30-Day Inpatient Addiction Treatment

Entering treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is an exciting but sometimes scary step toward a better future. Knowing what to expect can help new patients alleviate some of their fears. This article will explain what is typically involved in a 30-day inpatient treatment plan and what happens upon completion of a program.

What to Expect in a 30-Day Inpatient Rehab Program

Addiction treatment is a highly individualized process, meaning one person’s ideal course for treatment may differ substantially from that of another patient. That said, numerous evidence-based approaches have been proven to help people of many demographics with different substance use and mental health histories find, and remain in, recovery.1,2

The ideal combination of evidence-based approaches and treatment settings varies between patients, so effective treatment centers like Laguna Treatment Hospital, our Orange County inpatient rehab treatment facility, take great care in evaluating each patient as they are admitted and outlining their unique path to recovery.1 Laguna staff understand that this outline should remain flexible, as concerns may arise necessitating adjustments in the treatment course.

There are several types of addiction treatment provided at Laguna Treatment Hospital. These include:

  • Medical detox.
  • Inpatient treatment with intensive medical supervision.
  • Residential treatment.

The addiction treatment process often begins with medical detox. This enables medical staff to observe and supervise patients as they go through withdrawal, administering medication or responding to emergencies if necessary. The length of detox may be adjusted depending on the patient’s needs. Laguna Treatment Hospital’s hospital-based medical detox program ensures patient safety through the withdrawal process.

Many people require detox to help them withdraw from drugs or alcohol safely; however, detox, by itself, is rarely sufficient for someone to achieve lasting recovery.1,3

Following detox, many require continued treatment to repair negative thought and behavioral patterns, acknowledge and address any underlying triggers associated with the addiction, and build the skills they need to avoid relapse.1,2 This is usually done in the rehabilitation treatment stage, not the detox stage, which can be performed in a variety of settings (i.e., inpatient drug or alcohol rehab, outpatient, day treatment).

Many forms of therapy will also typically be utilized in rehab to help patients better understand the issues behind their substance use, repair unhealthy relationships, and learn to recognize and cope with triggers. Common therapies used during 30-day rehab include:

  • Motivational interviewing.
  • Family therapy.
  • Group therapy.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

It is also common for rehab centers to offer alternative therapies in conjunction with the evidence-based approaches listed above. At Laguna, supplemental therapy methods include:

  • Yoga.
  • Meditation and mindfulness training.
  • Music and art therapy.

Medication is an important part of recovery for many (but not all) patients.1 Depending on the substances someone struggles with, the severity of their addiction, and other health concerns, medication (e.g., Suboxone for opioid addiction) may be administered to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.1,4 In some cases, the use of medication may need to continue well after someone completes 30-day rehab.4 Facility doctors and case managers can help patients arrange for continued medication utilization after treatment.

Is 30 Days in Rehab Long Enough to Treat Addiction?

This depends on the patient’s needs; everyone’s path to recovery is different, including the necessary length of time needed for treatment.1 No matter how long someone spends in rehab, maintaining recovery is something that people struggling with substance use disorders must work at their entire lives.

Some people require a longer period of rehabilitation than others to form a strong foundation for recovery. In fact, research shows that treatment is most effective when patients undergo care for 90 days or longer.1 Laguna Treatment Hospital also offers a 90-day promise: Patients who complete 90 consecutive days in treatment may be eligible for a complimentary 30-day program in the event they experience a relapse.

What Happens After 30 Days of Inpatient Addiction Treatment?

Woman in support group

At Laguna Treatment Hospital, case managers meet with each patient during treatment to outline an aftercare plan. Aftercare can range from staying at a sober living facility to attending 12-step meetings to attending regular alumni events. A good aftercare plan helps former patients maintain their focus on recovery and build a supportive and positive sober network.5

It’s common for some patients that complete a 30-day inpatient addiction treatment program to “step down” into a less intensive form of rehab, like outpatient treatment. This step down into another form of treatment may also be part of the patient’s aftercare plan.

Laguna Treatment Hospital also grants former patients access to the Recovery App, which enables them to:

  • Remain in contact with their peers in recovery.
  • Track recovery milestones.
  • Keep a gratitude journal.
  • Take part in wellness challenges.

Get Admitted to a 30-Day Inpatient Rehab Program

The admissions process often begins with some questions about how you’ll choose to pay for treatment and whether you plan to use health insurance.

If you have health insurance, it’s important to find a treatment provider within your care network. Laguna Treatment Hospital is in-network with many private insurers such as Anthem Blue Cross and Kaiser Permanente.

You can learn more about what your specific plan covers and whether it is accepted at our facility by filling out this confidential .

If you don’t have health insurance, or it doesn’t provide adequate coverage, there are still other ways to pay for rehab that are worth considering, such as financing. While treatment is expensive, it pales in comparison to the cost of continued addictive behavior.6

You can start the admissions process, ask questions about the care at Laguna Treatment Hospital, or inquire about your level of coverage as it applies to Laguna at any time by calling an admissions navigator at .

Does Health Insurance Cover 30 Days of Inpatient Addiction Treatment?

Federal mandates like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) require that most insurers provide some form of coverage for addiction treatment.7,8 The level of coverage provided for addiction and mental health services must be on par with those your insurer provides for medical and surgical benefits.

If you have health insurance, you can expect your rehabilitation treatment to be at least partially covered. The extent of this coverage, however, depends on the plan itself and where you choose to go for treatment. As mentioned, it’s worth taking the time to find a treatment provider that is within your insurer’s network. These facilities contract with your insurer directly, ensuring you’ll pay lower out-of-pocket costs.9

Admissions navigators for Laguna Treatment Hospital can be reached 24/7 at and can answer questions and guide you through the process, including helping you obtain preauthorization from your insurer or primary care provider (PCP).

Complete the confidential, HIPAA-compliant form below to see if your insurer covers treatment at Laguna Treatment Hospital.

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