From Detox to Sobriety: How Long Is Rehab for Alcohol?

It’s time to take the first step on the road to recovery. 

While you’re ready to begin the journey, you’re wondering how long alcohol rehab takes. The truth is — recovering from alcohol isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people complete treatment in just a few weeks, while others need to set aside several months to rebuild and heal. 

Here, the professionals at Robin Recovery break down the factors that determine how long rehab for alcoholism takes, four factors that influence its duration, and how to choose the right path for lasting alcohol recovery in Ohio.

• How Long Is Alcohol Rehab?
• 4 Factors That May Influence How Long Alcohol Rehab Lasts
• How Long Is Rehab for Drugs and Alcohol? Inpatient vs. Outpatient
• How Long Is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?
• How Long Is Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?
• Commonly Asked Questions About How Long Is Rehab for Alcoholism?
• Experience Professional, Compassionate Alcohol Recovery Programs at Robin Recovery

How long alcohol rehab lasts depends on the needs of the patient.

While medical detox to help patients through the symptoms of withdrawal can last from a few days to several weeks, most people require more than basic detox for a sustained recovery. 

A comprehensive alcohol rehab treatment plan also likely includes inpatient or outpatient treatment, which may last from 14–90+ days.

Robin Recovery's alcohol addiction rehab program concentrates on personalized care for each and every client. With our treatment programs, you’ll experience a comprehensive, compassionate approach that includes medical stabilization and emotional support.

#1: Age

People aged 60 and over tend to struggle more during the detox phase of alcohol recovery. The withdrawal symptoms can be painful and may lead to various health complications, some of which can be life-threatening if they're not properly addressed. 

For seniors needing to overcome a drinking problem, an inpatient treatment facility that offers special medical care is the best option for a safe and lasting recovery.

#2: Medical History

Individuals with a medical history of breathing, liver, or heart conditions may require a longer recovery time and will likely find the best success in an inpatient facility. There, experienced professionals will be able to make the required specialized modifications for their unique needs. 

#3: Substance Abuse

Rehabilitation from a combination of alcohol and drugs will likely take longer than alcohol alone. Mixing drinking and drugs can lead to deadly interactions, and detox requires the intervention of a specialized medical professional. 

The rehabilitation process will be slower and require careful monitoring to minimize any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and provide caring assistance through each step of the recovery process.

#4: Mental Health

Someone who is suffering from alcoholism and a co-occurring mental health condition will require a personalized treatment plan and may need to spend time in an inpatient or outpatient facility with a focus on individualized therapy programs. 

Outpatient counseling and therapies from Robin Recovery offer clients professional guidance that’s designed to help them succeed in their recovery journey and provide the skills and support they need to prevent relapse.

Contact our team of professionals today for more information about: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group counseling
• Family therapy
• And more

Inpatient alcohol rehab provides round-the-clock care to patients living at the facility. This highly structured model of care typically combines:

• Group and individual counseling
• Therapies
• Nutritional support
• And more

Inpatient programs generally offer 30-, 60-, and 90-day options, with the length of stay determined by a variety of factors.

Since it’s typically more expensive than outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment options may not be covered by insurance or may only be covered under specified limits, including specific situations or a cap on the number of inpatient days covered.

In outpatient alcohol rehab, the patient only attends rehab during daytime or evening hours and receives many of the same forms of treatment as inpatient therapy, but at a lower level of intensity. 

Outpatient care options include:

• Standard outpatient programs (SOPs) – Typically lower in intensity than other options and may only involve a few hours per week
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) – Generally meet several days per week, for a weekly total of 9–20 hours
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) – Also referred to as “day treatment,” and meet for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

The total length of stay in these programs varies based on program progress and various individual factors. Patients may also transfer between care levels based on their unique needs.

Contact the professional team at Robin Recovery today to find out more about our comprehensive alcohol recovery programs.

How Long Does It Take To Reset Your Body From Alcohol?

While noticeable improvement is typically seen after 30 days, if alcohol consumption has led to conditions like cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis, a longer recovery should be expected, and some damage may even be irreversible.

Even after years of chronic drinking, the liver has a remarkable capacity for regeneration, and once drinking stops, it can recover a significant amount of its original mass.

What Length of Alcohol Rehab Is Covered By Insurance?

Two federal mandates, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), required most insurance companies to provide at least partial coverage for substance use disorder treatment.

With this in mind, how long alcohol rehab is covered by insurance depends on:

• The patient’s insurance provider 
• The patient’s insurance plan
• The specific levels of care coverage
• The preset duration limits on various levels
• Whether the insurance carrier deems a particular treatment medically necessary or a medical necessity for the patient 

The team at Robin Recovery is happy to verify your insurance. Reach out today!

Why Do Some People Stay in Rehab Longer Than Others?

Each person’s recovery journey is unique. Some require more time to allow their mental health to stabilize, establish new habits, or overcome lifelong dependencies. 

Ultimately, the goal of alcohol rehab is long-term success, not rushing the process.

Can Alcohol Rehab Be Extended if Necessary?

Absolutely. 

Alcohol rehab treatment plans are designed to be flexible. If necessary, most facilities allow a client to extend their stay to provide the time needed to establish solid coping skills and address any underlying issues before they return home.

Take the first step forward with Robin Recovery. Here, you’ll receive compassionate alcohol addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio, from professionals who are focused on seeing you succeed in your recovery. 

We partner with various insurance companies, most of which will cover all or a portion of the costs associated with substance abuse treatment. 

We offer a comprehensive variety of recovery programs, including:

• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Outpatient programs (OP)
• Detox programs
• Counseling & therapy

Reach out to Robin Recovery today to learn more.

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