Alcohol Detox and Rehab Programs Near You

Alcohol detox is a method of addiction treatment that helps people with severe cases of alcoholism. Severe cases of alcoholism can result in dangerous symptoms of withdrawal that can lead to death and discomfort. For people with severe cases of alcoholism, a good detox program is the start of an alcohol recovery program. Alcohol detox programs can use a combination of medical supervision, partial hospitalization, and medications to help people with severe symptoms of withdrawal. 

While alcohol detoxification is an important part of the road to recovery, it does not apply to every situation. Understanding when alcohol detox applies to cases of alcoholism can help individuals understand the steps needed to recover from alcoholism. We’ll cover what alcohol detox is, how the treatment modality works, and who it’s for.

What is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox is an addiction treatment method for alcohol abuse disorder (AUD). Detox programs involve medical supervision and medications to help people manage symptoms of withdrawal and alcohol cravings. Some cases of alcoholism require medical supervision but some people can detox from alcohol without the need for medical treatment. Ultimately, it depends on the severity of alcoholism.

Some alcohol detox programs also implement therapy and counseling. These programs are more common for inpatient rehab because of the time commitment required for therapy. Alcohol detox can also be a part of partial hospitalization programs (PHP) because of the medical supervision needed for safe detoxing.

Alcohol detox is more common for people who have been abusing alcohol for many years. This is because withdrawal symptoms become worse when someone has been abusing alcohol for longer periods. Alcohol detox programs treat symptoms like delirium tremens, fatigue, discomfort, stomach pain, alcohol cravings, shakes, sweating, insomnia, and more.

How Do Alcohol Detox and Rehab Programs work?

Alcohol detox and rehab programs can work together or separately. Some detox programs are designed to help an individual with alcohol withdrawal before placing them into a more therapy-based therapy program. Detox can also be used alongside therapy to help people with severe cases of alcohol withdrawal. Because long-term alcoholics can struggle with withdrawal for longer periods, some detox programs include rehab sooner rather than later.

Compared to other types of rehab, alcohol detox is unique. This is because some detox programs don’t have therapy or counseling and focus on comfort/medication. The average detox program uses medication to make someone’s withdrawal symptoms more comfortable. Some programs can use many types of medications, while other programs only leverage a single medication like Naltrexone.

Typically, the detox process takes less than one month. Patients are prescribed medication by medical professionals and individuals that need more advanced treatment can enter into partial hospitalization programs (PHP) or intensive outpatient programs (IOP). 

Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox programs can also begin at inpatient rehab treatment centers. For programs that begin at inpatient centers, patients are exposed to more amenities. In fact, some inpatient programs offer luxury amenities like chef-cooked meals, private rooms, sports, yoga, and recreational rooms.

When seeking treatment for alcohol withdrawal through alcohol detox, it’s important to consider the risks. Detoxing without medical supervision can lead to uncomfortable and deadly side effects. For example, delirium tremens occurs in about 1% of alcohol withdrawal cases. Delirium tremens can cause seizures and hallucinations that can impact heart health and lead to death.

Overall, alcohol detox programs vary based on what a patent needs. Some programs are as simple as a prescription for medication, while others include a combination of medical supervision, medication, and therapy. We recommend consulting with a medical professional before enrolling in alcohol detox programs.

How Long Does an Alcohol Detox and Rehab Program Take?

Alcohol Detox programs last for about one week (on average). If someone is experiencing severe symptoms of withdrawal like delirium tremens, however, alcohol detox can take several weeks. Ultimately, the length of a detox program varies based on how long the symptoms of withdrawal last.

Furthermore, alcohol detox programs evolve into other types of treatment as someone begins recovering from alcoholism. Detox is only the first step on the road to recovery, so many people continue into outpatient or inpatient addiction recovery programs. Depending on the program, detox can continue alongside these treatments. Ultimately, the alcohol recovery process can take several months for severe cases.

People who enroll in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) are more likely to remain sober. Groups like A.A. are lifelong commitments.

How Much Does an Alcohol Detox and Rehab Program Cost?

Alcohol detox programs cost between $1,000 and $2,000. The cost of alcohol detox increases to more than $10,000 when alcohol detox is used during inpatient rehab because detox is typically included in inpatient alcoholism treatment. Some factors that influence the cost of detox include the length of treatment, if hospitalization is required, and the medications prescribed.

While alcohol detox is expensive, there are methods to help people reduce personal costs. For people who don’t have the financial resources to attend alcohol detox, non-profit organizations offer scholarship opportunities. These scholarships can cover the cost of treatment but individuals need to apply for them to determine if they’re eligible.

Furthermore, some detox programs are more affordable than others. Recently, the Sinclair Method has become a popular option for alcoholism detox and treatment. The Sinclair Method uses a Naltrexone prescription to help people overcome the urge to drink and it works well for mild cases of alcohol withdrawal. These alternative treatment methods can cost less than $1,000 because patients are only covering the cost of medication.

When seeking an alcohol detox program for alcoholism treatment we recommend going with what your doctor recommends. Shopping based on the cost is never a good idea because you won’t get the treatment you need. Plus, every individual’s situation is unique.

What are the Types of Alcohol Detox and Rehab Programs?

There are many types of alcohol detox and rehab programs. Because alcohol detox is the first step for many people, detox can be included during inpatient and outpatient treatment. Some alcohol detox programs leverage hospitalization and medication to help with severe withdrawal symptoms.

Below are the most common types of alcohol detox and rehab programs.

• Outpatient alcohol detox
• Inpatient alcohol detox (hospital-based)
• Inpatient rehab (living at the rehab center for extended periods)
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
• The Sinclair Method

These are only a handful of alcohol detox and rehab options. Combinations of alcohol detox and therapy can vary based on your location, the treatment center, and the severity of your addiction.

What are the Factors to Consider in Choosing an Alcohol Detox and Rehab Program?

You should consider several factors before choosing an alcohol detox and rehab program. Some of these factors are based on money but others are based on an individual’s health history. For example, people who abused alcohol for decades should choose a program that includes more medical supervision. On the other hand, people who have only been drinking for a few years can choose programs that offer more flexibility.

Below are the factors to consider when choosing an alcohol detox and rehab program.

• The types of medical insurance the program accepts (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance)
• Consider the licensing of the staff and how well-trained they are
• If the program offers additional assistance for relapse or offers relapse prevention tools
• If aftercare like additional outpatient therapy is included in the detox program
• Whether or not the program is medication-based or a combination of therapy and medication 
• The cost of the program without insurance
• The length of the program
• If you can maintain a job while attending the program 

You should only enroll in an alcohol detox and rehab program after considering these factors. Some of these factors can determine how well the program works for you.

What are the Alcohol Treatment Medications Included in the Alcohol Detox and Rehab Program?

Several medications like Naltrexone are used for alcohol detox programs. The type of medication used depends on the severity of alcoholism and the symptoms an individual has. Alcohol detox programs can also use a combination of many medications. Therefore, the medications used depend on personal needs.

First and foremost, benzodiazepines are commonly used for severe cases of alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are used to treat seizures, which can occur during severe cases of alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are also a sedative, which can help people with insomnia and other symptoms of withdrawal. Some examples of benzodiazepines used for alcohol detox include diazepam and chlordiazepoxide.

Doctors can also prescribe medications that alter the way alcohol interacts with the brain. Medications like Antabuse, for example, can make alcohol’s intoxicating effects less pleasurable. If Antabuse is taken before alcohol consumption alcohol can cause headaches, stomach discomfort, and sweating. For these reasons, it can make someone crave less alcohol.

Another popular medication used for alcohol detox is Naltrexone. More research needs to be conducted on Naltrexone but at this time it’s used to help people with alcohol cravings. Like Antabuse, Naltrexone can make someone feel groggy and uncomfortable after drinking alcohol. There are even alcohol treatment programs like the Sinclair Method that are specifically focused on using Naltrexone to treat alcoholism over the long term.

Alcohol reduces the health of the brain and other organs in the body. For these reasons, some alcohol detox programs can recommend medications and vitamins to help these parts of the body recover. A great example of this is vitamin B. A reduction of vitamin B is common in long-term alcohol abusers, which can lead to alcohol-related brain damage. Restoring vitamin B can reduce the risk of brain problems and restore the brain to normal health.

Lastly, Campral is another popular medication used for addiction treatment. Campral is useful for addiction treatment because it can help the brain achieve balance without alcohol. When alcohol is abused the brain has trouble with chemicals like serotonin because natural GABA receptors are altered by alcohol. Taking a medication like Campral helps the brain restore this balance. Campral is more effective when used alongside therapy because it does not reduce alcohol cravings as much as Naltrexone and Antabuse.

Is it Possible to Detox from Alcohol Without Going to Rehab?

Yes, it’s possible to detox from alcohol without going to rehab. That said, individuals should always consult with medical professionals before choosing a rehabilitation plan. Because alcohol withdrawal can be deadly in some cases, it’s best to get the addiction treatment that’s best suited for the individual. 

Additionally, detoxing from alcohol without medical supervision can lead to discomfort, death, coma, and other problems. Keep in mind that mild cases of alcoholism don’t typically require detox programs.

If you or a loved one is detoxing from alcohol and experiences discomfort or other severe symptoms of withdrawal (like delirium tremens), it’s important to seek medical attention. There are medications like Naltrexone that can help with the detox process, curb cravings, and prevent dangerous medical outcomes.