Program Lengths for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol addiction treatment programs are vital to providing alcoholics the foundation, information and tools for successful recovery. Seeking help is a step toward recovery, and finding a treatment program that suits your needs and life situation makes it easier to stick to the path toward recovery. There are several rehab programs available to recovering alcoholics and to those taking the first step toward recovery by seeking help. Each treatment program length varies depending on both the program and the individual.

How Long Does Alcohol Rehab Last?

Alcohol addiction treatment programs do not usually have a set length of time. The reason for this is that each patient is treated individually because each battle with alcohol addiction is unique. Typically, a treatment program will last no less than seven to 10 days, and it should continue for as long as the patient requires the treatment and support that is provided. The most common types of alcohol addiction treatment programs can be divided into four categories with an average length of time for each program. Often two or more treatment programs are combined to suit the patient’s needs.

Detox Programs Lengths

Detox programs typically last from 15 days to six weeks and are usually part of a longer medically based treatment program.

Detox programs are often an inpatient program that is provided in a residential center, or as part of a hospital or medical facility treatment program. This type of treatment is typically used to help the patient cope with and overcome cravings for alcohol during the early days of the recovery process.

Residential or Inpatient Programs

Residential treatment programs are often federally funded, but there are private centers that offer this type of treatment as well. Inpatient alcohol addiction treatment is often carried out in two or more parts, depending on the needs of the patient. The first part requires that you remain in the facility, whether it is a private facility or a hospital, under medical supervision and constant monitoring. Once you are stable both medically and psychologically, you may move into a supervised facility that provides the necessary structure and observation to continue to understand the role that alcohol has played in your life and then you might continue treatment in an outpatient or day treatment program. In total, a residential or inpatient treatment program may last from three to six months. Some residential facilities may also offer treatment programs up to one year or longer.

Traditional Outpatient Programs

Many people coping with alcohol addiction must be able to work during their recovery. In this situation, treatment may be carried out in an outpatient program. This is typically advised after a period of intensive inpatient treatment; but if the patient is highly motivated to recover, this may not be required. In this type of alcohol addiction treatment program, patients live at home and participate in the program several evenings or days each week. This type of program may last six months or more.

Therapeutic Community

The motivation to seek treatment is a positive step and is a critical part to successful treatment and recovery. A therapeutic community addresses alcohol addiction treatment from a mental health approach. Alcoholics Anonymous is an example of a therapeutic community that treats alcohol addiction using a 12-step recovery process. Therapeutic community treatment programs rely on the patient and volunteers to implement treatment strategies and support the patient throughout your recovery. The length of these programs varies depending on the person seeking treatment. Typically, a therapeutic community alcohol addiction program will require participation that lasts anywhere from six months to two years. View AA’s official website.

Alcohol addictions treatment programs require time to help you to change what has become a life-consuming activity. The motivation to seek treatment is a positive step and is a critical part to successful treatment and recovery. Call now and speak to a trained coordinator.