30-day rehab programs involve living at an inpatient treatment facility for one month while you receive a combination of therapies, classes, and interventions to help facilitate long-term recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. These month-long inpatient programs are a solid option for individuals who want the intensiveness and structure of inpatient care without having to make long-term arrangements for rehab. A 30-day rehab program can help build a foundation for a substance-free life before you transition into step-down care, such as an outpatient program or individual counseling.
What is a 30-Day Rehab?
A 30-day rehab program is a short-term residential program lasting for about one month. Much like other inpatient rehabs, you reside at the center for the entire treatment program. You have a regimented routine comprised of various interventions and treatment modalities, such as:
- Medical detox, if necessary
- Individual therapy
- Group counseling
- Family therapy
- Support group meetings
- Relapse prevention classes
- Drug education classes
- Medication-assisted treatment, if applicable
- Other recreational or therapeutic interventions
You typically aren’t allowed to leave the treatment facility for the entire 30 days. Depending on the rehab’s rules, you may be allowed to have visitors on certain days. There is typically little down time throughout the day and evening, as the program is a highly structured, intensive experience.
What Happens at One-Month Rehab?
When you first arrive at your 30-day rehab program, you will meet with a therapist or substance abuse counselor and receive a biopsychosocial evaluation. This evaluation examines all of the biological, psychological, and social factors that influenced your substance use and addiction. The treatment team will then use this assessment to create an individualized treatment plan, which takes you unique needs, history, and addiction into account.
Next, you may receive medical detox services, if deemed necessary. Medical detox involves 24/7 medical care, supervision, and oversight to keep you safe and comfortable while you go through withdrawal. Typically, medical detox is necessary for an addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives, and opioids like heroin. You will likely receive withdrawal medications to ease your symptoms and cravings, as well as symptomatic medications to address specific symptoms. You may also receive support care, such as supplements for nutrient replacement.
After you’ve finished detox, then you can begin working on the underlying issues that motivated your drug or alcohol use and learn valuable coping skills you can use when triggered or experiencing cravings.
Therapies Used at 30-Day Rehab
The therapies you receive at 30-day rehab will depend on your assessment, treatment plan, addiction, substance use and mental health history, and more. Examples of common addiction therapies include:1,2
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Your therapist and you explore the connection between your cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, such as substance use, and your therapist teaches you how to manage your thoughts and feelings to help prevent relapse.
- Contingency management: You receive tangible rewards, such as vouchers, for recovery-oriented behaviors, such as negative drug test resolves and positive participation in therapy sessions.
- Motivational enhancement therapy: Your therapist works with you to resolve ambivalence related to quitting drugs and alcohol and engaging with your treatment program.
- Interpersonal process groups: Within a group context, you and fellow patients have a safe space to recreate your past and examine the events and experiences that lead to substance use.
Sample Daily Schedule
Every 30-rehab will have a different schedule, but no matter which one you choose, you can expect a full schedule consisting of scheduled therapies, classes, meetings, and meal times. Here is an example of a daily routine during 30-day rehab:
- 7:00 a.m. Breakfast
- 7:45 a.m. Meditation
- 8:30 a.m. Individual counseling
- 10:00 a.m. Group therapy
- 11:00 a.m. Drug education group
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch time
- 1:00 p.m. Wellness and nutrition group
- 2:00 p.m. Alternative therapies, such as yoga or movement therapy
- 3:00 p.m. Therapeutic community group
- 4:00 p.m. Physical wellness
- 5:00 p.m. Dinner time
- 6:30 p.m. Support group meeting
- 7:30 p.m. Structured recreational activities
- 10:00 p.m. Lights out
If you are looking for a 30-day rehab program, we can help. Call our confidential helpline at 866-968-5444Who Answers? and one of our compassionate rehab support specialists can assist you.
Cost of 30-Day Rehab
The cost of 30-day rehab varies from facility to facility. Most programs accept state-funded or private insurance, as well as Medicaid. Other rehabs may be funded by the government or may offer scholarships. Meanwhile, some 30-day rehab facilities offer financing options, such as sliding scale fees, meaning you pay what you reasonably can based on your income, or payment plans, which allow you to break up the cost of treatment into smaller, more manageable amounts.
Chances are, your insurance covers 30-day inpatient rehab, although the extent of your coverage may vary. Some plans provide partial while others may cover the cost in full. You’ll want to check with your specific provider and plan. If you need help verifying your insurance, we are here for you. Call our confidential helpline at 866-968-5444Who Answers? to get started on your recovery journey.
How Effective is 30-Day Rehab?
Every rehab has different success rates and treatment outcomes. The effectiveness of your 30-day treatment experience will depend on many factors, such as:
- Your willingness to change and get sober
- The specific treatment program and approach
- The quality of your support system
- Your therapeutic relationship with your treatment team
- Your adherence to your aftercare or relapse prevention plan
- Your mental and physical health status
However, research indicates that about 40-60% of people of successfully quit using drugs and alcohol are able to remain sober and avoid relapse.1 However, even if you relapse, it doesn’t mean that your treatment program was unsuccessful or that you have failed. Addiction has a relapse rate similar to other chronic conditions, such as hypertension and asthma. And what determines success is going to be continual evaluation and modification of your treatment plan. This means that if you have a slip, you may need to re-enter rehab, change your current treatment regimen, or seek a different type of treatment. For example, if you’re currently attending individual therapy once per week, you may want to increase the frequency to five times per week or you may want to enter an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP) where you can receive more intensive care.
Additionally, research shows that most people struggling with an addiction need at least three months of substance abuse treatment to stop using substances and that longer durations of treatment are correlated with better outcomes.1 However, that doesn’t mean that 30-day rehab can’t be effective. It simply means that you will need to commit to your aftercare plan. Once you complete your one-month treatment program, you may want to transition into an outpatient program where you can continue building upon the skills you learned in inpatient care.
Find a 30-Day Treatment Program
Finding a 30-day treatment program doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re unsure where to start on your search, give us a call at 866-968-5444Who Answers?. One of our knowledgeable treatment support specialists can help you find a rehab that meets you needs, including your budget, desired setting, and preferred treatment approach.
Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (Third edition).
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2005. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 41.) 1 Groups and Substance Abuse Treatment.