Short-Term Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Addiction is a very common and serious problem throughout the country. In Mississippi alone, between 2017-2019, around 154,000 people 12 years old or older struggled with substance use disorder (SUD).¹ Fortunately, SUD is treatable, and rehab is covered by most insurance plans.²

When it comes to committing to rehab, some people may find it difficult to get away for an extended period due to financial, work, or family obligations. In these cases, short-term addiction treatment may be a more accessible option. If you are struggling with addiction and looking for help, starting treatment – in any capacity – is a step in the right direction. This page will go over what to expect in a short-term rehab program.

How Does a Short-Term Rehab Program Work?

Short-term rehab commonly refers to treatment that lasts about 3–6 weeks; however, this is not a rigid guideline and patients can stay in a treatment setting for a variety of program lengths, including month-long rehab programs, and 2-3 month inpatient and outpatient hybrid rehab programs. Treatment plans will differ based on an individual’s needs.³

Medical detox is very often the first step in a short-term program due to the significant discomfort and potential risks of many withdrawal syndromes, including those associated with alcohol, sedatives, and opioids.⁵ Patients in medical detox receive 24/7 medical support during acute withdrawal and may receive medications to help relieve discomfort and decrease the risk of severe symptoms and withdrawal complications.⁵

Though detox is an important part of early recovery, it is not a substitute for more comprehensive treatment for substance use disorders. Detox is often followed by further treatment because its main purpose is to address physical dependence and not the full spectrum of issues that led to a person’s substance use disorder. In an inpatient or outpatient rehab setting, patients learn to fix their unhealthy thought patterns build the skills needed to stay sober.³

Short-term inpatient and outpatient programs at Oxford Treatment Center employ the use of a variety of evidence-based treatments like behavioral addiction therapies in both individual and group settings, psychoeducation, and, in some cases, treatment medications to give patients the foundation they need to maintain their recovery long-term.³

At Oxford, treatment for co-occurring disorders is also a priority. Substance use disorders often co-occur with other mental health disorders, and per the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the best treatment for individuals who suffer from both an SUD and a mental health disorder is an integrated program that provides care for both issues at once.⁶

 Is Short-Term Rehab Effective?

Short-term rehab that utilizes evidence-based addiction treatment methods can provide a good start for someone attempting to get sober and remain in recovery.³ Longer durations of continuous treatment may improve recovery outcomes,³ so forming an aftercare plan for continuing care or following one form of treatment with another may be beneficial.⁸

For example, someone may commit to a short stay in an inpatient facility before transferring to outpatient care or into sober living to continue recovery efforts. Some patients in safe, supportive living environments may be able to begin their treatment with intensive outpatient treatment or partial hospitalization if inpatient rehab is not feasible or necessary.

Does Health Insurance Cover Short-Term Drug & Alcohol Rehab?

Yes, many insurance plans cover addiction treatment due to federal laws.² The level of coverage, however, will depend on the details of the specific policy. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires all insurance plans to provide equal coverage for addiction that they do for medical and surgical care.¹⁰

When using insurance to pay for rehab, there may still be some out-of-pocket costs. These may include copayments, deductibles, and co-insurance. Choosing an in-network rehab facility helps keep these costs at a minimum. ⁹

Oxford Treatment Center is in-network with many major insurers including:

• Aetna.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Humana.

Even with insurance, rehab can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to pay for rehab that make the costs more manageable, such as flexible financing or loans.

 Getting Admitted to a Short-Term Rehab Program

Starting addiction treatment can be overwhelming but knowing what to expect in rehab can ease some of the trepidation.

If you’ve lost control of your drinking or drug use, please call an admissions navigator at . Admissions navigators are available 24/7 to verify your insurance coverage and answer any of your questions about our programs and what a short-term treatment program at Oxford might look like for you or your loved one. You can also verify your insurance by submitting the confidential benefits verification form below. All you need is your name, email, insurance plan, and member ID and you’ll receive an email with information in just minutes.

Upon admission, staff at Oxford will tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs. It’s not too late to turn your life around.