How long will it take my sister to finish an addiction treatment program?

lourdes r: How long will it take my sister to finish an addiction treatment program?
We’ve been thinking of having my sister undergo an addiction treatment program, but we’re wondering how long it will take her to actually finish it. I know that there are some which last for over a month, and some are even shorter. Are there any ideas?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Willie B
I know someone who was addicted to pain pills and went to one for 1 week and has been clean for over 2 years. He checked himself in and was ready to quit. I don’t think it matters how long a program is, if you aren’t ready to quit, you won’t.

Answer by crusader.rabbitt
It depends on what she is addicted to, and how long she has been addicted. It also depends on her motivation. All the rehab in the world won’t work if she doesn’t want to do it.

this site has some good information:

best wishes for you & your sister

Answer by edwina l
As in the case of other chronic illnesses, duration of addiction treatments varies depending on its severity. Some may take at least 30 days, and some may extend even up to 90 days. Of course, each treatment period should be identified after a rigid pre-examination to make certain the addict’s unique needs and limits.

Anyway, I am hoping for the wellness of your sister.

Answer by spababy606
Hi. It depends on which mode of treatment your sister will enter. A detox, depending on what drugs shes using can last anywhwere fron 3 days to 14 days (14 days usually for pill addiction) Almost always, after a detox, a rehab (28-30 days additional) will be offered to her but it should be made clear by either she or you that rehab after completing detox is desired to ensure continuity of treatment. There are also various treatment programs she can join such as therepeutic communities. They can last anywhere fron 6 months (short stay program) to long term 1 year to 18 months. They had a reputation for being militant and strict but many TC’s are not as harsh as they used to be. Their emphasis has been on behavior modification. Your sister may also find a different combinations of treatment may be beneficial. Some pts do well with a detox/rehab and then intensive therapy with either a therapist or a psychiatrist. Also attending meetings and obtaining a sponsor is beneficial. If she is opiate addicted,perhaps substitution therapy (methadone, suboxone, etc) may be of assistance. Know that whatever decision she comes to, she will need family involvement and support during this process. There is a high rate of relapse in addicts and those who are connected and have a strong support system have the best chances of maintaining abstinence from illicit drug use.

Answer by Aaron O
Is your sister willing to undergo a drug treatment program? If not then the discussion needs to go an entirely different direction. You cannot force someone into treatment, especially as an adult. If she’s under 18 you can force her, but she doesn’t have to listen. The program I work for is for adolescents and is a 1 year lock down treatment program for that reason. If she is an adult and doesn’t want treatment, all she has to do is leave, they can’t keep her there. I would suggest contacting an intervention specialist in your area. This is someone that can help your family make a plan for how best to help you sister make the decision to go to treatment. As far as when she goes how long it will last, depending on the addiction I suggest a minimum of a 28 day proggram followed by at least 6 months of outpatient counseling. It may be necessary to do an even longer program if her addiction is severe. Get you family into al-anon as soon as possible and call an interventionist to help you make your decision. Good luck and God bless.