What Is a 28-Day Drug Rehab Program for Heroin?

Written by: Editorial Staff

Last updated on May 23, 2021

A 28-day rehab program is one of the most common forms of inpatient treatment. These one-month programs usually include intake assessments, safe detox, group and individual therapy, and aftercare planning. In terms of effectiveness, 28-day treatment programs have the potential to help individuals overcome resistance to treatment, enable them to undergo detox in a safe, controlled environment, decrease the possibility of relapse, and increase their chances of continuing their productive lives.¹ However, this program duration may not be enough for everyone, particularly for people who have relapsed or have more severe addictions.² 

Although longer durations of treatment are often needed, the 28-day drug rehab is one of the most popular choices among those seeking treatment. This may be attributed to the fact that these programs are covered by health insurance more often than long-term plans.³ 

However, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to heroin treatment duration. The appropriate length needs to be determined based on the patient’s unique circumstances, although longer durations tend to have the greater recovery potential.⁴ 

Why Choose a 28-Day Drug Rehab Program?

Inpatient rehab for heroin addiction can provide individuals in recovery with safe medical detox, a supportive community, and a controlled environment that minimizes distractions. Because of this, 28-day and longer rehab programs are often the right choice for those battling a severe addiction.¹ 

During inpatient rehab, patients stay at the facility full time, under 24-hour supervision and care. Such facilities usually offer a controlled, comfortable, and compassionate environment, as well as a range of therapy options and amenities.¹  In addition to providing a safe detoxification process to those undergoing heroin withdrawal, inpatient programs also aim to treat the underlying causes of addiction, addressing both the patient’s physical and mental health.¹ 

The duration of treatment is determined based on the patient’s unique needs. Some patients may undergo short-term treatment, such as 28-day rehab programs, or stay at the facility for longer, often up to 12 months.⁴ 

How to Select a 28-Day Drug Rehab for Heroin

If you are considering 28-day rehab for yourself or a loved one, there are some common factors that you may want to consider, such as:⁵  

• Medical staff: Look for inpatient heroin treatment centers that are staffed by experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate medical and psychiatric professionals. 
• Treatment techniques: Good heroin rehab facilities offer a variety of research-based treatment options that often include safe medical detox, individual and group therapy, and tailored aftercare planning.  
• Amenities: To make the patient’s stay more comfortable and help decrease the risk of relapse, treatment centers often provide a range of luxury amenities, such as holistic therapy, physical exercise facilities, spas, and more. 
• Support groups/aftercare: The facility should provide you or your loved one with adequate aftercare planning and post-treatment support (e.g. in addiction recovery support groups). 

How Much Does a 28-Day Drug Rehab Cost?

The cost of 28-day treatment programs can vary depending on the facility and the specific treatment components, such as medical detox. On average, residential treatment may cost between $3,000 and $11,000 per treatment episode, although the price can go up to  $60,000 depending on the provider.⁶ Some or all of the treatment cost may be covered by insurance or paid in full by various government programs. 

While 28-day drug rehab for heroin can be costly, treatment is often less expensive than its alternatives. The cost of heroin per dose can range between $5 and $20. Individuals with more severe addictions may spend up to $200 a day for heroin, which can add up to as much as 70,000$ per year, not counting other considerations, such as increased healthcare costs, difficulties keeping a job, and legal troubles.⁷ 

Is 28-Day Drug Rehab Covered by Insurance?

Health insurance plans cover some forms of heroin addiction treatment, including 28-day rehab programs. Owing to the Affordable Care Act, a greater number of Americans have access to addiction treatment., although different plans may vary in terms of the type of coverage and duration of rehab.⁸ Because of this, it is usually best to check your coverage with your chosen provider. 

Some of the major insurance carriers that cover 28-day drug rehab include: 

• Medicaid, a state and federal health insurance program serving over 72.5 million people in the United States, typically covers inpatient treatment, although the exact coverage may vary depending on your particular insurance plan. 
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a well-known insurance provider accepted at numerous treatment centers. Their coverage varies depending on the state and the particular plan, but they typically cover inpatient treatment. 
• First Health: As one of the major insurance providers in the U.S., First Health may cover various addiction treatment services, including inpatient rehab, depending on the specific needs of the individual. 
• Anthem: As part of BCBS, Anthem covers many forms of substance abuse and mental health treatment. They provide coverage in 14 states. Since Anthem plans can vary based on state, it is usually best to check with them to see what is covered. 

At Heroin.net and American Addiction Centers, we are in network with many top insurance providers in the country. We accept most types of private insurance and provide a range of payment options. 

How Do I Find a 28-Day Drug Rehab Program Near Me?

If you are looking for a 28-day inpatient rehab near you, get in touch with American Addiction Centers and we’ll provide you with information about our research-based substance abuse treatment and check your insurance coverage for you. You can call our helpline to speak with an admission navigator who can check your benefits right while you’re on the phone. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 28-Day Heroin Rehab Program Include Dual Diagnosis?

Inpatient 28-day rehab programs for heroin typically provide tailored and integrated treatment options for individuals with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. This form of treatment is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment, and is individualized to address a patient’s unique diagnoses through research-based medication assisted treatment and behavioral therapies.⁹ 

Individuals with co-occurring disorders may benefit from receiving intensive therapeutic and medical care that address both of their disorders at the same time.⁹  This helps them manage the symptoms of their mental health disorder without resorting to the use of drugs. An integrated approach that starts with detoxification and continues all the way through aftercare planning has proven to be effective for helping struggling individuals recover from co-occurring disorders.⁹  

Is 28-Day Rehab Effective for a Severe Addiction?

Although short-term inhouse drug rehabilitation programs can be beneficial for many individuals, they may not provide enough treatment with people with more severe substance abuse, or those who have a history of relapse. In general, the duration of your treatment should be determined based on your specific needs.² Heroin treatment centers for severe addiction tend to provide lengthier treatment programs, as they have been shown to produce the best outcomes for continued recovery.⁴ 

Is 28-Day Rehab Better or 60 Days?

The length of an inpatient treatment program is determined according to the unique needs of the patients, with the aim of giving them the highest chance of long-term recovery. Here is how a 28-day heroin rehab program compares to a 60-month program:¹ 

• A 28-day or 30-day program can be a good way to begin treatment and determine whether you should remain in treatment or not. Such a program can provide you with time and resources to safely undergo withdrawal and establish effective techniques for relapse prevention. 
• A 60-day program provides added support and time to fully detox from heroin and begin working through any social, familial, situational, or behavioral circumstances that might have contributed to substance abuse. These programs are often more beneficial for individuals with more severe addictions. 

While some insurance providers may not cover a full 60-day rehab program, many treatment facilities have various payment plans available. 

How Can I Get the 28-Day Rehab Financed Without Insurance?

For many individuals coping with heroin addiction, paying for rehabilitation without insurance is one of the most common barriers that prevent them from seeking and entering treatment. However, there are several ways that you can pay for a 28-day inpatient rehab even without insurance coverage, including:¹⁰ 

• Loans. There are many financial institutions that provide credit or loans for healthcare issues, including addiction treatment. Usch loans tend to be flexible and have low interest rates. Some of these institutions include Prosper, LightStream, and Freedom Consultancy. 
• Scholarships. People who need substance abuse treatment but don’t have insurance can make use of various scholarship programs if they are eligible to apply. Some examples include Sobriety Optimization League and the 10,000 Beds Scholarship Program. 
• Fundraising. Raising funds via social media campaigns can also help individuals without insurance or with financial hardships. 
• Payment plans. Treatment facilities offer various payment options, including sliding scale costs, lower monthly payments, and more. Discuss your financing options with your chosen treatment facility to see what they offer. 

What Therapies Are Included in the 28-Day Drug Rehab?

A 28-day heroin rehab program will most likely contain many typical components of inpatient treatment in general. Some common therapy options in such programs include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual therapy, and group therapy. The therapy provided in short-term treatment programs is aimed at helping patients recognize the specific reasons that may have contributed to addiction and develop effective coping strategies.¹¹ 

If you want to learn more about what’s included in 28-day inpatient rehab and receive confidential support for heroin addiction, don’t hesitate to call our hotline to speak with an admission navigator now. 

Sources:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Types of Treatment Programs. 
2. McKay J. R. (2009). Continuing care research: what we have learned and where we are going. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(2), 131–145. 
3. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Study Medication Development and Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. (1995). Development of Medications for the Treatment of Opiate and Cocaine Addictions: Issues for the Government and Private Sector. Appendix G, Health Care Reform Legislation. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US). 
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Principles of Effective Treatment. 
5. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (1997). A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 24.) Chapter 5—Specialized Substance Abuse Treatment Programs). Rockville (MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). 
6. French, M. T., Popovici, I., & Tapsell, L. (2008). The economic costs of substance abuse treatment: updated estimates and cost bands for program assessment and reimbursement. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 35(4), 462–469. 
7. Mateu-Gelabert, P., Sandoval, M., Meylakhs, P., Wendel, T., & Friedman, S. R. (2010). Strategies to avoid opiate withdrawal: implications for HCV and HIV risks. The International Journal on Drug Policy, 21(3), 179–185. 
8. HealthCare.gov. (2020). Affordable Care Act (ACA). 
9. Sacks, S., Chandler, R., & Gonzales, J. (2008). Responding to the challenge of co-occurring disorders: suggestions for future research. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 34(1), 139–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2007.03.008
10. FindTreatment.gov. (2019). Paying for treatment: If you don’t have insurance. 

Carroll, K. M., & Onken, L. S. (2005). Behavioral therapies for drug abuse. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(8), 1452–1460.