For those struggling with alcohol addiction, inpatient alcohol rehab is of then best treatment types. With these programs, people are completely separated from the outside world, and spend the entire duration of their programs in safe, closed-campus environments. This gives them ample time away from enabling relationships, toxic living situations, and all other outside triggers and stressors. In the interest of keeping participants safe and free from temptation, inpatient treatment centers limit both visitation and cell phone use, and they do not allow patients to come and go as they please. Understanding these restrictions, you may be curious to know how long these programs last.
With addiction treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach that’s guaranteed to work well for everyone. That’s why many of the nation’s top rehab facilities offer treatments of varying lengths. Most commonly, patients enroll in alcohol rehab programs that last 30 days, 60 days, or three full months. Choosing the right program for your needs is important. If you’ve tried addiction recovery before and have a history of relapsing, committing to a lengthy inpatient treatment is a good idea. 90-day programs are also best for anyone who’s been consuming large amounts of alcohol for an extended period of time. With three months of treatment, you’ll have the chance to learn all about the underlying causes of your addiction, develop healthier coping skills, and learn how to listen to yourself.
90-day programs also place a strong focus on helping people establish stable, sustainable lifestyles post-treatment. When participating in these programs, you’ll have the opportunity to make post-rehab housing plans, identify the best options in relapse prevention, and learn all about the many resources that exist to support recovering addicts.
What to Expect With Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
The very first step in alcohol rehab is always detoxing. Until you detox, you won’t be able to focus on any other aspects of your treatment, or truly commit to your recovery. Most people begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms approximately six hours after their last drink.
These symptoms can intensify for up to 48 hours. After this time, they’ll gradually abate. Many inpatient alcohol rehab centers offer medically assisted detox. This involves the use of medication to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and prevent problems with delirium tremens. With medically assisted detox, you’ll also have the benefit of around-the-clock supervision, and access to numerous non-medication resources for alleviating your physical and emotional discomfort. Although detoxing is recognized as the most physically challenging part of recovery, it is merely the first step.
Once you’re ready, you’ll start participating in group and individual therapy. In individual or private therapy, you’ll work with your counselor to determine why you started drinking, and why alcohol has become such an important part of your life. For some people, alcohol is a tool or crutch that they use as a means for self-medicating mental and emotional pain. They might have unresolved grief or guilt, or they may be dealing with underlying mental health disorders. Other patients find that their drinking is directly linked to low self-esteem and concerted efforts to fit in.
Once the underlying causes of your alcohol addiction have been identified, you and your counselor will establish a plan for addressing them head on. A good portion of your time in inpatient alcohol rehab will be spent in group counseling. Group counseling or group therapy gives clients the opportunity to
- Tell their personal stories
- Benefit from the shared experiences of others
- Share and receive guidance and advice
Group counseling is also a place where patients can improve their communication skills, practice boundary-setting, and learn how to differentiate between healthy relationships and unhealthy ones. There are also a number of therapeutic, on-campus activities that patients can take part in individually or with other patients.
These include stress management activities such as art therapy, yoga, and meditation among many others. Workshops are available for building essential life skills. When you aren’t taking part in therapy or enjoying a bit of downtime, you can work with staff members to improve all aspect of your health, engage in goal-setting, and find out more about the best legal, financial, and career-building resources for creating and maintaining a comfortable and sober lifestyle after you exit.
For people who feel as though additional treatment is necessary, it’s possible to transfer from inpatient rehab centers to sober living facilities, or to take part in long-term inpatient programs that last six months, nine months, or even longer. If you’re tired of facing the consequences of alcoholism and want to find the right rehab center for breaking your addiction, we can help. Call us at 833-610-1174.