Alcohol Inpatient Rehab & Treatment Options

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, you don’t have to do it alone. Inpatient rehab centers for alcohol use disorder offer a support system and guidance toward recovery.

What To Expect In Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

Inpatient rehab centers for alcohol use disorder immerse you in the recovery process. You live at the treatment facility and each day is structured with therapies and sober activities. 

Find An Alcohol Rehab Program Near You

Removing yourself from your home environment can be life-changing when it comes to addiction. At home, you’re likely to encounter distractions and triggers to substance abuse. You might stay in touch with people who abuse alcohol, which can make it harder for you to resist.

Inpatient rehab centers take away the burden of everyday life. You don’t have to worry about paying bills or keeping appointments. You just have to put your whole heart into overcoming addiction. For some people, it’s the only way to heal.

Medical Detox

An inpatient alcohol rehab program may start with detoxification (detox). The alcohol withdrawal process can be life-threatening. Medically assisted detox programs offer inpatient care that keeps you stabilized and relatively comfortable during withdrawal.

After alcohol detox, you begin an addiction treatment program. Inpatient alcohol rehab centers tend to have more treatment options and more specialized programs than outpatient facilities. They’re also more likely to tailor a treatment plan for your unique needs.

Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Treatment Options

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the cornerstone of inpatient addiction treatment. 

In CBT, you meet with a therapist regularly and work to pinpoint destructive thought patterns that cause unhealthy behavior, like alcohol abuse. You learn to change your way of thinking and apply positive coping strategies to avoid substance use.

Addiction affects many areas of life. For alcohol addiction treatment to be effective, you should receive a combination of treatment methods. Inpatient care aims to transform an unhealthy life into a life of wellness and stability.

Other treatment types found in inpatient rehab centers for alcohol use disorder include:

• individual counseling
• support groups
• yoga
• meditation
• exercise
• art therapy
• group therapy
• family therapy
• medical care

12-Step & Non-12-Step Support Groups

Many inpatient rehab facilities use 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but some offer non-12-step programs too. 

The 12 steps to recovery can be integrated into a treatment program with other therapies. They prompt you to admit powerlessness over your addiction and turn to a higher power, as well as make amends to people you’ve hurt through substance abuse.

Treatment For Co-Occurring Disorders

If you have co-occurring disorders (alcohol addiction and another mental health condition), you’re more likely to find a dual diagnosis program at an inpatient rehab center. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses mental health issues related to addiction to reduce the chance of relapse.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be found in an inpatient treatment facility. Three medications are approved to treat alcohol addiction: acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse), and naltrexone (Vivitrol). 

MAT pairs medication with therapy to stop alcohol abuse and cravings so you can focus on recovery.

How Long Is Treatment In An Inpatient Rehab Center?

The length of treatment in an inpatient program depends on the facility. Some only provide short-term programs (the most likely to be covered by health insurance). Short-term rehab is usually 28 to 30 days but may be as short as a week.

Other inpatient alcohol rehab centers offer long-term programs as well, or programs of varying length. Long-term rehab can last 90 days to a year or more. These programs are generally adjusted based on your personal needs. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that the most effective addiction treatment programs last at least three months.

What Comes After Inpatient Addiction Treatment?

Some inpatient rehab centers for alcohol use disorder provide step-down levels of care. When you no longer need intensive addiction treatment, you might enter an outpatient program. This helps with the transition back to home life.

It can be a shock to go back home after an inpatient rehab program. Some people don’t have a support system outside of the treatment center. They may be surrounded by triggers to substance use in their everyday life. 

Outpatient Treatment & Aftercare

Outpatient care continues to build on what you learned in addiction treatment while allowing you to live at home.

An outpatient rehab program may be part of an aftercare plan. Depending on the treatment center, you might have the following options for aftercare:

• partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) 
• intensive outpatient programs
• outpatient programs
• sober living homes
• substance abuse counseling
• support groups
• follow-up phone calls
• alumni meetings
• academic support
• legal advice
• vocational training

Aftercare is an essential part of addiction recovery. While inpatient alcohol rehab lays the foundation, recovery is a lifelong process that’s made possible by the support of others.

Do I Need Inpatient Care For Alcohol Use Disorder?

Many people who struggle with alcohol addiction can benefit from inpatient care. When you meet with a therapist to determine a treatment plan, they should place you in the level of care that’s most appropriate for your situation.

You may need inpatient care for alcohol use disorder if you have:

• a severe, long-term addiction
• a dual diagnosis
• other medical issues that require special care
• complications associated with alcohol withdrawal
• a history of relapse or treatment dropout
• a lack of support in your home environment

If you’d like to learn more about inpatient alcohol rehab programs, contact us today. Speaking with an Ark Behavioral Health specialist is always free and confidential.