Rehab for alcohol addiction is typically 30, 60, or 90 days at an inpatient rehab center. However, every case is different, so the type and length of rehab varies according to several factors. The thought of putting your life on hold to enter alcohol rehab for an extended period of time may be overwhelming, but there are other options available.
If you or a loved one are addicted to alcohol and considering rehab, read on to find out which factors affect the duration of rehab, the different types of rehab, and approximately how long you can expect to be in rehab to recover from alcoholism.
Factors Affecting the Duration Of Alcohol Rehab
People considering alcohol rehab usually wonder about the following two questions: ‘How long is rehab for alcohol?’ And ‘how much does alcohol rehab cost? Obviously, the cost of rehab is dependent on how long you attend rehab for, and which type of rehab program you choose.
Below are some factors which can affect the length of rehab for alcohol:
- Duration of addiction- If you have been addicted to alcohol for a long time, you may need a more extended length of stay at an alcohol rehab in order to reverse the damage that was caused to the brain and its reward system.
- Severity of addiction- If alcohol is used frequently (regardless of whether over a short or extended time period), the user is more dependent on the substance and therefore needs more time in rehab to recover.
- Co-occurring disorders- An alcoholic with a simultaneous mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, or bipolar may need more time at a rehab facility to fully recover.
- Polysubstance abuse- People who abuse both alcohol and drugs at the same time may need more time in rehab to safely detox from both substances and learn to live without their substances of choice.
- Motivation- An alcoholic who is determined to enter recovery and become sober for the long term will likely succeed in a shorter time frame than someone who enters recovery reluctantly or because of outside forces against their will.
Alcohol Detox
Although there is no one answer to ‘how long does alcohol rehab take,’ there is an approximate time frame for the different aspects of rehab. The first step of alcohol rehab is detox. Detox is the natural process the body undergoes as it rids itself of all harmful substances and toxins. Only once a person is detoxed and all alcohol is flushed from their system, can they move on to explore the underlying factors which caused their addiction.
People who are addicted to alcohol have developed tolerance to and dependence on it, so that their bodies can no longer function optimally without the usual amount. This means that when quitting alcohol, the body experiences many different side effects (called withdrawal symptoms) that are uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst.
Detoxing at a reputable rehab center allows people to detox in the safest, most comfortable way possible. The time it takes for a person to detox is dependent on age, gender, duration of alcohol use, frequency of alcohol use, and genetics, and can last anywhere from 7 to 10 days.
How Long is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?
Inpatient rehab facilities usually offer 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day treatment plans. Every case must be assessed by a mental health professional to decide how many days will be needed.
How Long Should an Alcoholic Stay in Rehab?
Some studies show that less than 90 days in alcohol rehab is not sufficient for long-term recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that addicts enter rehab for a minimum of 90 days because that exponentially increases the chances of sobriety.
It’s also important to mention that because addiction is a chronic disease, relapse is likely. This means that rehab may need to be utilized more than once in the journey towards long-term sobriety, and it is never a source of shame but a natural part of the process.
Outpatient Rehab For Alcoholism
Outpatient rehab is a model of care where the client does not live at a rehab facility, but receives care in rehabilitative programs during the day and goes home in the evenings. There are various types of outpatient rehab programs, some of which meet for a few hours every week, and more intense programs that meet every day for a number of hours.
Outpatient alcohol rehab is recommended for people who have a strong and supportive network at home which can aid in recovery, or people struggling with alcohol abuse who do not have the financial means for inpatient rehab.
Duration of Alcohol Rehab Insurance Cover
Two acts ensure some form of rehab care through almost all insurances: the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). However, different insurances offer different levels of rehabilitative care for alcoholics.
Some insurances limit rehab to the cheaper outpatient options, some allow a limited amount of days inpatient, and others allow a longer stay at an inpatient rehab center. The insurance company will usually work with the addict’s mental health professional and follow their recommendation for a treatment plan.
Every alcoholic considering rehab must reach out to their insurance company to determine what their benefits are and which kind of plans they are entitled to. Individuals may also choose to extend the rehab duration beyond what the insurance company covers.
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction At Avenues Recovery
If you or your loved one is addicted to alcohol and is considering rehab, we encourage you to take the first step and reach out. Avenues Recovery Center offers evidence-based, affordable, and compassionate treatment for alcohol addiction. Reach out 24/7 (really) to speak to a skilled and friendly admissions rep who can answer all of your questions and determine which rehab programs your insurance covers.
At Avenues, we’ll create an individualized treatment plan tailored for you, from medical detox all through aftercare. Here you’ll find the professional support, 24/7 care, and close-knit you need to embark on the most rewarding journey of your life: Recovery.
You can find your way home today!