Alcohol Addiction Detox, Treatment, Rehab, & Long-Term Recovery

Can You Detox From Alcohol Dependence on Your Own?

Medical professionals do not recommend detoxing from alcohol without clinical supervision. Unlike many other substances, alcohol withdrawal can lead to severe and life-threatening effects that individuals are wholly unprepared for or unable to treat on their own. Experiencing extreme complications such as confusion, hallucinations, or seizures could make it extremely challenging for a sufferer to understand they require emergency medical attention and call 911 when needed. (4)

How Long Are Alcohol Detox & Addiction Treatment Programs?

The duration of alcohol detox and treatment programs varies depending on the individual’s needs and goals. While medical detox typically lasts a few days, intensive treatment can last for weeks, months, or longer. Those who enter treatment as inpatients are often advised to participate in prolonged programs, eventually leading to outpatient levels of care. Following intensive treatment, ongoing therapy and other forms of support can continue for years if necessary.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment & Co-Occurring Disorders

When an individual experiences both an alcohol use disorder and a mental health condition, these are referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Both disorders should be treated simultaneously because psychological issues often lead to self-medication in the form of substances. Conversely, drug and alcohol use exacerbates existing mental health conditions.

Common Disorders That Co-Occur With Alcohol Misuse Include:

• Major depressive disorder.
• Anxiety and panic disorders.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Borderline personality disorder.
• Schizophrenia.
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Eating disorders.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Rehab Options & Treatment Programs for Alcoholism & Addiction

There are various levels of care that may be appropriate for an individual entering a rehab program, depending on their needs and the severity of their alcohol use disorder. These can be used as standalone treatment approaches, but more often, they are employed as step-down levels of care that decrease in intensity as the individual progresses in their recovery. Aftercare often consists of ongoing therapy, medical care, and peer support groups.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient (residential) treatment programs offer 24/7 care to individuals in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment. Individuals may stay for anywhere from 1-3 months or longer, depending on their needs. During inpatient treatment, clients are provided with medical care and support around the clock. They have access to common areas and group meetings with a community of peers going through similar issues.

These programs typically consist of various therapeutic treatments and services, including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, support groups, recreational activities, and holistic approaches like meditation and yoga.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization (PHP) offers similar therapies and services as inpatient treatment. However, individuals participate in the program during the day and return to private residences in the evenings. This level of care offers increased flexibility and accountability.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs only require participation for a few hours a day, several days a week. They offer even further flexibility for individuals, allowing them to begin reintegrating into their lives and attending to other responsibilities. These programs include similar therapies and services as higher levels of care.

IOP programs are focused on learning how to reintegrate into the outside world during early recovery. Our virtual IOP programs are designed to address the psychological, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction.

Virtual & Online Treatment & Counseling

Virtual and online treatment programs allow individuals to access therapies and counseling services on the Internet. Guardian Virtual programs include 3–4 group sessions each week, in addition to one individual therapy session. 

Topics Covered in Group Sessions Include:

• Relapse prevention training.
• The importance of peer support groups, such as 12-step programs.
• Demographic-specific group workshops.
• Substance use and mental health.
• Life skills training.
• Holistic workshops, such as mindfulness meditation.

Alcohol Addiction Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is a critical component of any alcohol addiction treatment program. Although relapse is very common, having a well-developed plan in place can significantly reduce the risk of returning to alcohol use.

Steps for Relapse Prevention Training Include:

• Reviewing common triggers in a safe, supportive group environment. 
• Identifying personal triggers during individual therapy sessions.
• Recognizing early warning signs of relapse.
• Developing coping skills to use when experiencing a trigger or recognizing warning signs.
• Establishing a tailored relapse prevention plan to share with loved ones dedicated to supporting recovery efforts.
• Practicing healthy coping mechanisms in real life during PHP or IOP.