OK, I’m Ready, But How Long Are Alcohol Detox Programs?
When a person finally decides they are ready for help with alcohol, inevitably the first questions are about alcohol rehab length. So, how long are alcohol detox programs, and what happens after detox is over? The best alcohol detox programs won’t have a set-in-stone length of time that’s pre-determined. This is because they know each patient that comes to see them is different. Generally, if you are getting a medical detox off of alcohol and no other treatment, the stay will range from 4 or 5 days to as long as two weeks or more. When asking how long are alcohol detox programs, there are a number of variables to consider. The answers to the following questions will have an impact on how long a person would need to be in a detox program:
- How often do you drink?
- When you drink, how much do you consume in a 24 hour period?
- What’s your current height and weight?
- At what age did you begin and how old are you now?
- What is the total number of years you have been drinking?
- Do you have a history of seizures or delirium tremens in withdrawal?
- Are you living with alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other liver diseases?
What About Total Alcohol Rehab Length?
It’s not unusual for a person going to treatment for the first time to be a little hung up on the length of stay. This is usually for one of two reasons. They are uneasy about being away from the familiar surroundings of home and family for more than a few days. Or, on the flip side, they worry they won’t get enough treatment. Return home too soon and find themselves defenseless against picking up the bottle again. Both are valid concerns. If you are trying to help or convince a family member or friend to go to rehab for alcohol though, it can be frustrating. If that’s the case, try to be as understanding as you can. Worries about how long are alcohol detox programs or alcohol rehab length are very common. In most cases, the concerns will fade or pass with time. The most important thing is that you keep moving forward, even if the pace isn’t always as fast as you hoped. Progress is progress.
How Do You Know How Long Are Alcohol Detox Programs?
Alcohol rehab length is determined by a few things, but it can range anywhere from 2-3 weeks to as long as 60-90 days. For most people, about a month is average. The factors we listed above in ‘OK, I’m Ready, But How Long Are Alcohol Detox Programs?’ play a r