatient Rehab Vs. Other Levels of Care

While inpatient rehab programs generally see the highest rates of success, there are many reasons why other levels of care might be a better fit for your specific needs and situation.

Here’s a quick comparison of inpatient programs vs other levels of care.

Outpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab programs do have a slightly higher long-term success rate compared to outpatient programs, but that comes at the expense of having to spend a month or more away from home, which is something many treatment seekers simply can’t do.

Inpatient addiction treatment makes the most sense for those with severe substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, or unstable home environments. Situations where you need large-scale change from multiple angles to get an upper hand on substance use.

Outpatient rehab, on the other hand, is less intensive and well-suited for people with mild to moderate substance use. In outpatient programs you’ll attend therapy sessions several times a week but continue on with work, school, or family obligations. 

Inpatient rehab may be the best choice if:

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• You’ve tried and relapsed after outpatient treatment.
• Your addiction is severe, with high-risk behaviors or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
• You lack a stable, sober home environment.

Outpatient rehab may be better if:

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• You have strong motivation and a good home environment.
• You need to maintain work or family responsibilities.
• Your substance use is moderate and manageable.
• The cost of inpatient programs is too great.

Intensive Outpatient

Choosing between inpatient drug rehab and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs often comes down to the level of support and structure needed for recovery. Like standard outpatient treatment, IOPs offer flexible scheduling for individuals who can maintain sobriety with less supervision, but require a more intensive recovery regimen and more regular check ins with treatment providers.

IOP programs are a good fit if your addiction is severe and does not require medically managed detoxification, but you can’t make the full-time commitment that a residential program requires.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer another middle ground option between residential and outpatient care, with intensive daily treatment while still giving you the ability to return home to your own bed each evening. PHPs are just one step down from fully residential treatment, and the decision on which level of care is right often hinges on the need for more clinical support versus a balance of treatment and personal responsibilities.

PHP can be a good fit if your addiction requires regular medication monitoring or detoxification, but you can’t spend nights away to attend a full inpatient program. This approach allows for continued connection to family and friends while still getting access to regular therapy and medical oversight for serious addictions.

How Much Does Inpatient Addiction Treatment Cost?

The average cost of inpatient drug rehab ranges from $300 to $800 per day, or between $10,000 to $25,000 for a typical 30-day stay. This is the raw cost before health insurance or other forms of payment assistance are factored in.

The exact cost of the program depends on several factors, including the length of stay, the amenities offered, the facility’s location, and whether it’s a standard or luxury rehab center. While these programs are more expensive upfront, they provide round-the-clock care, structured treatment plans, and a safe environment for recovery, which can improve long-term outcomes. 

Compared to inpatient rehab, drug detox programs usually cost between $250 and $1,000 per day, but they are shorter in duration. Outpatient addiction treatment programs are more affordable, averaging $100 to $250 per session (sometimes multiple sessions per week), but may not offer the same level of support and structure as inpatient care.

Not sure you can afford the price tag for inpatient treatment? Payment options are available – call now to talk through your options.

Call A Treatment Provider

For a conversation about what treatment options are available to you.

Make a Call

800-985-8516
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How to Pay for Inpatient Drug Rehab

Many people worry about how they will pay for inpatient drug rehab. Fortunately, funding sources are available to cover some or all of the cost of treatment. 

Potential sources of coverage include:

Private Insurance

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all insurance plans offered in the ACA marketplace cover addiction treatment to some extent. It is considered an essential benefit. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires all health insurers to treat addiction with benefits equivalent to medical treatments. This includes medications, hospitalizations, and inpatient drug rehab.

Learn more about insurance for drug rehab & check if your provider will cover your treatment.

Medicare & Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs may also cover costs of inpatient drug rehab. For both private and government plans, coverage varies based on the plan terms, such as out-of-pocket maximums and relevant copays.

Financing and Payment Assistance

Many inpatient rehab centers offer sliding scale payments plans. These allow residents to pay only what they can afford based on their income. The center may also offer payment plan options that allow participants to pay for treatment over time at low or no interest.

Grants and scholarships may also be available through the treatment center directly or from non-profit organizations. These sources may pay for some or all of treatment costs.

Self-Pay Options

If you are unable to pay for inpatient treatment through an insurance plan or other coverage, your best bet is to self-pay for treatment. If the funds are not available on hand, a loan might be a possibility. Banking institutions offer personal and medical loans, or a trusted family member or friend may be able to provide a loan.

Keep in mind: inpatient rehab programs set their own policies on what methods of payment they will accept. Before enrolling in a program, it’s important to confirm which methods that facility allows.

FAQs

Are phones allowed in inpatient rehab programs? 

Most inpatient rehab centers limit phone use to help clients focus on recovery and minimize outside distractions. Some facilities may offer supervised phone access during designated times, but policies vary. It’s best to check with the specific drug rehab center for their guidelines. Learn more about phone use in drug rehab.

Can you work while in rehab?

Inpatient drug rehab typically requires your full attention, so holding a job during treatment isn’t usually possible. The structured environment is designed to help you step away from daily responsibilities, allowing you to focus on your addiction recovery journey.

Can you leave an inpatient rehab program?

Inpatient addiction treatment is voluntary, so you can technically leave at any time. However, leaving before completing the program can hinder your recovery process. Staff will discuss the risks and alternatives if you’re considering leaving early.

What happens after rehab? 

After finishing inpatient drug rehab, most clients transition to outpatient care, sober living, or ongoing therapy. Aftercare planning helps support long-term recovery by connecting you with relapse prevention resources, support groups, and community-based services.

Find Inpatient Addiction Treatment Near You

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, the right support can make all the difference. Use our rehab center directory to compare centers, review treatment programs, and find accredited facilities close to home. With just a few clicks, you can discover the best inpatient rehab options tailored to your needs.

Ready to take the next step?

Call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) now to get answers to your questions and learn more your treatment options.

Remember, recovery is possible. No matter where you are in your journey, seeking help is a sign of strength. Let today be the first step toward a healthier, brighter future where healing and recovery are within reach.

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Resources

1. Werb, D., Kamarulzaman, A., Meacham, M. C., Rafful, C., Fischer, B., Strathdee, S. A., & Wood, E. (2016). The effectiveness of compulsory drug treatment: A systematic review. The International Journal on Drug Policy, 28, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.005
2. Meta Addiction Treatment (2022, July 24). Does drug rehab work? Let’s look at the statistics. https://metaaddictiontreatment.com/does-drug-rehab-work-lets-look-at-the-statistics/
3. Ho, C., & Adcock, L. (2017, November 7). Summary of evidence. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507689/
4. Werb, D., Kamarulzaman, A., Meacham, M. C., Rafful, C., Fischer, B., Strathdee, S. A., & Wood, E. (2016). The effectiveness of compulsory drug treatment: A systematic review. The International Journal on Drug Policy, 28, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.005
5. Pub Med NIH. Admission criteria for inpatient substance abuse/dependence rehabilitation: implications for managed care. (n.d.). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8743643/
6. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Butler Center for Research. (2023, June). Patient outcomes study results. https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/research-studies/addiction-research/patient-outcomes-study

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