How Long is Alcohol Rehab?

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FAQs

Everyone has a different experience of alcohol use disorder, and everyone has a unique recovery journey. This means there is no universal answer to the question, “How long is alcohol rehab?”

There are many factors that influence the optimal treatment time for those grappling with alcohol use disorder. 

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When you first start exploring alcohol addiction treatment centers, you’ll find that most rehabs categorize programs as follows: 

  • 30-day inpatient alcohol rehab
  • 60-day inpatient alcohol rehab
  • 90-day inpatient alcohol rehab
  • Sober living communities (extended alcohol rehab)
  • Outpatient rehab (OPs, IOPs, and PHPs)
  • Remote alcohol rehab (online therapy)

Instead of focusing on the duration of alcohol rehab programs, though, seek the type of addiction treatment liable to yield the greatest chance of sustained recovery without relapse. Reframing recovery as an ongoing process rather than a single event like detox can help you to make the long-term changes crucial when transitioning from active alcohol addiction into recovery. 

According to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), treatment programs for most substance use disorders like alcohol use disorder should last for 90 days. Broadly, the longer the treatment program, the more positive the likely outcomes.  

How Long is Rehab for Alcohol?

One of the most relevant factors when determining how long you need to block out for alcohol rehab is the delivery method. Alcohol rehab can be broadly divided into inpatient and outpatient treatment. 

Both of these approaches to rehab offer access to the same evidence-based treatments. With inpatient alcohol rehab, you remain at the facility throughout therapy, usually for between 30 and 90 days or more. Those opting for outpatient programming attend scheduled weekday therapy sessions and return home overnight.

Inpatient rehab, also known as residential rehab, if often advisable in these scenarios: 

  • For those with severe alcohol use disorder.
  • For those with co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety or depression.
  • For those with an unsupportive or unstable home environment.

Outpatient rehab can be equally as effective as inpatient rehab for most mild and moderate alcohol addictions. Outpatient alcohol rehab is also ideal for those unable to take a month or more away from personal and professional commitments. You can find outpatient programs at varying levels of intensity, including these more intensive programs: 

  • IOP (intensive outpatient program)
  • PHP (partial hospitalization program)
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How Long is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?

Many short-term inpatient programs for alcohol addiction last for 30 days, but therapy can continue for 90 days or more. 

The most common lengths of alcohol rehab are: 

  • 30-day alcohol rehab
  • 60-day alcohol rehab
  • 90-day alcohol rehab

30-day alcohol rehab

A 30-day treatment program for alcohol addiction can help you to create a firm foundation for sobriety. 

As the month of therapy progresses, your treatment team will have the opportunity to determine whether you will need to step down to a less intensive level of care before transitioning back into daily living. 

A 30-day alcohol rehab program will eliminate all the physical symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, assuming you remain abstinent for the duration of treatment. 

60-day alcohol rehab

60-day alcohol rehab provides you with more time commitment as well as more structure and support. This form of rehab is often effective for those with more severe alcohol use disorders. 

After an unhurried and supervised medical detox, you will have ample opportunity to delve deep into the specifics of your alcohol addiction. 

During a two-month program, you can also start creating a healthier routine and more positive habits. 

90-day alcohol rehab

The most favorable treatment outcomes are usually generated by 90-day alcohol rehab programs. For those who can meet the expenses of a three-month program and block off time to commit fully to recovery will find an unhurried detox and the gradual creation of a healthy and sober routine means the transition into daily living is less jarring than with more abrupt forms of alcohol rehab. 

If you need alcohol rehab right now for yourself or for a loved one, we can help you here at California Detox in Orange County.

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Alcohol Rehab at California Detox

If you are ready to commit to abstinence and ongoing sobriety, we provide treatment programs at all levels of intensity here at our California alcohol rehab. Our evidence-based programs for alcohol use disorder include:

  • OP (regular outpatient program, 3 hours of weekly sessions).
  • IOP (intensive outpatient program, 15 hours of weekly sessions).
  • PHP (partial hospitalization program, 35 hours of weekly sessions).
  • Residential rehab (inpatient programs of 30 to 90 days).
  • Virtual IOP (remote rehab)
  • Dual diagnosis treatment (rehab for co-occurring addictions and mental health disorders).

Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment for alcoholism, take advantage of our supervised medical detox program. Your treatment team can administer a variety of medications to streamline the detoxification process and alleviate both cravings and withdrawal symptoms. With clinical and emotional care available around the clock, the risk of complications during withdrawal is minimized. 

The best treatment programs for alcohol use disorder are highly personalized. Here at our Laguna Beach luxury rehab, your treatment team will draw from the following interventions:

  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Psychotherapy (talk therapies)
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Individual counseling
  • Holistic therapies

Once you complete your treatment program here at California Detox, you can either transition to a less intensive level of care or move directly back into sober living. You will be equipped with an aftercare plan and relapse prevention strategy to strengthen your chances of sustained sobriety. 

We are happy to accept most PPO health insurance for alcohol rehab. 

Take the first pivotal step by calling admissions today at 949.567.8790.

FAQs

The optimum length of stay at alcohol rehab will depend on the severity of your alcohol use disorder and your personal circumstances. Generally, the longer the treatment program, the more favorable the outcomes.
You may shift to a less intensive level of care – from inpatient rehab to an IOP, for instance. Alternatively, you may move back home or into a sober living community after completing a course of treatment at a residential facility. The best alcohol rehabs will ensure that you have comprehensive relapse management and prevention strategies in place. Your treatment team should also make sure you have the right aftercare in place. You may also choose to engage in an alumni program to build your sober support network. Some people continue with counseling and therapy after rehab, while others engage with peer support groups. Recovery is a lifelong process with everyone taking different pathways after rehab to enjoy ongoing abstinence from alcohol.

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