How long is Maintenance Treatment for substance use?

Maintenance treatment for substance use is typically intended to help individuals manage their addiction over a longer duration after the initial phase of treatment. This phase focuses on stabilization and preventing relapse. The reference to "more than 21 days" highlights the idea that maintenance treatment often extends beyond an initial recovery phase, which is crucial for supporting those in recovery as they work to integrate skills and strategies to maintain their sobriety.

Maintenance treatment is not time-limited; rather, it is designed to accommodate the individual needs of the patient, promoting continual engagement with therapeutic protocols. This could mean participation that lasts for months, years, or even indefinitely, depending on how well the individual is progressing and their specific circumstances.

While some options suggest time frames such as 30 days or a maximum duration, these do not reflect the flexible and individualized nature of maintenance treatment. Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey; therefore, many practitioners adopt a long-term view that aligns with the understanding that substance use disorders typically require ongoing management to sustain recovery.