Levels of Care
Rehab Centers for Alcohol Addiction
If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. The good news is that AUD is treatable.1 Understanding the different types of rehab programs and knowing how to find the right alcohol rehab can help you make an informed decision about your health.
What Is an Alcohol Rehab Center?
An alcohol rehab center is a treatment facility that provides care, support, and therapy for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).² Treatment plays a crucial role in recovery, offering education about AUD, helping individuals safely stop drinking, addressing the root causes of addiction, and teaching healthier coping strategies, relapse prevention skills, and stress management techniques.3,4
Different types of rehab programs are available in various levels of care and settings, tailored to each person’s unique concerns and needs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), effective treatment should be individualized, taking into account factors such as mental health, social well-being, and any job or legal concerns.5
As a person’s recovery progresses, their needs may change. They may transition between different levels of care or adjust the intensity of treatment at alcohol rehab centers.5
Alcohol Detox Programs
Alcohol detox is the process of clearing alcohol from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms in a controlled setting. The goal of detox is to help individuals reach a medically stable state and prepare for ongoing addiction treatment.4,5
Detox can take place in different settings, including hospitals, inpatient rehab centers, and specialized detox facilities, depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and medical needs.4,5 Some outpatient programs also offer detox services with medical supervision. Since alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, medical oversight is often recommended to ensure a person’s comfort and safety. After detox, individuals are encouraged to continue treatment through rehab programs for long-term recovery.4,5
Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
Inpatient alcohol rehab means living onsite at a treatment facility for the duration of treatment. These facilities can include clinics, hospitals, and residential rehab centers that provide 24-hour care.2,3 This setting is beneficial for many individuals, including those with severe AUD, co-occurring disorders, a history of relapse, unstable living situations, limited transportation, or teens in need of intensive support.3,6
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
Outpatient alcohol rehab provides treatment at clinics, hospitals, mental health centers, or rehab facilities.7 You live at home and attend treatment on a set schedule, with some programs offering virtual telehealth options. Outpatient treatment centers for alcohol are ideal for those transitioning from inpatient care or individuals with mild to moderate AUD, strong support systems, reliable transportation, and stable living conditions.3,6,8 Outpatient programs vary in intensity to meet different recovery needs.2
Medications Used in Alcohol Rehab
Medications may be used in an alcohol treatment program to help people stop drinking and prevent relapse.7 Some common medications for AUD include:
- Disulfiram: This medicine can help people refrain from alcohol use while in recovery because it causes unpleasant symptoms if you drink.10,11
- Acamprosate: This helps people maintain abstinence and avoid relapse. It helps reduce unpleasant symptoms that may sometimes occur with ongoing abstinence, such as insomnia (trouble sleeping) and anxiety.11
- Naltrexone: This can help people stay sober because it reduces cravings and blocks the pleasurable and rewarding effects of alcohol if they do drink.10
How Long Is Alcohol Rehab?
Different types of addiction treatment vary in length.5 For inpatient rehab, programs may be 28 to 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. It can also be longer in the case of a long-term residential alcohol rehab center, which can last up to a year.3 Outpatient rehab typically lasts 2 months to a year.3 While treatment lengths may vary, the three most common types of treatment are 30-day rehab programs, 60-day rehabs, and 90-day rehab programs.
In many cases, treatment doesn’t follow a standard timeline or set endpoint. Since addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, many people find it helpful to attend support groups, therapy sessions, or other continuing care after formal rehab has ended.
How to Choose an Alcohol Rehab Center
You should learn as much as you can about different alcohol rehab centers so you can choose the one that best fits your recovery needs and goals. A doctor or other addiction professional can assess you and your drinking habits and offer advice about the right treatment options for you.6
Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?
Coverage for alcohol rehab varies by insurance plan, but most policies cover some form of addiction treatment. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008, insurance providers must offer the same level of coverage for mental health and substance use treatment as they do for medical and surgical care.12
Several factors can impact your coverage, including the level of care needed, whether treatment is inpatient or outpatient, the facility’s amenities, location, program length, and the specifics of your insurance plan.7,13
How to Find an Alcohol Rehab Center Near Me
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to alcohol addiction treatment. The right rehab center should consider your unique needs and offer the support necessary for long-term recovery. If you’re looking for an alcohol rehab center near you, start by talking to your doctor. A primary care physician can provide a referral or recommend treatment options based on your medical history. You can also check with your insurance provider by calling the number on the back of your insurance card to learn which treatment centers are covered under your plan.
Researching treatment centers is another important step. Consider looking for accredited facilities that offer evidence-based care and specialized programs tailored to your needs.
Start the Recovery Journey
If you are ready to find treatment options for yourself or a loved one, get started right now with our free rehab locator tool. Find addiction treatment facilities that take insurance, inpatient rehabs, outpatient rehab programs, and more.