When someone wants to address their alcohol dependence, it is quite common to wonder, “How long is inpatient alcohol rehab?” It is essential to understand that an inpatient or residential treatment program varies in length. The program duration is based on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. Learning more about inpatient alcohol rehab and program length can help determine which treatment is best for you.

Defining Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

Inpatient alcohol rehab is one option when treating alcohol use disorder and addiction. This type of program is where the individual resides at the treatment center for the duration of the program. Part of the comprehensive, personalized care is evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities. Another important aspect of inpatient treatment is group therapy and peer support.

How Long Is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?

How long inpatient alcohol rehab is depends on the severity of the alcohol addiction. For moderate addictions, rehab could last between 30 and 60 days. For more severe alcohol addictions, a 90-day treatment plan is generally recommended.

It is essential to remember the longer someone remains in treatment, the more the risks of relapse are reduced. In addition, other factors should be taken into consideration, such as if the individual has a co-occurring mental health disorder.

How Long Are Alcohol Detox Programs?

The first step to recovery from alcohol addiction is undergoing medically supervised alcohol detox. How long alcohol detox programs are vary based on the duration and frequency of use and amount consumed. Generally, most people will be able to complete alcohol detox in about 2 weeks. However, some people may require up to 4 weeks when their addiction is more severe.

After detox, it is vital to transition to an alcohol rehab program to prevent relapse. Detoxing alone does not address addiction. It only purges the body of alcohol and allows it to start the healing process.

How Long Should an Alcoholic Stay in Rehab?

Recovery is a life-long process to maintain one’s newly found sobriety. How long an alcoholic should stay in rehab depends on their specific needs and level of addiction. Normally, the person will start with an alcohol detox program that will last between 2 and 4 weeks. During this time, they will begin therapy and other related treatment services.

After completing detox, the person should transition to an appropriate level of care. An inpatient program is best in the following situations:

Those with severe addictions
Those who could potentially harm themselves or others
Those who do not have a strong support system at home

Discovering how long is inpatient alcohol rehab can help individuals prepare mentally and emotionally for their recovery experience. The time spent in inpatient rehab helps develop a solid foundation for sustained recovery long-term. Whether someone remains 30, 60, 90 days, or longer, the next step in rehab is to transition to an outpatient program.

Outpatient programs offer several levels of care, including:

PHPs: Partial hospitalization programs provide the same level of care as inpatient programs, but the person returns home in the evenings.
IOPs: Intensive outpatient programs provide more flexibility to allow people to manage personal responsibilities at home, work, or school.
OPs: Outpatient programs provide ongoing support and offer the most flexibility. Some people could meet weekly, while others, further in their treatment, may only require monthly sessions.

What Are the Benefits of Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?

There are several benefits of inpatient alcohol rehab. For starters, individuals receive 24/7 monitoring and support. Next, the environment is highly structured with intensive treatment to help people focus on their recovery. Another benefit is the elimination of outside distractions and triggers.

Additionally, each person has an individual treatment plan based on their unique needs and treatment goals and objectives. The inpatient setting also provides access to a wide range of therapeutic and peer support options.

Part of the treatment involves learning relapse prevention skills, which people can practice in a safe and supportive environment. Lastly, personalized aftercare planning is available to help individuals transition to their next level of care for ongoing sobriety.

What Services and Therapies Are Available?

Inpatient alcohol rehab provides access to a wide variety of services and therapies, including:

Individual therapy
Psychotherapy
Psychoeducation
Group therapy
Family therapy
Holistic therapies
Life skills training
Nutritional and fitness counseling

Signs of Untreated Long-Term Alcohol Abuse

The signs of untreated long-term alcohol abuse can vary based on the duration someone has been addicted to alcohol. One of the most severe conditions is end-stage alcoholism, which includes mental health and physical conditions such as:

Fatigue
Jaundice
Cirrhosis
Pancreatitis
Anemia
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Malnutrition
Heart failure
Stroke
Brain disorders
Cognitive problems
Digestive problems
Eye problems
Cancer

Once someone reaches this stage of alcohol abuse, drinking is the only thing that matters. Quitting requires medically supervised detox and rehab because of severe withdrawal symptoms, like DTs (delirium tremens), hallucinations, and tremors.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin as soon as alcohol starts wearing off. Often, people refer to these symptoms as hangovers. However, as addiction takes hold, other symptoms can develop, including:

Anxiety
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Excessive sweating
Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
Tremors
Confusion
Risk-taking behaviors
Hallucinations
DTs
Irritability
Mood swings

Exploring the Path to Recovery: How Long is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab at OARC?

Are you ready to take control of your alcohol abuse? Get the help you need at Ohio Addiction Recovery Center with our inpatient alcohol rehab program. Our caring and compassionate team provides comprehensive care personalized to your unique needs. How long is inpatient alcohol rehab? Learn more about the average length of stay and the comprehensive care provided during treatment.