How Long Does Rehab for Prescription Drugs Take?

Recovering from prescription drug addiction isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. People often want to know how long rehab for prescription drugs takes, but the answer depends on several personal factors. Each journey is different. Some people need a few weeks of structured support. Others benefit from months of therapy, medical care, and aftercare planning.

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, understanding the timeline of prescription drug rehabilitation can help set realistic expectations and offer peace of mind.

Why Is Prescription Drug Rehab Needed?

Prescription drugs—like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants—can be helpful when taken as prescribed. But when misused or taken for long periods, they can lead to dependence, addiction, and dangerous health effects.

Rehab for prescription drugs gives individuals a safe space to heal physically and emotionally. It includes medical detox, therapy, education, relapse prevention, and continued support. The goal is not only to stop drug use but to rebuild a healthy, balanced life.

What Affects the Length of Prescription Drug Rehabilitation?

The duration of treatment varies based on individual needs. 

Several factors affect how long someone stays in rehab:

• Type of Drug Used: Opioids, benzos, or stimulants all impact the brain and body differently.
• Severity of Addiction: People who have been using for a longer time or in high amounts may require more intensive care.
• Mental Health Conditions: Co-occurring disorders, like depression or anxiety, often require integrated treatment.
• Medical History: Chronic pain, past surgeries, or other conditions can impact the pace of recovery.
• Support System: Those with strong family and community support may feel more confident transitioning to outpatient care sooner.

General Timelines for Rehab

While every case is unique, most rehab programs follow a general timeline with overlapping stages.

1. Medical Detox (5 to 10 Days)

The first step in most prescription drug rehab programs is detox. This process clears the body of drugs under medical supervision. Withdrawal from prescription drugs—especially opioids or benzodiazepines—can be difficult and even dangerous without support. At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we provide 24/7 care during detox in collaboration with our partners to ensure clients’ safety and comfort.

2. Inpatient or Residential Treatment (30 to 90 Days)

After detox, many individuals move into residential rehab. This phase focuses on establishing healthy routines, developing coping skills, and attending therapy daily. A typical inpatient program lasts 30 to 60 days, but some may extend to 90 days or more, depending on progress and needs.

During this time, individuals attend individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and educational sessions. They also work on relapse prevention strategies and explore the root causes of their substance use.

3. Outpatient Treatment (1 to 6 Months or More)

These programs are ideal for people stepping down from inpatient care or those with mild to moderate substance use who don’t need 24/7 supervision. Outpatient rehab for prescription drugs includes therapy sessions during the day while clients return home afterward.

Some attend outpatient care a few times a week, while others join intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) with more frequent sessions. This phase can last several months and often overlaps with return-to-work planning or school reintegration.

4. Aftercare and Long-Term Support (Ongoing)

Recovery doesn’t end when formal treatment stops. Ongoing support helps prevent relapse and keeps individuals grounded in their healing journey. 

Aftercare may include:

• Weekly or monthly therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Support groups (12-step or non-12-step)
• Alumni programs or check-ins

Many people continue some form of aftercare for six months to a year or longer, depending on their comfort level and life situation.

Why Rushing Recovery Doesn’t Work

Prescription drug rehabilitation is about more than just quitting a substance. It’s about healing trauma, building new habits, repairing relationships, and developing a lifestyle that supports sobriety. Rushing the process often leads to incomplete healing—and a higher chance of relapse.

Everyone progresses at their own pace. A person may feel ready to leave treatment after 30 days, while another might need 90 days or more to feel stable. At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we tailor every program to the individual, not the calendar.

What Makes Rehab at Massachusetts Center for Addiction Different?

Our Quincy, MA treatment center provides a full continuum of care. We don’t just help people quit prescription drugs—we help them stay off for good. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Customized Treatment Plans: Each client receives a personalized recovery path tailored to their unique history, goals, and needs.
• Dual Diagnosis Support: We treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions alongside substance use.
• Medical Supervision: Detox and medication management are available when needed.
• Evidence-Based Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches are core to our program.
• Family Involvement: We offer education and therapy sessions to rebuild healthy family dynamics.
• Ongoing Support: Clients can transition from inpatient to outpatient care seamlessly and continue with alumni services after completing treatment.

Finding the Right Time Frame for You

If you’re wondering how long rehab for prescription drugs takes, the real answer is: as long as you need. Some people benefit from a short-term program followed by outpatient care, while others require long-term residential treatment. What matters most is finding a program that fits your life—and sticking with it.

It’s never too late to get help. Whether you’re struggling with opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulant medications, recovery is possible with the right guidance.

Start Your Recovery Today

At Massachusetts Center for Addiction in Quincy, MA, we’re here to support you at every step. From detox to outpatient rehab, we offer expert care for prescription drug addiction in a compassionate, non-judgmental setting.

If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step, don’t wait. Contact us to discover your treatment options and begin building a better future today.

FAQs About The Length of Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

1. How long does rehab for prescription drug addiction take?

Rehab for prescription drug addiction can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days or more, depending on the individual’s needs. Some people benefit from short-term programs, while others require several months of therapy, aftercare, and ongoing support for lasting recovery.

2. What factors affect the length of prescription drug rehab?

The type of drug used, severity of addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, and personal health history all affect rehab length. A customized treatment plan ensures recovery progresses at the right pace for each individual.

3. How long does detox from prescription drugs take?

Medical detox usually lasts 5 to 10 days. This phase helps the body safely eliminate substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants under 24/7 medical supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.

4. What happens after detox?

After detox, most clients continue to inpatient or outpatient rehab. This phase includes therapy, relapse prevention, and education about addiction. Many people then transition into aftercare programs for ongoing recovery support.

5. Is outpatient rehab effective for prescription drug addiction?

Yes. Outpatient rehab can be highly effective for those who don’t need 24-hour supervision. It allows individuals to receive therapy and counseling while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities.

6. Why does rushing through rehab lead to relapse?

Recovery takes time to heal both the body and mind. Rushing through treatment often leaves emotional or behavioral issues unresolved, which can increase the risk of relapse. Taking the time needed helps build a stronger foundation for sobriety.