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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

6-Month, 1 Year & 2 Year Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab Programs

6 Month, 1 Year & 2 Year Rehab Centers for Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance abuse disorder (SUD) is a chronic disease where relapses are common. It’s characterized by uncontrollable or compulsive drug-seeking and using, even when the user is fully aware of the harmful consequences. SUD can change the way the brain works, so professional, long-term treatment is typically necessary to prevent detrimental health effects and overdose and help an individual lead a healthy, independent life.1

Since 1999, about 841,000 people have died from drug overdose.2 In 2019 alone, there were 70,630 deaths caused by drug overdose.3 Fortunately, professional support and guidance are available at more than 15,000 treatment centers for drug addiction in the U.S.4

While the exact type of treatment depends on the person’s SUD and multiple individual factors, many individuals decide to go to one of the available long-term inpatient drug treatment centers near them due to the benefits such treatment offers.5

What Is a Long-Term Rehab Center?

Long-term rehab centers provide 24-hour care. They are a type of residential treatment facility and most of them have a non-hospital setting. This sets them apart from other inpatient programs, as many inpatient centers may involve medical help.6

Long-term rehab centers are intended for individuals who have recently stopped using addictive substances, such as drugs or alcohol, who have been medically stabilized, and are able to participate in structured treatment programs.7 

Regular residential treatment lasts 30, 60, or 90 days, but there are some short-term treatment options that last less than 30 days.6 On the other hand, treatment at long-term rehab centers can last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years.7

There are four regular types of long-term rehab programs, based on their length:7

  • 180 days rehab programs
  • 12-month rehab programs
  • 18-month rehab programs
  • 24-month rehab programs

180 Days (6-Month) Rehab Programs

If you go to an addiction rehab near you for long-term care, chances are you’ll be sent to the program that lasts 6 months. Along with long-term rehab that lasts 12 months, this is one of the most common types of long-term programs.6

Some 6-month rehab centers are known as therapeutic communities (TC). They focus on helping individuals that have battled SUD remain sober and go back to society. Other members of TCs, including not just professional teams that work there but also the residents, are there to help struggling individuals remain committed to their recovery.6 

The treatment at these rehab centers is highly structured, as it focuses on developing not just productive skills, but also responsibility and personal accountability. Many of these programs also include other types of services, such as employment training.6

12-Month (1-Year) Rehab Programs

12-Month rehab programs offer residential care for struggling individuals. In addition to treating addiction, these programs help users integrate into society after dealing with their SUD. As some people struggling with SUD experience changes to their brain structure, disorganized and unrealistic thoughts are not uncommon. Because of this, some individuals might require longer, more thorough care compared to regular 30, 60, or 90-day programs.8

Just like with 6-month treatment, 1-year drug rehab programs focus on helping individuals examine and identify the root causes of their addiction. Their goal is to help patients lead socially productive lives and change their destructive behavioral patterns.6

18-Month (1.5-Year) Rehab Programs

18-Month rehab programs may seem long for some individuals. However, they are a great choice for someone who relapsed multiple times, for people with some additional health problems, or for individuals with co-occurring disorders that can hinder their recovery.9 

These rehab programs are also common among inmates and their purpose is to support personal growth by modifying problematic lifestyles. Whenever possible, the patient should consider starting treatment while still serving their sentence because of the long absence of home, family, and work. Of course, if a patient was already at a 1-year rehab center but they experienced a relapse, they might be asked to continue with the 18-month rehab program, as well.10 

24-Month (2-Year) Rehab Programs

2-Year rehab programs are the longest form of long-term treatment. They have many similarities with sober living homes, as both serve as a way to help individuals rejoin society after their battle with SUD.7,11

However, while sober living isn’t as structured, 2-year rehab programs focus on therapy and treatment. Treatment options may include behavioral therapies, counseling that sometimes may include the patient’s family, as well as providing the patient with an aftercare treatment plan, if necessary.1

This long-term rehab program is the best choice for people with severe SUD and co-occurring disorders who need a comprehensive level of care.11

Long-Term Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment

While some people might use the terms ‘inpatient’ and ‘residential’ as synonyms, these are two different types of treatment programs, even though both require you to stay in a facility for the duration of the program.1

  • Inpatient rehab facilities offer a high level of care 24/7.1 Many inpatient facilities offer a hospital stay at a secure unit, making them a great choice for people with severe mental health issues or for people who have to be monitored constantly for their own well-being.12
  • Residential drug rehab centers also provide 24-hour help, but this is typically less intense when compared to inpatient treatment. These facilities have a home-like environment and usually don’t monitor their patients all day long. However, if the patient doesn’t respond to the treatment, they may continue with the treatment indefinitely.1,12
  • There are also outpatient therapies that consist of different treatment modalities and support groups, such as Families of Addicts Alcoholics. A person that has completed their inpatient treatment may continue with outpatient therapy.1

Long-Term Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs

Many people who suffer from SUD also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders. As such, there are many cases of people dealing with drug abuse and mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Another common disorder that goes hand-in-hand with SUD, especially in veterans, is PTSD.13,14

Dual-diagnosis programs are designed for people who need comprehensive help and treatment for both SUD and co-occurring mental health issues. In fact, most long-term rehab programs also provide dual-diagnosis treatment, as mental health struggles along with substance abuse are the most common reason why people need to go to long-term residential treatment.15

Which Treatment Length Is Best For Me?

How long a patient needs to be in treatment depends on their individual needs.16 In general, longer stays at a residential facility can prevent relapse and increase chances of recovery. However, staying at a rehab center for a long period of time can be difficult for some individuals if they have no access to their families and friends.16,17

Nonetheless, if you or your loved one struggle with addiction and a co-occurring disorder or long-term care might be a good idea. A good option would be to call a local drug and alcohol prevention hotline that might point you in the right direction toward a treatment center that could properly assess your situation.16

In addition to considering treatment length, there are some additional factors to keep in mind when choosing a facility:1

  • What types of treatment are employed
  • Payment options that are available to you
  • Type of care provided at a facility
  • The expertise of the medical staff and other workers.
  • Accreditations, licenses, and additional amenities

Does My Insurance Cover Long-Term Rehab Treatment?

Most insurance companies, including the largest ones such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare, will cover the partial or complete cost of long-term rehab treatment if such treatment is deemed necessary by medical professionals. As rehab can end up being quite costly, it’s important to explore different payment options beforehand.18 

There are plenty of private-pay facilities in the U.S., so treatment is possible even if you’re not covered by the insurance.4

If you’re unsure about your insurance coverage, specific treatment providers can help you with this. For instance, the admission team at American Addiction Centers can help verify insurance for you. Simply call the available helpline or fill in an online form and their team will provide you with all the information you need.

How to Find 6-Month, 1-Year, or 2-Year Rehab Centers Near Me?

While you’re probably looking for drug rehab centers near your area, it might be a good idea to consider traveling to get long-term treatment. Since you’ll be living at the treatment center for a long period of time, it might be worth going out of state to get the best therapy possible. 

If you want to go to some of the best facilities in the U.S., AAC can offer you:

For more information, you can reach out to AAC at any time and discuss your needs, expectations, and payment options. 

Frequently Asked Questions


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