What Is Short-Term Rehab?

Inpatient rehab can span anywhere from 30 days, to 60 days, to 90 days and longer. Such factors of time will depend on the individual seeking treatment, finances, or the level of care they have received previously. A short-term rehab stay spans 28 to 30 days and provides hands-on treatment and monitoring. Individuals are able to receive levels of short-term inpatient residential treatment, outpatient treatment, or inpatient hospital treatment (or partial hospitalization treatment). Outpatient treatment allows those needing rehab to be fully engaged and immersed in the recovery process but is best for those with milder addictions.

Patients receive the same attentiveness and care from staff as individuals in longer rehab time frames with the same intent. Furthermore, short-term rehab can function to support those who want to recover from drug or alcohol abuse without the pressure of a 60 or 90-day treatment plan. Lastly, patients have the support of those also battling addiction and are able to connect with a similar community, reducing feelings of isolation during the recovery process.

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Short-Term Rehab Options

Short-term rehab includes inpatient residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization treatment. All allow for hands-on healing and the distribution of medication and monitoring from staff members. Inpatient residential treatment requires an on-campus stay for recovery in a 30-day period. Individuals stay on campus 7 days a week, and receive an array of treatments, stemming from detox services, to 12-step groups. Partial hospitalization treatment allows for individuals to stay between 5 and 7 days and offers patients care for addiction. Patients are in the hospital while they receive intensive addiction treatment. It can span up to 20 days for 4 to 6 hours a day.

Outpatient short-term rehab is ideal for those who are unable to fully commit to the short-term inpatient residential rehab option. They are required to attend once a day, where they receive therapy and medications. Each facility may vary, but outpatient short-term treatment can require 2 to 4 hours of attendance. After spending hours on campus, the individual can return to their everyday life, providing them flexibility and balance.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Short-Term Treatment

Like longer rehab stays, individuals go through the intake process and have the option of an alumni program once they complete the short-term rehab program. Treatment lasting 60 days or longer may be ideal for some, but 30 days of rehab can still provide a focus on the nature and motivation for someone’s addiction. Factors like not wanting to be away from family can be an additional factor in shorter treatment stays. Fortunately, short-term rehab options are covered by a variety of insurance. Lower costs can be a determining factor for someone to choose short-term rehab options.

Individuals can connect with peer groups and attend 12-step meetings in some facilities. Therapies are still available, along with medications and meal plans. Another benefit of short-term treatment is the intensity and the brief timeframe of the treatment program. Short-term treatment is more intensive and, due to its length, encourages those who are unsure or have a lower motivation to follow through with longer rehab programs to complete treatment.

A disadvantage would be someone needing longer treatment but not getting the extended treatment due to a preference for short-term treatment. Those who cannot take much time off from work may opt for short-term rehab. As a result, the treatment may seem ineffective if someone finds 30 days is not enough time to recover from a more severe addiction.

Treatments Available In Short-Term Rehab

Those in short-term rehab go through the detox process, which varies in length depending on the individual and their level of dependency as well as the specific substance. Additionally, individuals have access to types of treatments which will vary on the treatment facility. Some of these include:

  • 12-Step group meetings

  • Treatment medications

  • Group therapy

  • Individual therapy

  • Meal plans

  • Biofeedback

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Yoga or meditation

Facilities may offer additional services.

Costs Of Short-Term Rehab

Short-term inpatient rehab can cost between $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the facility, but is more cost effective than long-term inpatient rehab. Short-term outpatient rehab can be cheaper than inpatient, but will depend on the facility and other factors. Fortunately, individuals can apply for grants and scholarships in order to receive financial assistance, or apply for Medicaid and Medicare.

Other types of insurance can be combined with scholarships or Medicare or Medicaid. To find which scholarships or insurance can be applied for short-term rehab, contact a local Medicaid or Medicare office for more details. Additional grants for substance abuse can be found at websites like SAMHSA.

Explore Treatment Options Today

Those seeking sobriety have plenty of options to consider, along with various ways to aid in funding. If you or a loved one does not know where to start, contact a treatment provider to talk about rehab options.