How Long Does Alcohol Rehab Take?

Clinically Reviewed by Claire Pinelli LADC, ICAADC, CCS, MCAP, Written by Karen Hadley

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There are few things in life more urgent than alcohol rehab when someone can’t control their drinking. But it’s difficult for people to walk out of their own lives and into rehab. So the duration of any alcohol rehab being considered is always a point of concern. Essentially, what’s needed is a program long enough to enable someone to recover from the harm done, sometimes through years or decades of alcohol abuse.

During an alcohol rehab program, there are four types of improvements needed for lasting sobriety:

• Physical recovery from the toxicity and depletion resulting from the alcoholic lifestyle.
• Mental and emotional recovery from the trauma, guilt, and shame suffered while alcohol controlled their life.
• The building of new sober living skills for lasting stability.
• A detailed plan for the person’s return home, with a solution mapped out for each challenge they’ll face on their return.

It takes time to achieve each of these goals. The alcohol rehab program timeline should be sufficient to enable each participant to reach these milestones.

Does a Rehab Allow Enough Time for Recovery?

Many rehab programs have set time limits. The duration depends on the type of rehab chosen. Short-term rehab programs often last 28 days. Long-term programs may require stays of up to 90 days, although some programs last six months or longer, as in the case of therapeutic communities.

A program with a set time limit overlooks the fact that everyone recovers at a different rate. A better measurement for the duration of an alcohol rehab program is the time it takes a person to fully achieve the improvements listed above.

The Narconon program takes on average 10 to 12 weeks, but can last longer depending on how much time each person needs. Alcohol abuse has often lasted for many years, so the weeks or months spent getting sober are very worthwhile.

Will a Person Really “Always Be an Addict”?

Some rehab programs teach the principle that a person will “always be an addict” or that the person is “powerless” over their addiction to alcohol. Some don’t agree with this as they would rather find a rehab program that teaches them they are not powerless and they can learn to leave their addiction behind them for good. Relapse and continued addiction are not inevitable.

There is one program that addresses drug and alcohol addiction from the standpoint that, with the right approach and armed with effective tools, a person can overcome their addiction for good: Narconon.

Since 1966, the Narconon program has provided people struggling with alcohol addiction the program they were looking for. Here, each person learns how they can take control of their addiction. They learn the life skills that can enable them to face life sober. For many, the Narconon approach has offered the solution they were looking for.

Using this evidence-based approach, tens of thousands of people have gone on to live sober and drug-free lives.

The Origin of This Innovative Rehab Program

The Narconon rehabilitation program began in 1966 using methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard, American author and humanitarian. While Mr. Hubbard also founded the Scientology religion, the Narconon program does not teach any religious principles.

Mr. Hubbard’s research and techniques emphasize a drug-free approach to helping people overcome addiction. More than 40,000 people have graduated from this long-term residential program without the need for substitute medications.

Starting on the Road to Sobriety

Before entering the Narconon program, each individual undergoes a comprehensive medical evaluation by a physician. If necessary, they will be referred to a medically supervised detox facility first, as some individuals with alcohol addiction may require medical detox for their safety before starting the rehab process. Once completed, the person will start the Narconon program.

Drug-Free Withdrawal

To reinforce and further stabilize their withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, the first step is the Narconon Drug-Free Withdrawal step.

Staff specialists in the Withdrawal Unit begin the 24-hour supervision and care. They provide each person with:

• Vitamins, minerals, and other supplements that calm physical symptoms.
• Around-the-clock monitoring of vital signs.
• Gentle physical procedures called “assists” that ease the body’s reaction to withdrawal, and
• Reorientation procedures that help a person shift their focus from the pain of the past to the present.

As soon as each person is eating and sleeping well and any mental or physical withdrawal symptoms are gone, they begin the next steps of the rehab program.

A Unique Way to Address Cravings and Mood

Cravings for alcohol can drive an addicted person back to drinking again and again. When those cravings can be alleviated, life becomes easier. Mr. Hubbard discovered that old toxic residues from drinking or drugs appear to be trapped in the body for years.

These residues can sometimes become reactivated later, causing physical cravings that lead to relapse. The New Life Detoxification is designed to help eliminate or reduce these toxic substances and their negative effects, including cravings.

This step consists of aerobic exercise to increase circulation, periods of sweating in a low-heat, dry sauna to eliminate toxins, healthy oils, and a very specific regimen of nutritional supplements, minerals, and oils. When combined, these actions provide the body with the support it needs to eliminate old residues. A brighter outlook typically follows, along with many people stating that their cravings have lessened or are gone.

Returning a Person to the Present

For many years, those who are addicted have allowed alcohol to control their lives. It’s now time for this person to regain control of their bodies, actions, decisions, and thoughts. At the same time, they need improved communication skills and a brighter awareness of their environment. The Objectives are a series of procedures that can improve perceptions and awareness and return control to the individual.

Gaining Stable Sober-Living Skills

Each person needs to gain the sober living tools to maintain their sobriety in the future:

• Ups & Downs in Life: Learning how to tell which people are positive and support sobriety, and which are negative and pull a person down, so it’s possible to build a safer, more stable life.
• Personal Integrity: Finding out how addiction damages honesty and self-respect, and learning how to regain responsibility for one’s actions and relationships. Many people feel a great sense of relief during this step.
• Changing Conditions in Life: Acquiring practical problem-solving tools that help each person overcome barriers, rebuild relationships, and maintain long-term stability.

Preparing for a Safe, Sober Return Home

Re-entry into a post-rehab life has its own challenges. There are relationships to be mended and many decisions to be made. To help each person maintain their gains, they work with the Graduate Officer to plan their re-entry. They may need to make decisions about work, living arrangements, or school. Old friends may need to be replaced with new, sober friends. A plan is worked out to smooth their return home. The Graduate Officer follows up with them for two years to provide support and guidance.

Help Someone You Care About Arrive Today

The Narconon program is a drug-free program that has helped tens of thousands achieve sober lives. Its decades of experience have shown this approach to be effective for many who wish to leave alcohol behind. Help someone you love experience a different kind of rehab program that puts them in control of their life. Contact the Intake Specialists at Narconon today.