Entering a recovery program is a big decision. One that impacts both your health and future. Once you make that choice, one of the most common questions is how long the process will take. Understanding the timeline of addiction treatment helps you plan for the journey ahead. At Great Plains Recovery Center in Tulsa, we believe that the duration of treatment should never be a one-size-fits-all number. Instead, it must be tailored to the specific needs of the individual to ensure a foundation for lasting sobriety.
For residents across the state, from the busy streets of Oklahoma City to the rural communities of the Panhandle, the length of care depends on several clinical and personal factors. This guide explores the different stages of treatment and what determines the right length of stay for your recovery.
Why The Duration Of Treatment Matters
The length of time spent in a professional treatment environment is one of the most significant predictors of long-term success. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that alters chemistry and behavior over years. Expecting these changes to reverse in just a few days is often unrealistic. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that most individuals require at least 90 days of treatment to significantly reduce or stop their substance use.
Treatment duration provides the necessary time for the brain to begin healing. During the initial weeks, the focus is often on physical stabilization and managing withdrawal. Once the body is clear of substances, the deeper psychological work begins. A longer stay allows you to practice new coping mechanisms in a safe environment before returning to the triggers of daily life.
Factors That Influence Your Recovery Timeline
Each person enters the Great Plains Recovery Center with a unique history. Our clinical team performs a comprehensive assessment to determine the appropriate level of care and estimated length of stay based on the ASAM Criteria. These guidelines ensure that treatment is as intensive as necessary for your safety and progress.
Several factors influence how long you might remain in a specific program:
- The Severity of Addiction: Those with long-term substance use or high-frequency usage often require more time for physical and mental stabilization.
- The Type of Substance: Certain substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, may necessitate a longer medical detox period due to the complexity of withdrawal symptoms.
- Co-Occurring Disorders: If you are also managing a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD, your treatment may be extended to ensure both the addiction and the mental health concerns are addressed simultaneously.
- Previous Treatment History: Individuals who have experienced a relapse after shorter programs may benefit from a more extended, 90-day residential stay to reinforce their recovery tools.
- Rate of Progress: Recovery is not a linear process. Some individuals may meet their clinical milestones faster, while others may need extra time to process trauma or build social skills.
Understanding The Continuum Of Care
Recovery at Great Plains Recovery Center is structured as a continuum. This means you may “step down” through different levels of intensity as you grow stronger in your sobriety. Rather than seeing rehab as a single 30-day event, it is helpful to view it as a series of phases.
Medically Supervised Detox
The first phase for many is medical detox. This stage typically lasts between 5 and 10 days. During this time, our medical team monitors your vital signs and provides medications to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. The goal of detox is physical stabilization, preparing you for the clinical work of rehab.
Residential Treatment
Inpatient or residential treatment is often the next step. These programs generally range from 30 to 90 days. During residential care, you live at our Tulsa facility and participate in a highly structured daily schedule. This includes individual therapy, group counseling, and family sessions. This phase is critical for breaking the cycle of addiction and learning the root causes of your substance use.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A Partial Hospitalization Program serves as a vital bridge between residential care and returning home. In Oklahoma, our PHP typically involves treatment for 5 to 6 hours a day, Monday through Friday. While you receive intensive clinical support during the day, you have the opportunity to return home or live in a sober environment in the evenings. This phase can last several weeks depending on your stability and support system.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The final formal phase of treatment is often an Intensive Outpatient Program. This allows you to resume work or school in the Oklahoma City or Tulsa areas while attending therapy sessions for a few hours several evenings a week. IOP focuses on real-world application of recovery skills and relapse prevention.
Standard Rehab Timelines And Their Benefits
While every plan is individualized, most programs follow established timelines that have proven effective in clinical settings.
30-Day Programs
A 30-day program is a common starting point. It provides enough time to complete detox and begin the first few weeks of intensive therapy. This is often a good fit for individuals with a relatively short history of addiction or those with significant professional obligations that prevent a longer stay.
60-Day Programs
The 60-day model provides an additional month to solidify new habits. This extra time allows for deeper therapeutic work, such as addressing underlying trauma or family dynamics. It gives the individual more opportunities to practice relapse prevention strategies under the guidance of our master’s-level therapists.
90-Day Programs
The 90-day program is often referred to as the gold standard for comprehensive recovery. Research shows that this duration significantly lowers the risk of relapse. It provides ample time for the brain’s dopamine pathways to begin resetting and gives the individual the strongest possible foundation before they fully reintegrate into their community.
Insurance Coverage And Costs For Oklahomans
The cost of treatment and the length of stay are often influenced by insurance coverage. At Great Plains Recovery Center, we work with most major insurance providers in Oklahoma to make care accessible. We also understand the nuances of state-specific coverage, including SoonerCare (Medicaid).
Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance providers are required to cover substance use treatment in a way that is comparable to medical and surgical care. This means that if treatment is medically necessary, your insurance should cover the recommended length of stay. Our admissions team provides a complimentary insurance verification to help you understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs before you begin.
Specialized Considerations For Oklahoma Residents
We understand that individuals traveling from the Oklahoma City metro area or rural parts of the state face unique challenges. Our goal is to make the transition to our Tulsa facility as smooth as possible.
Logistical Support
For Oklahoma City residents, the manageable distance to our Tulsa facility allows for family involvement in treatment while providing enough separation from home triggers. We coordinate transportation and scheduling to facilitate family visits. Family therapy is a core component of our program, as a strong support system at home is vital for long-term success.
Community Resources
We ensure aftercare plans are customized to the availability of resources in the client’s home county. Whether that means urban support networks in OKC or resources available through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), we connect you with the local tools you need.
Following discharge, we may recommend local peer support options such as:
- Oklahoma SMART Recovery meetings
Our Location
Great Plains Recovery Center is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While many of our clients come from the immediate Tulsa area, we frequently serve residents from Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and rural counties across the state.
Choosing a facility that is a short drive from home provides a healthy “geographic cure” by removing you from immediate access to substances and environmental triggers. However, our proximity to the major Oklahoman hubs ensures that your family can remain an active part of your healing process.
Great Plains Recovery Center 7210 S. Yale Ave
Tulsa, OK 74136
Phone: 918-731-3173
How To Compare Treatment Programs
When looking for a recovery center in Oklahoma, it is important to ensure they meet high standards of care. Look for the following indicators of quality:
- Licensure and Accreditation: Ensure the facility is licensed by the state of Oklahoma and accredited by recognized bodies like The Joint Commission.
- Evidence-Based Therapies: The program should offer proven methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Medical Supervision: High-quality programs provide 24/7 medical monitoring, especially during the detox phase.
- Individualized Care: Avoid “cookie-cutter” programs. The center should offer a personalized treatment plan based on a thorough clinical assessment.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: Recovery does not end when you leave the facility. A quality program will have a robust discharge planning process.
Start Your Journey To Lasting Recovery
Choosing to pursue drug treatment is the first courageous step toward reclaiming your life. If you are struggling with addiction in Oklahoma, you do not have to face this disease alone. At Great Plains Recovery Center, we provide the medically supervised detox and evidence-based clinical care necessary for a genuine and lasting recovery. Our team is dedicated to supporting Oklahomans through every phase of the journey.
Contact our admissions team today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you build a life free from substance use.
Crisis and Emergency Guidance
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time to speak with a trained professional. For immediate medical emergencies or life-threatening situations, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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