When you or someone you know is seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, it can be intimidating. It’s common to have questions about how much it will cost and the length of rehab. Unfortunately, there’s no way to accurately predict how long will alcohol rehab because everyone’s addiction and recovery journey is unique.
Alcohol Abuse Treatment Options
Regardless of the length of alcohol treatment, it depends on the type of treatment option you chose. However, the average length of detox for alcohol abuse is anywhere between 6 to 72 hours. But, that’s in the case that you don’t experience any severe withdrawal symptoms that can sometimes extend to a few months after completing detox.
Alcohol Detox
Medically monitored detox is crucial to early addiction recovery. Often this stage is required during the withdrawal phase of dependency. When an individual ceases using drugs or alcohol abruptly, they will inevitably experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox clinics keep patients physically safe, prescribing any medication necessary to avoid potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient drug rehab is where the treatment process begins. Patients will undergo a rigorous, therapeutically-centered schedule to uncover and address the underlying causes of substance dependency while treating any co-occurring mental health disorders.
The goal of inpatient treatment is to get all of the intricate therapeutic work completed in a safe and secure environment while introducing clients to the program of recovery. Additionally, to instill all of the tools and coping mechanisms necessary to maintain sobriety.
Outpatient Treatment
An outpatient program is a next step during early addiction recovery. It usually entails an extended stay at a halfway house or sober living facility. Additionally, the duration ranges from 30 days to 9 months. Those who spend longer periods halfway have more success in maintaining long-term sobriety.
Thus, halfway houses allow patients higher personal responsibility and freedom while maintaining a certain level of accountability. As a result, this level of care provides a transition into everyday life without using drugs or alcohol during early addiction recovery.
How Long Does Alcohol Rehab Last?
Addiction recovery is a unique disease that no two people experience equally. When you’re trying to understand rehab lengths, it’s best to speak with an addiction counselor to find the best program for your needs. Keep in mind that research and experts estimate that longer rehab programs are often more effective at maintaining long-term sobriety.
Short-term Alcohol Rehab Programs (30-60-90 Days)
Most short-term drug and alcohol rehab programs are based on a modified 12-step program. Initially, these programs were a 3- to 6-week hospital-based inpatient rehab program, followed up with participation in a self-help group like AA.
However, today, some addiction treatment centers offer short-term rehab programs that are just 28-days. These treatments are provided to people who have already relapsed after being sober for some time. These 28-30 day programs focus on relapse prevention techniques and intense therapy sessions. Unfortunately, these treatment options are not suited for everyone, and there’s little research that proves their efficacy.
Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to reduce or stop their drug use significantly and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment.
For example, of those choosing 90-day rehab programs, only 17% of people reported relapsing in the following year. That’s in comparison with 37% of those in treatment programs for fewer days.
Long-term Alcohol Rehab Programs (120+ Days)
Long-term residential treatment takes anywhere between four to six months, also known as 120- or 180-day rehab programs. Throughout the entire length of treatment, patients stay in a treatment facility with access to 24-hour care. Although, some treatment facilities offer even more extended treatment programs that, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, can last up to one year.
After detox, patients move to the residential program that will follow a specific treatment model. Part of this program will incorporate therapeutic techniques with proven evidence to help address addiction, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Multidimensional family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Contingency management
- Motivational interviewing
Keep in mind that a long-term program also provides a less hectic treatment plan. The road to addiction recovery is a long and bumpy one, filled with ups and downs. The biggest problem with short-term programs is that people don’t have enough time to assimilate what’s happening and genuinely work towards changing their behaviors and habits.
Aftercare Programs (Continuum Care)
Continual aftercare is the portion of the process that requires regular and frequent upkeep. For most recovering addicts and alcoholics, aftercare is a highly personalized and unique experience. The trick is finding what works for you and sticking to it.
For many individuals, continual aftercare comes from a 12-step program of recovery and support groups. The amount of dedication a program of recovery requires will vary from individual to individual. Take time to develop yours, and try to remember to trust in the process.
Depending on the individual, more stages may be required and for varying lengths of time. For example, individuals with co-occurring psychological disorders may need to complete partial hospitalization programs or dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Finding Alcohol Rehab Programs Near Me
Tailoring a treatment plan to a client’s strengths and significant areas of concern offers the best chance at success, which is our philosophy here at Lighthouse Recovery Institute. We begin each person’s journey by creating a treatment plan that will best meet their needs and help them reach their goals.
Our assessment will let us know if a patient-centered therapy approach might be significantly favorable in someone’s treatment plan at the start of treatment.
Building a connection between a client and a therapist can be challenging, but the payoffs are well worth the work it takes to achieve. That’s the importance of choosing a treatment facility that offers comprehensive therapies that promote healing.
No matter what you’ve been through or what type of substance abuse you struggle with, recovery is possible. Lighthouse Recovery Institute offers several approaches and all different therapies to address the conditions’ real, underlying causes. Look no further for help than right here. We are ready to be with you every step of the way toward recovery.
