After long-term substance abuse, rehab is the first step toward recovery. Anyone who has the courage to admit that they need help for alcohol use disorder deserves to know where the road to recovery will lead them. At Better Tomorrow, we believe that anyone seeking care and seeking to transform their life should get full transparency about the extent and dimensions of their treatment plan. Alcohol use disorder can make many paths, but the general outlines of a treatment plan are relatively straightforward. Here’s the bare bones breakdown of rehab from alcohol use disorder:

              The duration of rehab for alcohol use disorder can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the addiction, the individual’s unique needs, and the specific treatment program or facility, but the first step in care is almost always:

1. Detoxification: Alcohol is both a chemically and psychologically addictive substance. Psychological dependence takes time and therapy, but the solution for chemical substance dependency on alcohol is always medical detoxification, after a consultation with our trained staff. During this period, the body adjusts to its new equilibrium, as it no longer takes in ethanol as a form of calories and has to evacuate the toxic byproducts of alcohol consumption. During this stage, the patient will be monitored and treated to help manage the most unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. In the case of chemical withdrawal for heavy alcohol use, symptoms can vary based on the duration and extent of the abuse along with the individual’s physiology, but they can include.

• Anxiety
• Shaking or tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Hallucinations
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Delirium tremens (a severe and potentially life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal)

The extent and severity of these symptoms are why it’s so important to medically detox in a safe environment. Attempting to detox outside of an observed environment risks relapse, severe discomfort, and, in rare cases, death. Please do not attempt to detox on your own. Get the help you need.

The length of one’s medical detox does not have a fixed timeframe; it depends on when withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, which can last from a few days to over a week. But once they abate, the patient in recovery can move to the next phase.

1. Inpatient or Residential Treatment: Many people with alcohol use disorder benefit from inpatient, residential treatment or partial hospitalization programs, which can last anywhere from 30 days to several months. It gives them an opportunity to “reset” and learn/develop the therapeutic tools that they’ll need to stay strong in their recovery. During your inpatient treatment tenure, you’ll gain access to:

• Medical Supervision and Safety: Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 medical supervision and support. Even after medical detox has ended, patients with long-term alcohol use have This is crucial, especially during the detoxification phase when individuals may experience severe withdrawal symptoms that could be dangerous or even life-threatening. Medical professionals can manage these symptoms effectively and ensure the safety of the individual.

• Structured Environment: Inpatient programs offer a highly structured and controlled environment. This structure helps individuals establish a daily routine that promotes sobriety and minimizes exposure to triggers or temptations to drink. It also reduces the likelihood of relapse during treatment.

• Intensive Therapy: Inpatient rehab typically includes daily individual and group therapy sessions. These sessions are conducted by trained addiction specialists and therapists who can address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction. This intensive therapy allows individuals to explore the underlying causes of their alcohol use disorder and develop coping strategies.

• Reduced Distractions: In an inpatient setting, individuals can focus solely on their recovery without the distractions and stressors of daily life. This concentrated effort can lead to faster progress in achieving and maintaining sobriety.

• Holistic Approach: Many inpatient programs offer a holistic approach to treatment, addressing not only the addiction but also the individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This may include exercise, nutritional counseling, mindfulness practices, and mental health services.

At Better Tomorrow, we’ll tailor your treatment plan to your needs. Longer stays are often recommended for individuals with more severe addiction or co-occurring mental health issues. We want you to stay until you are able to keep the hard-fought gains that you’ll make during your time in recovery. But medical detox and inpatient treatment are only temporary; it’s designed to prepare you for maintaining your recovery in the outside world.

So, how long is rehab for alcohol? The honest answer is it varies. Medical detox can take a few days to over a week, and inpatient treatment can last for months afterward. It depends on each patient’s needs, But the goal of rehab is not to race to the finish. There is no prize for finishing quickly. The only prize is finishing well and giving yourself the gift of lasting sobriety. And giving it to yourself so that it will last. If you are struggling with alcohol (or substance) use disorder, please reach out to us immediately at (888) 653-1149 so that we can begin to build a treatment plan that is right for you.

Better Tomorrow Treatment Center’s modern, evidence-based addiction care is designed to foster the personal growth needed to sustain a lifetime of recovery. Find the insight and strength required for the rewarding sober lifestyle you or your loved one deserves. If you or a loved one wants to start their recovery journey, please contact us at (888) 653-1149, or head over to our website and scroll down to the bottom of the page and fill out our 100% confidential information form and a compassionate member of our team will reach out to you.