What Happens During Alcohol Rehab and How to Know If You Need It

People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a brain disorder that makes it more challenging to avoid, misuse, and quit drinking altogether. This is why medical detox from alcohol and addiction treatment may be necessary. 

This article will explain what alcohol detox is, how to know if you need alcohol rehab, what withdrawal symptoms to expect, and which treatment program might be the right fit for you.

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox, also called alcohol withdrawal, happens after a person drinks alcohol frequently (i.e., daily) or excessively (i.e., binge drinking) stops. When you stop drinking, the brain undergoes another adjustment period as the alcohol leaves the system. Withdrawal symptoms of varying levels of severity can occur as a result. 

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe to potentially life-threatening.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Tremors
• Delirium
• Hallucinations
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Apathy
• Tiredness
• Inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia) 
  

How to Know If You Need Alcohol Rehab

Talk with your healthcare provider if you think your drinking has become a problem. Consider whether drinking causes conflict in your life, like relationships, school or work, and self-esteem. If the answer is yes, you may benefit from treatment.

What to Expect From a Detox Program 

While some people may decide to quit “cold turkey,” it may be helpful to seek additional support from a structured program if you’ve been drinking regularly or to excess. Outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatments have been shown effective and cost-effective compared with no treatment.

Types of Programs

There are two types of alcohol rehab treatment, outpatient and inpatient.

Outpatient Programs

For people with mild or moderate alcohol use disorder, outpatient programs offer the following:

• Medications to help ease symptoms,
• lab tests to monitor health status,
• family and individual counseling, and
• testing or treatment for conditions that may be linked to alcohol use.

They do not offer full-time supervision of withdrawal symptoms, you detox at home.

Inpatient Programs

For people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder, inpatient programs offer everything from outpatient treatment plus round-the-clock health status monitoring of vitals (blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, etc.) and supervised symptom management.

How to Choose a Program 

Choosing a program comes down to your individual needs and preferences. 

Does Insurance Cover It? 

Insurance may or may not cover alcohol rehab. This is why you’ll likely want to narrow your search to programs that fit within your insurance coverage network. If you’re unsure, consider asking the program coordinator about which insurance companies they work with (if any) and make your decision afterward. 

Tips for Follow-Up Care 

Follow-up care after alcohol rehab is all about helping you build a long-lasting and sustainable sober lifestyle. This may include things like:

• Attending all appointments and considering a 12-step recovery group like Alcoholics Anonymous
• Seek ongoing recognition, reward, and motivation via habit-tracking apps or sober apps
• Exercising regularly
• Staying mindful of relapse warning signs
• Seeking additional support when necessary
  

Summary 

Alcohol detox and alcohol rehab may be necessary if you have an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol detox includes withdrawal symptoms (both physical and emotional). Symptoms vary in severity and duration but typically peak within a few hours or days. Inpatient and outpatient programs and follow-up care can help you get and stay sober from alcohol.

A Word From Verywell 

While alcohol detox and rehab offer clear-cut ways of getting and staying sober, it’s not always so easy. If you love someone with AUD, undiagnosed or diagnosed, please consider reminding them you’re there to support their sober goals no matter how long it takes. This reassurance goes a long way.