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 role in the length of the detox process. As for overall alcohol rehab length after detox, that depends on several other factors. Obviously, though, everyone should attempt to get as much time in treatment as they can. You shouldn’t shortchange yourself or let your loved one’s reluctance or fear cheat them out of a solid chance at getting recovery. Remember: There is NO such thing as ‘too much help’ for a problem. You can’t get ‘too sober’ or ‘too mentally healthy’. The very idea is ridiculous. But it’s tragically easy to get less help than you really need. Alcohol addiction is a serious challenge and unchecked, alcoholism does terrible things to the body and a person’s life. So, if you or someone you love is finally ready for treatment, do it right. Take every bit of help and make the most of it.
Here are some of the major factors that play a role in overall alcohol rehab length:
- How serious the person’s drinking problem is and how long they’ve had it.
- What the person can do in terms of leave of absence from work or school.
- Family or other responsibilities that require the person’s presence.
- The person’s level of willingness.
- Health insurance coverage and/or finances.
Conclusion
Recovery from alcoholism is truly a miracle. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to get help from a top-ranked private alcohol treatment center like Harmony Healing Center, make the most of it. Think about all the people who would gladly take your place if they had the health insurance or finances. Alcohol rehab can transform your life if you let it. But it takes some willingness and cooperation. Don’t worry if you don’t feel 100% ready and enthusiastic yet. You’ve been down a hard road. But do hang onto any bit of willingness and hope you have and zealously guard it. It is precious. Use whatever wind you’ve got in your sails to keep moving forward. You deserve to recover from alcohol addiction and have the life you imagined for yourself. The team at Harmony Healing Center wants to help make that happen for you if you’ll let us. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, we can help. Give Harmony Healing Center a call at (848) 253-6065 or reach out to us through our contact page here. Help is here, you just need to make the first move.