Over the years more and more programs are offering longer termed stay at rehab facilities. In the past most traditional rehabs offered a 21, 28 or 30 day stay. Now with more alternative type of programs opening, you will notice the increase in length of stay. A drug rehab should be at least 60-90 days and the best situation would be a facility that offers at least a 3 month program with it being open ended in case the patient needs longer.
A long term drug rehab should always provide a medical detox, individualized counseling, life skills, and an extensive after care program. Many times when a person completes their residential program and are feeling good again they want others to experience their fulfillment of recovery. This is when a long term aftercare program can provide training to help a person become a counselor, interventionist, or drug education specialist.
Probably the most important quality that a long term rehab offers is that they are able to address all components of addiction and more importantly life. One of the best long term drug rehabs say that their program is more than just a drug rehab; it's a rehab for life. What that means is they are not only going to get the addicted individual off of drugs but also teach them how to live life without them.