Is it possible to completely rid yourself of alcohol?
That’s a common question that a majority of people struggling with addiction may ask when seeking help. Unfortunately, the answer may not be as clear-cut as they would hope.
There is no “cutoff” amount, as such. Rather, there’s a complex diagnostic process to determine how severe your alcohol addiction is, and how long your treatment program should last.
To learn more, keep reading to find out how long is rehab for alcohol!
Severity of the Disorder
The severity of the disorder is a major factor in determining the length of time necessary for a successful recovery from alcohol addiction. For those with mild to moderate alcohol dependency, treatment may consist of group counseling, the willingness to learn about the benefits of home detox, and a detoxification program of around two-to-four weeks.
More severe cases of alcohol addiction may require residential treatment, often ranging from two-to-six months. Aftercare, which includes follow up sessions and support groups, may follow and can last anywhere from an additional three months to one year.
There are also extended care facilities that provide patients with long-term support. However, the length of treatment ultimately depends on the individual’s recovery progress and best interests.
Length of Time the Individual Has Been Misusing Alcohol
The length of time that an individual should stay in alcohol rehab for depends on how long they have been misusing alcohol. For individuals who have only been misusing alcohol for a short period of time, short-term drug rehab is often recommended.
This usually lasts between 28 and 90 days and focuses on the immediate recovery from alcohol addiction. For individuals who have been using alcohol for an extended period of time, or those with a co-occurring disorder, long-term alcohol rehab is recommended.
This may last up to six months or even longer in some cases and provides intensive treatment for the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol addiction.
Presence of Co-occurring Disorders
Rehab for alcohol depending on the presence of co-occuring disorders can range from three months to years. If there are other mental disorders that coincide with alcohol abuse, then one can expect much longer treatment due to the complexity of the situation.
For instance, if a person suffers from severe depression or anxiety in addition to an alcohol abuse disorder, then both issues must be addressed during rehab. A more complete treatment plan may mean anywhere from six to twelve months in a treatment facility where intensive therapy and medications can be administered.
If there are multiple co-occurring disorders, then treatment may take even longer, with the average being eighteen months to two years. In any case, the length of rehab is dependent on the severity of the disorder and the individual’s response to treatment.
Insurance Coverage, Insurance Plan Stipulations, and Ability to Pay
The length of time for rehab for alcohol addiction depends on a variety of factors, including insurance coverage, insurance plan stipulations, and the individual’s ability to pay. Each insurance provider determines the length of a treatment program based on the individual’s specific needs and the plan they’ve purchased.
Generally, the insurance provides coverage for a predetermined number of days based on the insurance plan details. For individuals who are not insured or who have plans with limited mental health coverage, the ability to pay will dictate the length of treatment.
Most rehab centers provide flexible payment options and scale treatment lengths to fit the individual’s wallet. These programs vary in length, from 28 days to as long as 90 days, depending on the severity of the addiction and the person’s financial resources.
Physical Health
Rehab for alcohol abuse can vary in length depending on an individual’s physical health. Short-term rehab is typically available for individuals who only have mild physical effects from alcohol abuse. This type of rehab typically lasts 30-45 days and focuses on educating the individual on how to cope with their addiction, with the goal of long-term sobriety.
Long-term rehab is beneficial for those who have more serious physical health issues as a result of their alcohol abuse. This type of rehab lasts in the range of 60 to 90 days; however, in some cases, it may last up to one year or more. It is more structured and includes a variety of therapies and treatments which focus on helping the individual manage and recover from their addiction.
Patient Motivation
Patient motivation is an important factor when it comes to determining the length of an alcohol rehab program. Appetite for change is the starting point for recovery; if a patient wants to get sober and is willing to put in the necessary effort, the length of time it may take to recover from an alcohol disorder will be shorter.
On the other hand, if a patient is ambivalent or lackadaisical in their approach to sobriety, a longer rehab program may be necessary. A standard in-patient alcohol rehab program can range between 28-90 days depending on the patient’s willingness and progress.
If after 90 days the patient has not achieved sobriety it may be necessary to extend the length of the rehab program and provide additional treatments including group therapy, support groups, family therapy, and aftercare programs as needed. Ultimately, it takes time to beat addiction and the patient’s motivation will influence how long they stay in rehab.
Past Treatment History
Past treatment history can play a large role in determining the length of treatment for alcohol addiction. Generally, the longer a person has been in active addiction, the longer the recovery process.
If a person has had previous stints in rehabilitation, the amount of time needed for successful recovery may be slightly longer as well. This is due to the increased need for individualized support, as the individual must learn how to manage his or her addiction in situations where a past treatment plan did not help them avoid relapse.
In addition, if a person has co-occurring mental health issues, they may need more support and lengthier treatment. Ultimately, each individual’s recovery plan varies and is tailored to their own specific needs. Check this homepage to learn more about the alcohol rehab program.
Explore How Long Is Rehab for Alcohol
How long is rehab for alcohol can take anywhere from 30 days to over a year, depending on multiple factors. From the duration of the program to the type of treatment chosen, the timeline of each individual situation may vary.
Make sure to research the best options and types of treatments available for each individual circumstance, and reach out to health professionals when necessary.
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