How Long Does It Take to Break an Addiction?

The Science of Breaking Addiction

Understanding the science behind addiction can help explain why recovery takes time—and why professional support is so valuable.

Understanding Brain Changes

Addiction changes your brain’s natural reward system⁶ and decision-making processes. When you regularly use substances, your brain adapts by reducing its own production of feel-good chemicals. This is why breaking addiction takes time and professional care—your brain needs to rebuild these natural systems.

How Cravings Affect Recovery

When you use substances regularly, your brain adapts to expect them.⁷ That’s why when you stop using, you’ll experience powerful cravings that can feel overwhelming at first. This helps explain why early recovery can feel so challenging—your brain needs time to unlearn these strong associations. In rehab, you’ll learn how to handle these feelings as you keep moving toward your recovery goals. 

Rehabs teach strategies like these to help you manage cravings:

• Recognizing early warning signs
• Using distraction techniques
• Urge surfing and other mindfulness tools
• Applying stress management skills
• Reaching out for support when you need it

Understanding Treatment Options

The good news is that addiction is a treatable disorder⁸ that responds well to proper care. Addiction treatment options exist along a spectrum, and finding the right type of care is essential to your recovery. 

Let’s look at how different levels of care meet different needs:

Detox 

Not everyone needs detox, but if you’re severely physically dependent on a substance, it’s extremely important to detox under medical supervision. This is especially true if you use alcohol, opioids, or benzos. Detoxing in a substance-free, recovery-focused environment means you’re less likely to relapse when withdrawal symptoms get challenging. It also ensures your detoxification is as safe and as comfortable as possible. 

Inpatient Treatment (30-90 days)

Inpatient treatment offers the highest level of support during early recovery. You’ll receive round-the-clock care in a treatment facility, where addiction professionals guide you through a personalized treatment plan. The structured environment removes you from daily triggers and stress, allowing you to focus completely on your recovery. During your stay, you’ll participate in intensive behavioral therapy and have access to comprehensive support services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and holistic healing approaches.

Outpatient Treatment (3-12 months)

Outpatient addiction treatment lets you continue working or caring for your family while receiving a high level of professional support. You’ll attend therapy and counseling sessions several times per week, participate in support groups, and learn to practice recovery skills in real-world situations. This option helps you build a local support network while maintaining your daily responsibilities.

Relapse Prevention and Continuing Care (Ongoing)

Recovery is a lifestyle: It continues long after initial treatment ends. Aftercare helps you maintain the progress you started in rehab through regular counseling, check-ins with your healthcare providers, and regularly attending support groups. Many people find that this level of support helps them navigate the challenges of recovery and stay motivated toward their goals. Remember that seeking additional support if you’re struggling isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a smart way to protect your well-being.

Keep in mind that when it comes to recovery, progress is a process. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains:

Drug treatment⁹ is intended to help addicted individuals stop compulsive drug seeking and use. Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, take many different forms, and last for different lengths of time. Because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment is usually not sufficient. For many, treatment is a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and regular monitoring. 

True Healing Takes Time

Recovery is about more than just stopping substance use—it’s about creating sustainable, long-term lifestyle change. 

These changes don’t happen overnight. Like learning any new skill, building a better life takes consistent practice over time. Be patient with yourself while you take small steps forward. As you develop new routines, find activities you enjoy, and learn better ways to handle stress, your journey will start to feel more and more rewarding. 

Recovery life takes time. And the sooner you start your recovery journey, the sooner your healing can begin.

Build a New Life Beyond Addiction

Finding the right treatment team can make all the difference in helping you break the cycle of addiction. As you look for a rehab program, consider your unique recovery goals. How much medical care do you need during treatment? Are you also healing from a co-occurring mental health issue? Do you want to practice relationship skills? These questions and others like them can help you find the best program for you.

Browse rehab programs and get the help you need to break out of addiction. 

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long it Takes to Break an Addiction

How long does it take to break an addiction?

While you might have heard it takes 21 days to break a habit, that’s actually a myth. Most people need at least 90 days of addiction treatment to make significant progress in their recovery. The longer you stay in treatment, the better your chances of success.

How long do withdrawal symptoms and detox last?

Everyone’s detox experience is different, and the timeline depends on what substance you used and your personal health factors. If you’ve been using alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, it’s especially important to detox under medical supervision. This keeps you safe and comfortable while helping prevent relapse during this challenging time.

How long do addiction cravings last?

Even after 90 days of treatment, you might still experience cravings—and that’s completely normal. While cravings may not disappear entirely, you’ll learn effective strategies to manage them, including:

• Spotting your personal warning signs early
• Using proven distraction techniques
• Practicing mindfulness
• Managing stress in healthy ways
• Reaching out when you need support

What affects the timeline for addiction recovery?

Your recovery timeline is unique to you and depends on several factors:

• Which substance you used and for how long
• Your physical and mental health
• Your support system
• Personal factors like age and genetics
• Past recovery experiences
• Your current living situation and stress levels