December 29, 2022

How Long Is Alcohol Rehab?

We explore how long you can expect to stay in alcohol rehab. Here's what you should expect.

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Susana Spiegel

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RECOVERY WRITER & ADVOCATE

Susana is a dedicated mental health writer and advocate with over 8 years of experience in the field. She is passionate about sharing accurate and helpful information about mental health, addiction, and recovery. Susana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University and has over 7 years of professional experience working in the addiction recovery field. Her commitment to promoting mental health awareness and providing support to those in need is at the core of her work.

How long is alcohol rehab? The reality is that alcohol rehab can last anywhere from 30-90 days or more. However, there are many variables to consider. 

Once you begin alcohol rehab, here is what you should expect.

Alcohol Detox

When asking “how long is alcohol rehab?” it’s important to consider detox as a part of the entire time you can expect to invest in your recovery.

It is essential for every individual suffering from alcohol addiction to go through the process of detox.

When the abuse of alcohol has been going on for a long-time, the body gets used to it. 

It is advised to detox under professional supervision since it ensures the safety of the individual and provides immediate help in case of potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms.

During round-the-clock monitoring, it is also easier for professionals to notice physical and psychological effects and treat the individual accordingly.

It also allows professionals to give medication under supervision for their withdrawal pains and provide therapies to help the individual feel more comfortable and stable. 

Once the body-mind balance is returned, it can result in greater receptivity to the rehab program curriculum, and clients can get more out of their treatment program. 

The Benefits Of A 30-Day Alcohol Rehab Program

A 30-day alcohol rehab program requires the individual to sign up for an in-patient residential program where they are provided with individual and group therapy, improve themselves through the 12-step program, and rediscover their interests and identity once again.

The initial 30 days of the program are usually spent trying to break the consumption habit and dealing with the withdrawal symptoms. 

However, it is an excellent way for the individual to experience what rehab will be like and create their treatment expectations.

During these 30 days, the individual is taught how to prevent their cravings, manage them, and learn how to manage relapse risks.

Along with their addiction, treatment is also begun for the psychological and physical areas that need healing. 

The downside of a 30-day program is that it takes a short amount of time to discover the roots of a client’s alcoholism. 

However, with the techniques and skills taught, it can still be helpful. 

The Benefits Of A 60-Day Alcohol Rehab Program

A 60-day program is where the individual is treated just as they are in a 30-day program but drawn out over a longer period.

This program has many benefits since many in-depth techniques are used and time is on our side when it comes to recovery.

It includes individual, group, and family therapy so your doctor can get to the root cause of the problem and eradicate it.

This is quite beneficial for recovery from alcoholism since it helps them recognize their patterns and triggers such as family issues, teaches clients how to cope and manage them, and helps them get back in touch with their true self.

Once the treatment is completed, the individual is registered for aftercare, which includes planning for their life after recovery and their social integration. In addition, it allows doctors to check on clients more frequently and help with any issues that might occur again.

The Benefits Of A 90-Day Alcohol Rehab Program

Perhaps this is the most intimidating program of recovery. Ninety days is long, but no matter how long rehab is, the focus remains on the benefits, healing, and lost-lasting results.

Like 30 and 60-day programs, this one follows the same recovery structure. However, the long period allows for more significant benefits and solid recovery.

In this program, you have a longer time to focus on your recovery and get treated. However, the process can be pretty energy-consuming. Hence it allows for breaks and rest between treatments for more effective results.

The break from daily routines and responsibilities- work, school, family, or social- gives you time to focus on yourself. It allows you to rebuild relationships and teaches you how to connect deeply with others.

It also allows you to practice the skills you are taught in therapy. You can quickly notice areas that need improvement and become more trained in dealing with triggers.

Aftercare After Alcohol Rehab

Continuing care after rehab is essential to the longevity of the treatment. The aim is that recovery is permanent, and there is no chance of relapse. To ensure this, professionals occasionally keep in touch with the patients to keep themselves updated.

Settling back into society after going to rehab is quite overwhelming. Especially if the environment you are going back to is not supportive. Through continued care, you will be able to attend group therapy sessions where you will feel supported and motivated by others battling the same battle.

You will also be held accountable through 12-step programs or check-ups about your sobriety, encouraging you to do better for yourself. The main goal of the rehab programs is to help you regain your purpose in life, heal your lost relationships, and be a better individual for yourself and your loved ones. Continued care will ensure you stick to these goals and follow all techniques and tricks to prevent relapse.

3 million people die from alcohol use globally in the year 2022

Don’t Worry About How Long You’re Going to Stay in Rehab for Alcohol

It’s normal to worry and ask yourself how long is alcohol rehab. You’re making a big step towards healing. It takes a lot just to come to terms with the fact that you do need to get help for your drinking problem.

Rehab for alcohol addiction is an important step in the journey toward recovery. It can seem daunting to think about how long the process will take and how much of a commitment it will be, but it’s important to remember that the length of the rehab process doesn’t determine its success.

Instead, it’s important to focus on the long-term benefits that rehab can bring. There is no quick fix to overcoming an alcohol addiction, but rehab will provide you with the tools and support you need to make a lasting change.

Rehab provides a safe, supportive environment to work through your addiction and learn new coping skills.

You’ll have access to therapy, group sessions, and other treatments that will help you understand your addiction’s underlying causes and give you the strength to make positive changes.

Additionally, you’ll be surrounded by professionals and peers committed to helping you find your way to a healthier, happier future.

It’s important to remember that going to rehab is a commitment to yourself and your loved ones. You’ll be giving yourself a chance to start fresh, create a better life for yourself, and allow your family and friends to see you.

How Many People go to Rehab for Alcohol a Year?

In the year 2021 (the latest data available) 2.26 million people aged 26 and older got help for alcohol addiction in the United States 1

It’s clear now more than ever that those who are struggling with alcohol use disorder are not alone. Alcohol remains one of the leading global health problems. In fact, in 2022 there were 3 million deaths globally2 that could be directly attributed to alcohol use.

alcohol use disorder in the united states admissions to treatment centers how long is alcohol rehab

We are an Alcohol Rehab in Arizona, and We Can Help You

It is scary, intimidating, and anxiety-inducing to get help for your addiction. Many questions regarding the reaction of your loved ones, the stigma in society, or even how long alcohol rehab will cloud your mind.

It is important to remember that you are taking a brave step to reach out for help when you realize you need it. Recovery and change are symbolic rebirths, painful yet necessary.

Now that you are ready reach out to Cornerstone Healing Center to aid you in your recovery journey.

Our team of professionals has years of experience helping individuals like you. Their compassion, attention, and adamant attitude will help you overcome the issues that trigger your recovery and help you lead a better, more fulfilled life.

Our personalized programs are bound to help every individual, no matter how severe their addiction. So contact Cornerstone Healing Center and begin your journey today.

Published On: 12/29/2022

Last Updated: 1/24/2023

Sources: 

[1] Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
[2] World Health Org. Fact Sheet on Alcohol

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