Alcohol Rehab: Withdrawal Timeline, Treatment Programs & Recovery Support

By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy |

Alcoholism and Alcohol Rehab Addiction Treatment

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 15 million adults in the United States had an alcohol use disorder in 2018. It is also estimated that 6.2% of adults in the United States engage in binge drinking. Furthermore, 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcoholism is known by a variety of terms, including alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence. Today, it’s referred to clinically as an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism occurs when you drink so much that your body eventually becomes dependent on or addicted to alcohol. When this happens, alcohol becomes the most important thing in your life. Alcoholism treatment for alcohol use disorder varies, but each method is meant to help you stop excessive drinking altogether.

Alcohol use disorder is defined as alcoholism. Alcoholism is defined as a pattern of binge alcohol drinking. Drinking too much can make it hard to control your drinking. It can also lead to thinking about alcohol a lot. People may keep drinking even when it causes problems. Having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.

Unhealthy alcohol use means drinking in a way that risks your health or safety. It can also lead to other alcohol-related issues. It also includes binge drinking. This is when a man drinks five or more drinks in two hours. A woman binge drinks if she has at least four drinks in the same time. Binge drinking causes significant health and safety risks. 

Some people may drink alcohol too much, causing problems. However, they are not physically dependent on it. This used to be referred to as alcohol abuse.

Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

Effective alcohol addiction treatment programs involve a combination of evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and the 12-Step approach. Medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate can help treat alcohol use disorder. Other therapy options are also available. The individual should be assessed by an alcohol addiction specialist to develop the most effective alcohol addiction treatment plan.

America’s Addiction to Alcohol

Alcohol addiction of alcohol affects around 14 million people in the United States. About 6.2% of Americans suffer from an Alcohol Use Disorder at any given time. Alcohol addiction is one of the top causes of death in the United States. It also leads to many serious illnesses, diseases, and injuries.

Skip To:

Learn More:

• Alcohol Abuse
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis
• Alcohol Withdrawal Brain Fog
• Mixing Prescription Drugs with Alcohol
• Dry Drunk Syndrome
• Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
• Stabilization Treatment
• Wet Brain Treatment
• Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatments
• Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
• Alcohol Detox & Withdrawal
• Alcohol Detox Program
• Alcoholism Treatment Near Me
• Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Center

Alcohol Addiction Symptoms

Common alcohol addiction symptoms include cravings, physical tolerance, loss of control, obsession with alcohol, significantly increased alcohol intake, and alcohol withdrawal when not drinking.

Other symptoms can include:
Mood swings
Less self-control
Poor judgment
Memory loss
Depression
Blackouts
Changes in personality or behaviour

Symptoms of alcohol addiction can also include changes in sleep patterns, financial difficulties, social isolation, neglecting responsibilities, and relationship difficulties. Long-term effects of alcohol addiction can lead to serious health complications, including cirrhosis, depression, and pancreatitis. Withdrawal from alcohol addiction can cause severe physical discomfort, anxiety, and depression.

Alcohol addiction can affect people in a variety of ways. Physically, it can lead to organ damage, such as liver cirrhosis or heart disease. Emotionally, it can lead to depression and anxiety. It can damage relationships and destroy careers. It can also lead to financial problems and put a strain on family dynamics. It’s important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction.

Severe Alcoholism Side Effects

Some common side effects of severe alcoholism are liver damage, facial swelling, vitamin deficiencies, and lower immunity. It can also lead to depression and heart problems. It can also lead to an increased risk of certain types of cancers and digestive issues. Alcoholism can also increase the risk of accidents and injury.

Aside from the physical effects of alcohol abuse, alcoholism can lead to drastic changes in behaviour. Those suffering from severe alcoholism may become more violent and aggressive, as well as experience mood swings and depression. The mental and emotional consequences of alcohol dependence can be significant and long-term. Alcoholism can cause severe psychological distress and impair memory, concentration, and judgment. It can also lead to relationship problems and interfere with work or school performance.

Alcohol Addiction Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s essential to know that help is out there. There are many resources to help with alcohol addiction. These include treatment centers, counseling, support groups, and 12-step programs. They can provide support and guidance on your recovery journey. It’s important to remember that managing alcohol addiction takes a lifetime. Seeking help is a key first step.

Alcohol Addiction Helpline 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol addiction, there are several helplines available. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) helpline is a great place to start if you need support. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also offers a 24-hour national helpline.

Top 5 Alcohol Rehab Studies with Insights

Here’s a patient-friendly chart of the top five alcohol rehab studies/guidelines.

Below is a curated, practical list of authoritative alcohol rehab studies and guidance you can cite in clinical copy, program pages, or treatment guides. Each row distills what the evidence implies for treatment and turns it into actionable tips for care teams and admissions scripts. Sources were chosen for recency, rigor, and relevance to integrated treatment.

Top 5 Alcohol FAQs

Signs of Alcoholism Symptoms

Alcoholism symptoms show up in behaviors and physical effects caused by alcohol addiction.

Alcoholism symptoms are most commonly seen with people who engage in the following risky behaviors:

• Not eating or eating poorly
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Missing work or school because of drinking
• continuing to drink even when legal, social, or economic problems develop
• Drinking alone
• Drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol (having a high tolerance)
• Becoming violent or angry when asked about their drinking habits
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use
• Being unable to control alcohol intake
• Making excuses to drink

Alcoholism Treatment Statistics

• Nearly 95% of Americans who are battling alcoholism do not believe they require treatment for their condition.

---

• Every year, more than 30% of those receiving treatment for alcoholism pay for it through public or private insurance.

---

• 1.1 million men and 431,000 women received treatment for an alcohol consumption disorder in 2014.

Severe alcoholism symptoms will lead patients to require professional alcohol addiction treatment, and they may also experience the following physical symptoms:

• Lapses in memory, blacking out after a night of drinking
• Alcohol cravings
• Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, including shaking, nausea, and vomiting
• Illnesses, such as alcoholic ketoacidosis, include dehydration-type symptoms or cirrhosis
• Tremors of involuntary shaking the morning after drinking

Get Your Life Back

Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Dual Diagnosis Trused Care.

7/365 Line (844) 597-1011

Causes of Alcohol Addiction & Related Alcoholism Symptoms

Genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors can impact how consuming alcohol affects your body and behaviour. Some theories say that for some people, drinking affects them more strongly. This can lead to alcohol use disorder.

Drinking too much alcohol can change how your brain works. It affects areas linked to pleasure, judgment, and self-control. This may lead to craving alcohol. People often do this to feel better or to ease withdrawal symptoms.

The cause of alcohol addiction is still unknown. Alcohol addiction develops when you drink so much that chemical changes occur in the brain. Alcohol use disorder typically develops gradually over time. It’s also known to run in families. Eventually, the pleasurable feelings associated with alcohol use go away and the alcoholic engages in drinking to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be quite unpleasant and even dangerous.

An alcoholism treatment centre has a team of specialists. They help diagnose how severe a person’s alcohol addiction is. An alcohol rehab centre offers trained medical teams to help medically stabilise patients through alcohol detox & withdrawal at first. Thereafter, alcohol recovery therapy may begin.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [1] defines one standard drink as any one of these:

• 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of regular beer with about 5 percent alcohol
• 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 milliliters) of malt liquor, about 7 percent alcohol
• 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of unfortified wine with about 12 percent alcohol
• 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof hard liquor, about 40 percent alcohol

Risk Factors of Alcoholism

The exact cause of alcohol use disorder is not known. However, some factors may increase your risk of developing this disease. However, alcohol use disorder occurs more frequently in adults aged in their 20s and 30s. But it can start at any age. Drinking too much often or binge drinking regularly can cause alcohol-related problems. These issues may need help from alcohol treatment centres.

Alcoholism treatment known risk factors include:

• More than 5 drinks per day at least once a week, binge drinking
• More than 15 drinks per week if you’re male
• A mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
• More than 12 drinks per week if you’re female
• A parent with alcohol use disorder

You may be at a higher risk of alcohol use disorder if you are a young adult. This can happen if you face peer pressure, high stress, or low self-esteem. Having a close relative with alcohol use disorder can raise your risk. Living in a family or culture where alcohol use is common also increases this risk. According to the National Institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, other factors leading people to get professional alcohol treatment include:

• Starting at an early age. People who begin excessive drinking.
• Family history of struggling with addiction. This may be influenced by genetic factors.
• Depression and other mental health problems. Many people with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder often struggle with alcohol or drugs.
• People with a history of emotional or other trauma are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder.
• Having bariatric surgery may raise the risk of alcohol use disorder, according to some research studies.
• Social and cultural factors – Having friends or a close partner who drinks often can raise your risk of alcohol use disorder.

Complications from Alcoholism

In some people, the initial reaction to drinking may be stimulation. But as you continue to drink, you become sedated. Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination, and vital centers of your brain. A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death. In short, alcohol depresses your central nervous system. This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function.

About your safety

Drinking too much can hurt your judgment and lower your inhibitions. This can lead to bad choices and risky behaviors, such as:

• Motor vehicle accidents and other types of accidental injury, such as drowning
• Relationship problems
• Poor performance at work or school
• Increased likelihood of committing violent crimes or being the victim of a crime
• Legal problems or problems with finances
• Problems with other substance use
• Engaging in risky, unprotected sex, or experiencing sexual abuse or date rape
• Increased risk of attempted or completed suicide

The Need for Proper Alcoholism Treatment is Clear

About your health

Drinking too much alcohol on a single occasion or over time can cause health problems, including:

• Alcoholic liver disease is also called alcoholic cirrhosis. Heavy drinking can cause increased fat in the liver, known as hepatic steatosis, inflammation of the liver, known as alcoholic hepatitis, and, over time, irreversible destruction and scarring of liver tissue, known as alcohol induced cirrhosis.
• Digestive problems. It can interfere with the absorption of B vitamins and other nutrients. Heavy drinking can damage your pancreas or lead to inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis.
• Heart problems. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of an enlarged heart, heart failure, or stroke. 
• Diabetes complications. This is dangerous if you have diabetes and are already taking insulin to lower your blood sugar level.
• Sexual function and menstruation issues. Excessive drinking can cause erectile dysfunction in men. In women, it can interrupt menstruation. 
• Eye problems. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to a condition called nystagmus. This causes involuntary rapid eye movement. It can also weaken and paralyze the muscles in your eyes. This occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. 
• Birth defects. It can also cause fetal alcohol syndrome. This leads to a child being born with lifelong physical and developmental problems.
• Bone damage. This bone loss can lead to thinning bones (osteoporosis) and an increased risk of fractures. Alcohol can also damage bone marrow, which makes blood cells. 
• Neurological complications. Drinking too much can harm your nervous system. It may cause numbness and pain in your hands and feet. You might also experience disordered thinking, dementia, and short-term memory loss.
• Weakened immune system. Drinking too much alcohol can weaken your body’s ability to fight off disease. This raises your risk of getting illnesses, especially pneumonia.
• Increased risk of cancer. Drinking too much alcohol over a long time can increase the risk of many cancers. These include cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon, and breast. 
• Medication and alcohol interactions. Drinking while taking these medications can either increase or decrease their effectiveness, or make them dangerous.

Alcoholism Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

Medication-Assisted Treatment For Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism Treatment Medications

Several different alcohol medicines may help with alcohol use disorder. Popular alcohol medicines used in Alcohol MAT for addiction detox programs include:

• Naltrexone ReVia is used only after someone has detoxed from alcohol. This type of drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are associated with the high alcohol high. This is a combination of counseling, which may help decrease a person’s craving for alcohol.
• Acamprosate is a medication that can help reestablish the brain’s original chemical state before alcohol dependence. This drug should also be combined with therapy.
• Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse, is a drug that makes people feel sick. It causes nausea, vomiting, and headaches when someone drinks alcohol.

Alcohol addiction is hard to beat. Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol abuse, or MAT, can help start recovery. Alcohol MAT drugs can have unpleasant side effects when taken by mouth. Therefore, it is important to think carefully before using them in treatment.

Disulfiram for Alcoholism Treatment

For people who have finished detoxification and are beginning the early stages of alcohol recovery, disulfiram is the most effective medicine. This particular drug is taken as a pill once per day. When on this medication, if a person consumes alcohol, disulfiram causes unpleasant side effects that act as a deterrent.  The  adverse side effects frequently consist of: 

• Headache
• Nausea
• Chest discomfort
• Vomiting
• Breathing problems

These unpleasant side effects typically appear 10 minutes after consuming alcohol and last for an hour or longer. Some MAT treatment centers for alcohol use disorder do not use disulfiram. This is because it can have unpleasant and sometimes harmful side effects. 

Naltrexone for Alcoholism Treatment

This particular drug aims to assist people in separating alcohol from positive emotions and experiences. In the end, this interaction motivates the person to uphold his or her dedication to rehabilitation. Naltrexone medication, which comes in tablet (ReVia and Depade) and injectable (Vivitrol) formulations, is most effective when combined with behavioral counseling and a comprehensive alcohol recovery treatment program.

Acamprosate for Alcoholism Treatment

Acamprosate is a medicine that helps people who have finished the early stages of alcohol withdrawal and detox. Usually, on the fifth day without taking the medicine, it works best. It reaches its highest effectiveness five to eight days after the first dose. Tablets containing acamprosate are taken three times every day. When used in conjunction with extensive therapy and treatment, it lessens cravings while increasing a person’s chances of sobriety.

Alcoholism Early Prevention

Early intervention can prevent alcohol-related problems in teens. Be alert to signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with alcohol:

• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies, and in personal appearance
• Red eyes, slurred speech, problems with coordination, and memory lapses
• Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends, such as joining a new crowd
• Declining grades and problems in school
• Frequent mood changes and defensive behavior

How to Prevent Alcoholism?

• Set a good example with your own alcohol use.
• Talk openly with your friends, spend quality time together and become actively involved with your family.
• Let yourself know what behavior you expect.

You can prevent alcohol use disorder by limiting your alcohol intake. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says women should not drink more than one drink a day. Men should not drink more than two drinks a day. See your doctor if you start showing signs of an alcohol use disorder. Also, see your doctor if you think you have a problem with alcohol.

Alcohol Treatment Centers

Doctors or healthcare specialists at behavioral alcohol treatment centers are well-trained medical providers. They are more acutely aware of alcohol use disorder treatment protocols and can properly diagnose and assess patients for suitable alcoholism treatment. They’ll conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your drinking habits. Your doctor may ask if you:

• Drive when you’re drunk
• Have you missed work or lost a job as a result of your drinking
• Need more alcohol to feel drunk when you drink
• Have experienced blackouts as a result of your drinking
• Have tried to cut back on your drinking, but couldn’t

Your doctor may use a questionnaire to check your alcohol treatment needs. This helps diagnose how serious your condition is. Typically, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or AUD doesn’t require any other type of diagnostic test. There’s a chance your doctor might order blood tests to check your liver function. This is if you show signs of liver disease or alcoholic cirrhosis.

AUD can cause serious and lasting damage to your liver. Your liver is responsible for removing toxins from your blood. When you drink too much, your liver has a harder time filtering the alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream. This can lead to alcoholic liver diseases and other complications.

Alcoholism Treatment Methods

Alcoholism Treatment Center Programs

Alcoholism treatment centers’ therapy for AUD varies, but each method is meant to help you stop drinking altogether. This is called abstinence. Treatment may occur in stages and can include the following:

• Alcohol detoxification or withdrawal is the process of ridding your body of alcohol.

• Rehabilitation to learn new coping skills and behaviors.

• Counseling to address emotional problems that may cause you to drink.

• Support groups, such as 12-step programs.

• Medical treatment for health problems associated with alcohol use disorder.

• Medications to help control addiction.

Alcohol Detox

The first stage in treating alcoholism is typically detoxification, which can be the most challenging. You could endure harsh withdrawal symptoms in the first few days after quitting drinking. As a result, the alcohol detox phase should only be completed under qualified medical supervision.

You can get medicine from your treatment providers. This can help reduce discomfort during detox. It will support your focus on the alcohol recovery process.  You’ll be able to continue with different types of therapy and treatment once you’ve completed detox.

Inpatient Rehab

The most structured treatment facility for people overcoming alcoholism is an inpatient rehab center. These rehab centers often help people with serious alcoholism. Patients must stay on-site for the entire program. This program can last 30, 60, or 90 days.

Treatment professionals will support your alcohol recovery journey and provide helpful resources to help you easily continue your sobriety. These resources often provide helpful tips. They cover how to manage triggers and the advantages of sobriety programs. They also explain what to do if a relapse occurs.

Alcoholism Treatment Statistics

Alcohol treatment centers can be successful in helping people overcome their alcohol dependence. Most alcohol treatment centers use a multi-faceted approach. They address both the physical and mental aspects of addiction. They also look at other lifestyle issues that may have contributed to the problem. Alcohol addiction treatment programs usually include counseling, therapy, and support groups. They focus on building positive coping skills. This helps people manage cravings and avoid relapses.

Did you know that one in twelve Americans suffers from alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol Counseling

People must communicate and receive advice from an alcohol counselor frequently as they work toward recovery. Counseling creates a channel of communication that is open both during joyful and challenging times.

Your therapist can help you with any underlying issues. This includes problems with friends, family, work, or other situations that may be causing your drinking problem. You’ll get the chance to discover more about who you are and how to maintain the physical and mental wellness of your body.

Alcoholism Treatment Center Programs

At We Level Up Treatment Centres, trained specialists in addiction and mental health offer top care. Medical professionals are available 24/7 to help you cope. We work as an integrated team providing alcoholism treatment for a successful recovery from alcohol use disorder. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our teams of caregivers know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential and there is never any obligation.

Alcoholism Treatment. Alcohol Use Disorder. Is Alcohol Addictive? Why Is Alcohol Addictive Video