If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, you may be considering addiction treatment programs. There are a number of different types of treatment, including 30-day programs, a 60-day rehab program, or longer depending on the level of care you need.

Treatment length varies depending on the person, but some people may specifically be looking for a 60-day rehab program to establish a good foundation for long-term recovery. This article will help you understand what to expect in a 60-day treatment program and how to find the right treatment for your needs.

What Is a 60-Day Rehab Program?

A 60-day residential program offers supervised addiction treatment in a facility where people stay overnight for the entire 60 days. Having 2 months to focus on getting clean and sober may give people more time to work through the causes of their addiction and begin to establish new, healthy patterns of behavior. These programs often include a number of services such as detox, behavioral therapy, and continuing care planning.

Regardless of how long the treatment program is, it’s important to find 60-day rehabs or other lengths that offer individualized treatment that addresses the needs of the whole person: physical, psychological, medical, and substance-related.¹

As with other types of residential treatment, recovery continues even after formal treatment ends. An effective 60-day inpatient rehab program should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes aftercare, or continuing care planning.

What Happens During 60-Day Treatment Programs?

Treatment for addiction varies in intensity and will look different for each person. While services and programs may be more individualized, there are a few aspects of treatment that will likely be found in any 60-day program you attend:^{2, 3, 4}

Intake and evaluation. You will meet with a team of providers and together determine the appropriate level of care for you. Your treatment team will consider your physical health, co-occurring disorders, substances being used, and medication when creating a treatment plan.
Detoxification. Detox is the process of safely managing acute intoxication and withdrawal from substances. Withdrawal from some substances can be highly uncomfortable or even dangerous, so it’s important to never try to detox alone.
Accommodations for dual diagnosis. Dual diagnoses, or when a person has co-occurring physical and/or mental health disorders, require an extra level of care and concern. People may require medication to help treat co-occurring disorders, which requires the supervision of medical staff who are qualified to prescribe and administer medication.
Attend therapy sessions. Counseling is often a primary component of long-term drug treatment. After a person goes through the detox process, their 60-day alcohol and drug rehab program may include some form of behavioral therapy to focus on addressing the specific issues that may have contributed to their addiction and learn about how to identify and deal with triggers.
Active participation in mutual support groups. Engaging with support groups can help you develop a community of people who understand the struggles related to addiction and encourage abstinence and connection with others. There are several types of support groups with 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous being one of the more well-known. Research shows that attendance in mutual support groups may help a person maintain long-term recovery and abstinence.
Practice relapse prevention. As you continue in treatment through the second half of a 60-day program, you will likely begin to build upon the first month’s progress and start learning relapse prevention skills. This includes refusal skills, coping mechanisms, and how to seek help if you are worried that you might relapse. You may work on these skills in groups or with your therapist, as each person’s needs are different.
Continuing care planning. You and your treatment team will start creating a plan for how to continue recovery after formal treatment, or what step-down care you may need. This may include sober living houses, behavioral therapy, support groups, or outpatient treatment. Some people may it helpful to live in an abstinent environment after formal treatment to encourage their sobriety.

Types of Counseling Found in 60-day Programs

Addiction treatment programs often include behavioral therapy to help you establish a good foundation for recovery and better understand the causes of your addiction. The following are types of therapy that may be used in a 60-day program:

Cognitive behavioral therapy. Examining your substance use (including why you started using), developing refusal skills for future temptations, and working on coping mechanisms.

Motivational interviewing. Developing your own motivations to change and focusing on taking personal responsibility for your choices.

Motivational incentives (or contingency management). Earning positive rewards for remaining abstinent and meeting treatment goals.

Family therapy. Involving the family may help improve family communication and functioning and educate loved ones about addiction.

Why Choose 60-Day Rehab Programs

Choosing to seek treatment for a substance use disorder is an important first step in recovery, regardless of the length of time. Treatment lengths vary depending on the level of care assessed. If you are looking to begin addiction treatment, below are several reasons to consider 60-day drug and alcohol rehab programs:

Spend more time in a supportive environment. Longer durations of time in a supportive environment may allow you to focus more on recovery and create new patterns of behavior for a life without substances.
Focus on making positive changes. A longer treatment program provides more time to receive therapeutic interventions and make the psychosocial and behavioral changes necessary to dedicate yourself to recovery.
Practice recovery skills. Building new habits prepares you for potential relapse scenarios. You learn refusal skills and how to get help if you’re afraid you might use substances again.
Build your support network. You can develop a supportive network of peers who can become a source of encouragement for you as you work on maintaining sobriety, just as you can provide support and encouragement for them.
Potentially increase chances of remaining abstinent. The duration of participation in a drug recovery program may have a significant effect on a person’s recovery. Numerous studies have found that people who stay in treatment longer have better outcomes.¹

What to Look for in 60-Day Treatment Programs

If the level of care warrants a 60-day rehab program, consider the following when choosing a treatment facility:

Location. Is the program in an area that would benefit your recovery? For some, this means staying closer to home. For others, it means going farther away from everyday environments.
Staff. Check that staff and the facility are certified and/or credentialed to provide addiction treatment care. A confident and supportive staff can put you at ease and make recovery a better experience.
Cost. Discuss cost with representatives from the 60-day rehab facility and ask if they offer payment plans, financing, income-based pricing, scholarships, or accept insurance.
Aftercare or continuing care. What type of aftercare, if any, does the program offer? The 60-day programs you choose should offer aftercare planning to assist you in making a plan for when you leave the facility.

Find a 60-Day Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and want to know more about treatment and 60-day rehab programs, contact one of American Addiction Centers’ caring admissions navigators at to discuss your options at an AAC facility. They are available 24/7 to take your call on a confidential line and offer information about our facilities, check your insurance coverage, and provide additional resources about treatment and addiction.

60-Day Rehab Program for Addiction Treatment