Rehab Alcohol Treatment

Alcohol rehab usually starts with physical detoxification, followed by intensive education on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Treatment helps a person with a drinking problem make the transition to recovery and a sober life.

Detox

• Rehab starts with acute medical care--commonly known as "detox." The person is admitted to a hospital, evaluated and given medication to ease withdrawal from alcohol.

Education

• The education element of treatment often begins as soon as the patient is stable. Group therapy, lectures and readings are common, and participants are usually encouraged to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Inpatient Treatment

• Inpatient treatment, in which the person stays at a hospital or recovery center, usually lasts up to a month, as that is the limit set by many health insurers. More expensive programs will go longer.

Outpatient Treatment

• In outpatient treatment, patients gather for daily, weekly or semiweekly sessions. Outpatient treatment allows people to receive help while still working.

Aftercare

• Treatment staff will help patients form an aftercare plan, which may include occasional checkups with a therapist, as well as regular AA attendance.