How long is rehab for opioid addiction, and what can patients do to lay the groundwork for enduring recovery?

3rd February 2025 / Written by Harbor London

The opioid crisis remains a pressing public health challenge, with millions affected globally1. In the UK, opioid misuse – including prescription painkillers such as codeine, and illicit drugs like heroin – has led to a surge in addiction-related health issues and fatalities. 

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), drug-related deaths involving opioids accounted for almost half (46.1%) of drug poisoning deaths in recent years2. In fact, opioid-related deaths make up the largest proportion of drug-related deaths across the UK, with an average of 40 deaths per week3.

“Opioid addiction creates significant disruptions in the brain’s reward system. This makes recovery a complex, multifaceted process; one that requires tailored medical and therapeutic interventions.”

–  Shahira Kamal, clinical director 

Private drug rehabilitation offers a structured pathway to help patients overcome addiction and achieve sustainable recovery. This blog explores the factors influencing rehab duration, the phases of treatment, and how a whole-person approach can empower patients to reclaim their lives.

Know someone struggling with opioid addiction? Make a referral today → 

An analysis of opioids and their effects

Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with the body’s opioid receptors, reducing pain and inducing euphoria. Commonly prescribed for acute and chronic pain management, opioids include medications such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl4. Despite their therapeutic value in controlled settings, opioids carry a high risk of dependency5, particularly when misused for non-medical purposes.

Recreational opioid use – often involving heroin or illegally obtained prescription drugs – can escalate into misuse when individuals develop a tolerance, and require higher doses to achieve the same effect6. Misuse can frequently lead to addiction, often characterised by compulsive drug-seeking behaviour despite adverse consequences.

In the UK, opioid addiction spans various demographics7; even those in the upper echelons of wealth may develop an addictive relationship with opioids. The physical, psychological, and behavioural impacts of opioid addiction can be far-reaching and profound:

The effects of opioid addiction

Physical effects

Respiratory depression, gastrointestinal issues, weakened immune function, and heightened overdose risk.

Psychological effects

Anxiety, depression, mood swings, and cognitive impairments.

Behavioural effects

Impulsivity, social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities, and engagement in risky activities to obtain drugs.

 

How opioids interact with the brain 

Opioids exert their effects by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain8, triggering a cascade of neurochemical events. The activation of these receptors leads to a surge in dopamine levels, reinforcing pleasurable sensations9 and creating a powerful association between opioid use and reward. Over time, the brain’s natural dopamine production diminishes, leading to dependency and withdrawal symptoms when opioids are unavailable.

Chronic opioid use also alters neural pathways, impairing the prefrontal cortex’s ability to regulate decision-making and impulse control10. Additionally, prolonged use desensitises opioid receptors11, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects. This cycle of tolerance and dependence makes opioids highly addictive, and recovery particularly challenging.

How addictive are opioids? 

Opioids rank among the most addictive substances, with studies estimating that approximately 3-19% of individuals prescribed opioids for chronic pain become addicted to them12. Given that – with data from 2021 showing that over 1 million people in England were prescribed opioids for more than three months13 – the number of individuals at risk of developing opioid use disorders (OUD) is startling.

The combination of physical dependence, psychological cravings, and withdrawal symptoms – ranging from severe nausea to life-threatening respiratory distress14 – contributes to their addictive potential. 

Factors influencing rehab duration

The length of rehab for opioid addiction varies based on several factors, including the severity of the addiction, the chosen treatment programme, and the patient’s overall health and circumstances. No two recovery journeys are identical, and the following considerations often play a decisive role:

Severity of addiction

Patients with long-standing or high-dose opioid use typically require extended treatment to address the physiological and psychological damage caused by prolonged substance abuse. Academic consensus highlights the importance of individualised care plans15 to optimise outcomes.

 Type of treatment programme

Rehabilitation programmes range from short-term detoxification to long-term inpatient care. 

Whole-person approaches that address physical, emotional, and psychological needs are often the most effective16, combining medical detoxification with therapy, counselling, and aftercare.

Typical lengths of rehab programmes

Rehab programmes for opioid addiction generally fall into three categories, based on the length of duration, each with specific benefits and limitations. The choice of programme often depends on the patient’s needs, treatment goals, and available resources.

Short-term rehab (30 days)

Short-term rehab would be considered as lasting for one month or less, and focuses on stabilising patients through detoxification and initiating therapy. 

While this timeframe is suitable for individuals with milder addictions or significant external support, it may be insufficient for addressing deep-seated behavioural patterns. Studies suggest that patients who transition to outpatient therapy post-rehab often achieve better outcomes17.

Mid-term rehab (60-90 days)

Mid-term programmes offer a more comprehensive approach, allowing patients to engage in extended therapy sessions and develop deeper relapse prevention strategies. 

Lasting up to 90 days, this time period provides the necessary space to address underlying psychological issues and establish healthier coping mechanisms – crucial for sustaining recovery.

Long-term rehab (90+ days)

Long-term rehab is often recommended for individuals with severe addictions or co-occurring mental health disorders. 

These programmes provide a more immersive environment where patients can fully focus on recovery, usually in private and away from unwanted attention, benefiting from continuous support and structured routines. Research consistently demonstrates that longer treatment durations are associated with higher success rates and lower relapse risks18.

Phases of rehab treatment

While every individual’s recovery journey is unique, rehab typically involves three overlapping phases:

Detoxification phase

The detox phase aims to safely manage withdrawal symptoms as the body eliminates opioids. This process is medically supervised to mitigate risks such as dehydration, seizures, and severe anxiety. Medications like methadone or buprenorphine are often employed to ease symptoms and reduce cravings, enabling patients to transition to the next phase of treatment.

Therapy and counselling phase

Therapeutic interventions are central to addressing the psychological and behavioural aspects of addiction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, while Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) focuses on emotional regulation and stress management.

Aftercare and ongoing support

Recovery doesn’t end with rehab. Aftercare services, such as outpatient therapy, support groups (where appropriate for the individual), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), can all play a role in preventing relapse. Equally, a robust support network, and regular check-ins with healthcare providers, help engender long-term success.

The whole-person imperative 

At Harbor London, we believe that successful recovery extends beyond abstinence. Our whole-person approach integrates medical expertise with individualised care, addressing every facet of a patient’s wellbeing:

  • Medical care: comprehensive detoxification and ongoing health monitoring by experienced clinicians.
  • Psychological support: evidence-based therapies, including CBT and DBT, tailored to each patient’s emotional and mental health wants and needs.
  • Lifestyle interventions: nutritional guidance, mindfulness practices, and stress management techniques to promote whole-person health.
  • Confidentiality and discretion: a private, supportive environment that respects patients’ dignity and ensures peace of mind.

This curated approach empowers individuals to reclaim control over their lives, laying the foundation for enduring recovery and improved quality of life.

 

Make a referral today

Ultimately, opioid addiction is a complex, multifaceted condition that demands a comprehensive and personalised approach to treatment. 

At Harbor London, we offer evidence-based rehabilitation programmes designed to meet the unique needs of every patient. To learn more or make a referral, contact our dedicated team today.

 

References

  1. https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/publications/1331182
  2. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsrelatedtodrugpoisoninginenglandandwales/2022registrations
  3. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/expansion-of-life-saving-opioid-overdose-treatment#:~:text=Opioid%2Drelated%20deaths%20make%20up,misuse%20deaths%20registered%20in%20England
  4. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids#:~:text=Points%20to%20Remember-,Prescription%20opioids%20are%20used%20mostly%20to%20treat%20moderate%20to%20severe,the%20medicine%20to%20get%20high.
  5. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/opioids-risk-of-dependence-and-addiction
  6. https://www.ukat.co.uk/addiction/drug/prescription/opiate/
  7. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2022-to-2023/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2022-to-2023-report
  8. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.95.16.9608#:~:text=Rapid%20activation%20of%20the%20mu,to%20the%20development%20of%20addiction.
  9. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-an-addicted-brain-works#:~:text=Instead%20of%20a%20simple%2C%20pleasurable,it%20with%20the%20addictive%20substance.
  10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935861X19304991#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20neurocognitive%20model,dorsolateral%20prefrontal%20cortex%20(DLPFC).
  11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4270172/
  12. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/opioid-use-disorder#:~:text=Access%20to%20prescription%20opioids%20and,develop%20an%20addiction%20to%20them.
  13. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/reducing-long-term-opioid-use/
  14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22747535/
  15. https://fpm.ac.uk/sites/fpm/files/documents/2024-11/Opioid%20Optimisation%20-%20Nov%2024_0.pdf
  16. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2753680#:~:text=Findings%20In%20this%20systematic%20review,%E2%88%920.44%20to%20%E2%88%920.08).
  17. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6448765/
  18. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953621006213#:~:text=Several%20studies%20have%20shown%20that,a%20reduction%20in%20post%2Dtreatment
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