FAQ: Length of Drug Addiction Treatment

Written by National Institute on Drug Abuse

4. How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?

Individuals progress through drug addiction treatment at various speeds, so there is no predetermined length of treatment. However, research has shown unequivocally that good outcomes are contingent on adequate lengths of drug addiction treatment. Generally, for residential drug treatment or outpatient treatment of a drug addiction, participation for less than 90 days is of limited or no effectiveness, and treatments lasting significantly longer often are indicated. For methadone maintenance, 12 months of treatment is the minimum, and some opiate-addicted individuals will continue to benefit from methadone maintenance treatment over a period of years.

Many people who enter drug treatment drop out before receiving all the benefits that treatment can provide. Successful outcomes may require more than one drug treatment experience. Many drug addicts have multiple episodes of treatment, often with acumulative impact.

Source: National Institute of Drug Abuse, "Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research Based Guide."

next: FAQ: What Helps People Stay in Drug Treatment?
~ addictions library articles
~ all addictions articles