The original motivation behind the 28-day rehab was started in the 1950s. It was proposed by a medical professional to try to help patients who had been relegated to a mental ward for their seemingly uncontrollable abuse of alcohol. The 28-day path to sobriety was proposed, mostly in an effort to get them out of the psyche ward.
This model became an established norm. The 28-day concept even generated the idea for the plot of a motion picture released in 2000, using the concept as the film’s title. Because of this, the general public erroneously assumed that all rehabs operated only 28-day programs. The truth is, not all rehabs are 28 days.
28 Days? Not Always
As addiction to other substances began to surface, professionals realized that programs designed specifically under the 28-day format prescribed for alcohol did always work. Detox times can be vastly different for varied types of substances. The actual detox period can also vary for individual client situations.
Recovery professionals quickly realized that a rigid 28-day rehab requirement did not meet the immense variety of individual circumstances. For these reasons, today’s rehab programs vary in the length depending on the circumstances. Most adhere to specific calendar length, which may not always work. The legal system often places time requirements on the length of a rehab stay.
These court-ordered mandates are frequently based on punitive objectives, as much as they are designed to promote healthy recovery. The most important underlying principle when deciding on how long a rehab commitment should be, is specific to the drug of choice, including situational circumstances that should be addressed by a licensed professional.
While many 28-day programs still exist, there are other choices available. Many facilities include recovery programs that span 90 days, 6 months, even a full year. The only full-proof way to determine how long a person needs to commit to a rehab is to consult with a licensed substance abuse counselor.
Therefore, the answer to the question, “are all rehabs as 28 days”, would in fact be, no they are not. Choosing the right length of time you commit to a rehab is important. While a 28-day period is often deemed the standard, rehabs are not always that specific length.
Take into account the different program features discussed here as they pertain to programs using different time structures. If you have any questions, a member of our professional staff can help. No matter what length of rehab you select, when drugs or alcohol have taken control of your life, you owe it to yourself to make a call. Call Genesis House today at 800-723-0933
