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Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Rehab Programs

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Written by: Meredith Watkins Reviewed by: Scot Thomas, MD Updated May 15, 2024

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Alcohol rehabilitation centers can help people struggling with mild to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) regain control of their lives.1 If you or a loved one wants to stop drinking, understanding the types of treatment can be an important first step toward recovery. This page covers the types of alcohol addiction treatment programs available, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient care.

How Common is Alcohol Addiction?

Drinking alcohol is socially accepted in many parts of the world.2 It is often associated with feelings of pleasure and relaxation and some people can drink alcohol on social occasions and not experience harmful effects.2 The 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found over 138 million people reported that they are current alcohol consumers.3 That same study found that over 28 million people reported a past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD), but only 2 million people received treatment for alcohol misuse that year.3

The good news is, there are several evidence-based alcohol therapies and treatment approaches available to help.4 If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol misuse or addiction, learning about treatment and rehab for alcohol can be an important first step that can help you make an informed decision about your care. 

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When to Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction

There are several behavioral and physical changes that you might recognize if you are concerned that you or a loved one is struggling and needs to seek help for alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical term for addiction to alcohol and is defined by the inability to control or decrease alcohol consumption despite the harmful effects it has caused.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

In clinical settings, AUD is diagnosed by a medical professional based on a person experiencing 2 or more of specific behavioral changes, signs, and symptoms within the course of 1 year. These criteria are outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and include:5

  1. Drinking more alcohol or continuing to drink for a longer time than intended.
  2. An inability to stop drinking or cut back on alcohol despite wanting to do so.
  3. Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, and recovering from alcohol consumption.
  4. Craving alcohol or experiencing strong urges to drink.
  5. An inability to meet expectations or fulfill obligations due to alcohol consumption (e.g., home, school, or work responsibilities).
  6. Consuming alcohol despite persistent interpersonal and social problems caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol.
  7. Reducing occupational, recreational, or social activities due to alcohol consumption.
  8. Consuming alcohol in situations where it is physically hazardous to do so.
  9. Consuming alcohol despite persistent physical and psychological problems caused or worsened by alcohol.
  10. Developing a tolerance (e.g., needing more alcohol to feel its intoxicating effects).
  11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing alcohol consumption or needing to continue drinking to avoid such symptoms.

Keep in mind that AUD can develop over time and even if you don’t currently exhibit the above behavioral changes, signs, and symptoms of alcohol addiction, you may still have a potentially harmful relationship with alcohol or be at an increased risk and need alcohol addiction help in the future.

Take Our Alcohol Addiction Quiz

Take our free, 5-minute self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with alcohol misuse or addiction and may possibly benefit from alcohol rehab. The evaluation consists of 11 ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the probability and severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The test is free and confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.

Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?

Are you worried about yourself or a loved one?

If you’ve noticed that your use of alcohol has grown out of control or is negatively affecting your life, relationships, or health, you may be questioning whether you have a substance use disorder. If you have been using alcohol and wonder if you may be addicted, answer the following 11 questions honestly.
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What Types of Treatments Are There for Alcohol Addiction?

There is no one-size-fits-all alcohol addiction treatment program and what works for one person may not for another. Still, simply understanding the types of alcohol addiction treatment options can be an important first step.6

Many people think of 12-step meetings and rehab when they think of alcohol addiction treatment, but there are several treatment interventions, services, and settings available today.6 Alcohol addiction treatment may consist of a combination of behavioral addiction therapy programs, medications, and mutual-support groups such as 12-step programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous).6

Keep in mind that for treatment for alcohol use disorders to be effective, the interventions, services, and settings should be individualized to the patient and address not just their alcohol use but their health, legal, social, and vocational problems too.7 Because patients grow and progress throughout treatment, effective treatment plans are continually assessed.7 If changes are needed, such as a different length of stay, medication, or type of therapy, treatment providers should help make modifications as needed.7

Medical Detox Programs for Alcohol Addiction

  • Duration: Days to weeks.8
  • Location: Hospitals, specialized inpatient detoxification units, or an outpatient setting with close medical supervision.8
  • Who this is suited for: People who have been consuming large amounts of alcohol and may need to be medically monitored for withdrawal side effects.8

Medical detoxification is not necessary for every person, but for many, it’s a necessary first step in alcohol addiction treatment, helping them to safely withdraw from alcohol as well as set them up for success with ongoing treatment.8

When someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD) abruptly reduces or stops drinking, they may experience symptoms of acute withdrawal.9, 10 Alcohol withdrawal can have potentially serious consequences including significant illness and even death.9, 10 Some people experience seizures or delirium tremens, a complication of withdrawal characterized by confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations.10 Alcohol detox programs can help patients achieve a substance-free state while monitoring and relieving the immediate symptoms of withdrawal.11

It’s important to remember that while detox can be an important first step in the rehabilitation process, detox alone may not be enough to facilitate long-term change for someone struggling with AUD.7 Many people benefit from a continuing care approach following detox such as regular treatment at an alcohol rehab center .7

Inpatient/Residential Rehab Programs for Alcohol Addiction

  • Duration: 1 week to 1 year or longer.8
  • Location: Hospitals, medical clinics, or residential environments.8
  • Who this is suited for: People with mental health disorders or severe medical problems or people who do not have stable employment or living situations.8

Inpatient or residential treatment can be effective for people with a more severe alcohol use disorder (AUD).8 In inpatient programming, patients typically live in an alcohol rehab setting and receive 24-hour care from medical professionals in addition to intensive treatment.8, 12 Treatment is geared toward people with serious medical or mental health concerns and typically lasts weeks to months, although long-term alcohol rehab is available too.7

Residential treatment options also provide 24-hour care but from nonmedical staff. Patients receive intensive counseling and there is often an emphasis on peer support.8

While these programs vary, those who attend this type of program can expect a variety of group and individual therapeutic approaches to help them live a substance-free life.12  For those people accustomed to a higher standard of living, there are also luxury alcohol rehab programs available that offer additional services and amenities not typically found at a traditional alcohol addiction rehab center.

Outpatient Rehab Programs for Alcohol Addiction

  • Duration: Varies.
  • Location: Health clinics, hospital clinics, counselor offices, local health department offices, or residential programs with outpatient clinics.8
  • Who this is suited for: People who have completed an inpatient program and/or have stable employment or living situations.7

An outpatient treatment program may be a more flexible option or act as a “step down” from inpatient programming. When you attend outpatient alcohol rehab, you live at home and attend regular treatment sessions.8 Because these programs typically don’t last all day, people can often maintain their family, school, or work obligations.

Outpatient programming often includes several of the same treatment types as residential and inpatient programming, though with varying frequency and intensity.7 Low-intensity programs may focus on drug education while higher-intensity programs, like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP), can be comparable to what you can expect in a residential alcohol rehab setting. An IOP, for example, may offer individual and group therapy, medication management, medical support, substance use monitoring, and introduction to support groups.7

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What to Expect in Alcohol Rehab

Rehab for alcohol typically involves various stages on the path toward recovery. Detox is often the first step in the process and can help patients achieve an alcohol-free state as comfortably and safely as possible.9 With the clearing of substances from the body, individuals can then begin working on their personal rehab. The next step may be inpatient or outpatient treatment, with various programs included as part of the process. While in rehab, you can expect to:

  • Have a structured schedule.
  • Engage in therapy with other patients.
  • Participate in 12-Step or other types of meetings.
  • Have breaks in between sessions.
  • Have a block of time to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner (depending on the type of program).

While in rehab, there is often extensive and intensive therapy involved, in both individual and group settings. Therapy can help individuals identify and modify their drug use and drug-seeking behaviors. It can also help them develop better coping mechanisms, avoidance of substance use triggers, and relapse prevention skills.6, 7

Rehab involves extensive therapy, which aims to rectify drug-seeking behaviors, instill better coping mechanisms, and teach important relapse prevention skills. As part of ongoing recovery, various outlets of aftercare provide individuals with long-term support and continued relapse prevention opportunities. There are also other therapeutic strategies that may be used to work toward recovery.6, 7

Types of Therapy Used in Alcohol Rehab

Various types of behavioral therapies are commonly used in alcohol treatment centers. Behavioral therapies can take place in individual or group settings and may include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Alcohol Rehab

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based form of therapy based on the theory that learning processes play a critical role in the development of destructive behavioral patterns like alcohol misuse.7, 12 It focuses on identifying the feelings or situations that may trigger the desire to drink and developing coping strategies to avoid relapse.7

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) in Alcohol Rehab

This counseling approach helps people resolve ambivalent feelings about entering drug or alcohol addiction treatment and stopping their alcohol use by invoking internally motivated change.7 MET typically involves an initial assessment, followed by 2 to 4 individual treatment sessions with a therapist during which coping and cessation strategies are discussed.7

12-Step Programs in Alcohol Rehab

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step and self-help programs consist of people in recovery who provide a safe space to discuss experiences, hope, current real-life struggles, and future goals.8 These programs are free and can complement professional alcohol use disorder treatment.7, 8 While these programs vary, many can be beneficial during recovery as they offer additional community and social support.7

Contingency Management Therapy in Alcohol Rehab

Contingency management, such as the community reinforcement approach (CRA), uses material incentives and reinforcers (familial, recreational, social, and vocational) to help patients struggling with AUD develop new hobbies and social networks. Patients are assessed weekly and awarded vouchers in exchange for abstaining from alcohol.7

Marital and Family Counseling in Alcohol Rehab

This type of therapeutic treatment for alcohol addiction includes marital partners and other members of the family in the treatment process to improve and repair family relationships hurt by alcohol addiction.6 Research suggests that familial support can lead to better patient outcomes and help patients maintain abstinence.6

Medications Used in Alcohol Rehab

For many patients, medications are an important and necessary component of treatment.7 Medications used in alcohol treatment may be useful at varying stages of alcohol rehab to help patients reduce withdrawal symptoms, stay in treatment, and prevent relapse.1

There are 3 medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcohol dependence, including:7

  • Acamprosate: Acamprosate, also known as Campral®, may reduce protracted withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and depression from alcohol. It is intended to help patients maintain abstinence.
  • Disulfiram: Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse®, causes an adverse reaction when combined with alcohol, which is intended to help a person avoid drinking. Reactions can include flushing, nausea, and palpitations.
  • Naltrexone: Naltrexone, also known as Vivitrol®, decreases alcohol cravings by blocking receptors in the brain that control rewarding effects. Studies show that Naltrexone may reduce relapse.

Alcohol Addiction Aftercare and Long-Term Recovery

Recovery from alcohol addiction is a long-term process that doesn’t stop once treatment is over. “Aftercare” or “continuing care” are terms used to describe various types of ongoing care and support you may receive following the transition of levels of care (e.g., transitioning from inpatient to outpatient programming).13 The goal of an aftercare plan is to support people in recovery, prevent relapse, and help them reach life goals.

The types of care and support in aftercare range but examples include:

  • Spending time in a sober living home.
  • Attending counseling sessions.
  • Participating in an alumni program.
  • Attending 12-step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Completing a rehab program and returning to everyday life can bring up new challenges a person will need to navigate as they learn how to recover from alcohol misuse. You may find yourself in triggering situations such as seeing an old family member or friend or returning to an older neighborhood, that can bring about difficult emotions. In addition to participating in various types of aftercare activities, there are several things you can do to foster long-term recovery, such as:

  • Finding a support system. Whether you join your local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter or find someone you can contact when you are struggling can help you maintain sobriety.
  • Creating a healthy environment at home. Keep your home clean and free of alcohol and other substances.
  • Setting goals for the future. Having goals can help keep you focused on things other than alcohol.
  • Finding new hobbies. Hobbies outside of drinking, such as hiking or painting, can help you connect with others and relieve stress in a healthy way.
  • Maintaining a healthy routine. Getting enough exercise and sleep, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and attending your follow-up appointments can help you maintain sobriety.

As mentioned, recovery looks different for everyone and what works for one person may not work for another. For example, if you are struggling with strained relationships, you may find that your recovery efforts benefit from ongoing family therapy. If you are struggling with ongoing health problems as a result of alcohol use, working with specialized healthcare providers may be able to help.

Does Rehab Work for Alcohol Addiction?

Yes,  alcohol addiction treatment can be effective.1 While alcohol addiction can’t be “cured,” the condition can be successfully managed, and treatment can counteract the negative effects addiction has on the brain such as “wet brain” syndrome, and enable people to regain control of their lives. 1

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 33% of people who receive treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), have no further symptoms 12 months later.6 Additional research monitoring individuals in long-term treatment shows most people who enter and remain in treatment stop consuming alcohol and see occupational, psychological, and social functioning improvements.7 It’s not uncommon, however, for people to go to treatment for alcohol abuse more than once.7

How to Find the Right Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

AAC has treatment facilities across the U.S. and is a leading provider of evidence-based addiction treatment. Our team of admissions navigators can answer any questions you might have, including those about the cost of rehab and your alcohol addiction treatment options. You can also verify your insurance and get started on the admissions process.

We understand that finding the right help for alcohol addiction can feel overwhelming, but the good news is you have options, and you don’t have to make this decision alone. If you’re not sure where to start, you can contact your primary care physician (PCP) or a mental health practitioner to get advice on treatment considerations. If you know someone familiar with a specific treatment, it may be helpful to ask them about their experience.

As you research alcohol abuse treatment centers, it may be helpful to keep these questions in mind:6

Check to see if your insurance is in-network

Quitting alcohol is a process that looks different for everyone, but some tips that may help you or a loved one learn how to stop drinking, include:14, 15
  • Keeping track of how much your drink, which can help you slow down when needed.
  • Developing new activities, friendships, and hobbies to fill your free time.
  • Identifying and avoiding triggers (e.g., people or places that encourage you to drink). If you can’t avoid a trigger, find someone you can talk to.
  • Having a non-alcoholic drink in hand if you’re in a situation where alcohol is being served.
  • Practicing saying “no” and have a loose script in mind for responding to people in different situations.
Treatment for alcohol misuse and addiction can vary depending on various issues including the individual, the amount of alcohol consumed, and the length of time it has been consumed. Detox can last from 3-7 days, or longer, depending on the individual. Inpatient or outpatient rehab can then last anywhere from 14-90 days, again with varying lengths depending on the needs of the individual.
It is not always necessary to use medication to stop drinking, although certain medications can make it more comfortable and safer in dealing with any potential withdrawal symptoms that may occur. Home remedies to stop drinking can seem very appealing as they allow people to stay at home as they work on their sobriety. However, cutting back on alcohol or stopping drinking altogether may lead to withdrawal, which can be uncomfortable, painful, and even potentially dangerous. That’s why it is often recommended that people go through detox and rehab in a medically managed and supervised program.
Convincing someone to stop drinking can be challenging due to the physical and psychological effects of addiction. There are several ways you can try to help someone if you think they have a problem with alcohol. Scheduling time to meet with the person you’re concerned about can be a good first step. Speak with them when they are sober in a comfortable, private space and let them know you are concerned. You may get insight into why they are drinking and gain a better understanding of anything they are going through. Keep in mind that convincing someone to stop drinking rarely takes a singular effort and you will likely need to have several conversations. Over time, your loved one may realize they need to seek help for alcohol use. Referring them to an alcohol addiction treatment program can be a helpful next step.
Moderation Management is a non-profit organization for people who may be “problem” drinkers but are not dependent on alcohol. The goal of Moderation Management is to help people maintain moderate alcohol use. Members of Moderation Management set their own alcohol use “goals” and are encouraged to set guidelines and limits, and follow a 9-step cognitive behavioral change program. While some people have found success with Moderation Management, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for treatment. It’s important that you are honest with yourself about your drinking habits and realize when you should ask for help. If you are struggling with alcohol misuse or addiction, you may benefit from speaking with a doctor or other medical professional and learning about evidence-based treatment options.
It can be difficult to say how much alcohol rehab will cost as the cost can be influenced by several factors such as the type of treatment you need (e.g., inpatient or outpatient), how long you remain in treatment, and the type of facility you attend (e.g., luxury). Before you enter rehab, you can contact the facility ahead of time to verify what your costs will be. Rehab can be expensive, but the good news is that you can pay in various ways. Many rehabs offer grants and scholarships to help patients who cannot afford the cost. Others may offer sliding scales based on what you can realistically pay. If you are looking for more affordable alcohol rehab options, consider going through your insurance. If you have insurance, your plan should cover some, if not all, of the cost of rehab as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates all Marketplace plans cover treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Your specific benefits will depend on the state you live in and the health plan you choose. You can contact your insurance provider to discuss what exactly is covered.16
  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.
  2. National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health. (2011). Alcohol-Use Disorders: Diagnosis, Assessment and Management of Harmful Drinking and Alcohol Dependence.
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
  4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Understanding alcohol use disorder.
  5. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
  6. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Treatment for alcohol problems: finding and getting help.
  7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.
  8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). What Is Substance Abuse Treatment?
  9. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2015). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45. DHHS Publication No. (SMA), 15-4131. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.
  10. Trevisan, L.A., Boutros, N., Petrakis, I.L., Krystal, J.H., (1998). Complications of Alcohol Withdrawal.
  11. Hayasida, M. (1998). An Overview of Outpatient and Inpatient Detoxification.
  12. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts.
  13. McKay J. R. (2009). Continuing care research: what we have learned and where we are going. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 36(2), 131–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2008.10.004
  14. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Tips to try.
  15. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Building your drink refusal skills.
  16. HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health & substance abuse coverage.

Meredith Watkins

AUTHOR

Meredith Watkins is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in dual diagnoses and eating disorders. She has worked as a clinical editor for online addictions journals and websites, and ghostwritten for numerous medical and addictions professionals.

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