Alcohol rehabilitation, commonly called rehab, provides comprehensive treatment for alcohol use disorder following medical detoxification. While detox addresses the physical dependence on alcohol, rehab focuses on the psychological, behavioral, and social aspects of addiction that must be addressed for lasting recovery. Rehabilitation programs use evidence-based therapies, counseling, education, skill-building, and peer support to help individuals understand their addiction, develop coping strategies, address underlying issues, and build a foundation for long-term sobriety.

Choosing the right rehabilitation program is crucial for success. Treatment programs vary in intensity, duration, setting, therapeutic approaches, and cost. Understanding the different levels of care, what each offers, and how to match treatment intensity to individual needs helps ensure that people receive appropriate care that maximizes their chances of achieving lasting recovery. This comprehensive guide explains the various types of alcohol rehabilitation programs, what to expect during treatment, and how to choose the right program for your situation.

ASAM Levels of Care

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has developed a widely used system for determining appropriate level of care based on six dimensions: acute intoxication and withdrawal potential, biomedical conditions and complications, emotional/behavioral/cognitive conditions and complications, readiness to change, relapse/continued use/continued problem potential, and recovery/living environment. Assessment of these dimensions helps match individuals with the level of care that provides sufficient support without being more intensive than necessary.

Level 1: Outpatient Services

Outpatient treatment involves scheduled sessions (typically one to three times per week) while living at home and maintaining work, school, and family responsibilities. This level is appropriate for individuals with less severe alcohol use disorder, strong motivation for recovery, stable living environment with supportive family or friends, no serious co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions requiring intensive treatment, and ability to maintain abstinence between sessions. Outpatient treatment provides counseling, education, and support while allowing individuals to practice recovery skills in their daily lives.

Level 2.1: Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs provide more structured treatment than standard outpatient care, typically involving 9 to 19 hours of programming per week over three to five days. IOP is appropriate for individuals who need more support than weekly outpatient counseling but do not require 24-hour supervision. Participants attend several hours of group therapy, individual counseling, and educational sessions each day while returning home in the evenings. IOP allows individuals to maintain some normal routines while receiving substantial treatment support.

Level 2.5: Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization provides intensive treatment during the day (typically 20 or more hours per week) with participants returning home or to a sober living environment in the evenings. PHP offers a level of care just below residential treatment and is appropriate for individuals who need intensive support but have a stable living situation. This level provides comprehensive services including individual and group therapy, psychiatric care if needed, medication management, and case management while allowing individuals to practice recovery skills at home each evening.

Level 3: Residential/Inpatient Treatment

Residential treatment provides 24-hour care in a structured therapeutic environment where individuals live at the facility for the duration of treatment, typically 30 to 90 days. This level is appropriate for individuals with severe alcohol use disorder, those who have not succeeded at lower levels of care, people with unstable living situations or environments that do not support recovery, individuals with co-occurring conditions requiring intensive treatment, and those who need removal from triggering environments to focus fully on recovery. Residential treatment offers the most intensive level of non-medical care with multiple therapy sessions daily, structured activities, peer support, and a recovery-focused environment.

Level 4: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient

This highest level of care provides 24-hour medical and nursing care in a hospital setting and is typically used for medical detoxification or treatment of severe co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions. Once medically stabilized, individuals typically step down to residential or outpatient treatment to continue addressing the alcohol use disorder.

The appropriate level of care is determined through comprehensive assessment by addiction professionals. Many people move through multiple levels of care, starting with more intensive treatment and stepping down to less intensive levels as they progress in recovery. This stepped approach allows for intensive support when needed while gradually increasing independence and real-world practice of recovery skills. Treatment providers such as HVATC.com and Every1Center.com offer multiple levels of care and can help determine the most appropriate starting point.

Inpatient (Residential) Treatment

Inpatient or residential treatment provides the most intensive level of non-medical addiction care. Individuals live at the treatment facility for the duration of the program, typically 30, 60, or 90 days, though length can vary based on individual needs and progress. This immersive approach removes individuals from environments and situations that trigger drinking, provides constant support and structure, allows for intensive therapy and skill-building, and creates a community of peers working toward the same goals.

What Happens in Residential Treatment

Residential treatment programs follow a structured daily schedule that typically includes individual therapy sessions (usually one to three times per week), group therapy sessions (often daily), educational sessions about addiction, recovery, and related topics, recreational therapy and physical activities, 12-step or other support group meetings, family therapy or family education sessions, medication management if needed, and time for reflection, journaling, and personal work. The structured environment helps individuals develop healthy routines and habits that support recovery.

Individual therapy in residential treatment allows for deep exploration of issues underlying alcohol use, such as trauma, mental health conditions, relationship problems, or life stressors. Therapists work with individuals to understand the function alcohol served in their lives, identify triggers and high-risk situations, develop coping strategies, address co-occurring mental health issues, process difficult emotions, and create a relapse prevention plan. The intensive nature of residential treatment allows for more frequent sessions and deeper therapeutic work than is typically possible in outpatient settings.

Group therapy is a cornerstone of residential treatment, providing opportunities to learn from others' experiences, practice interpersonal skills, receive feedback and support from peers, reduce feelings of isolation and shame, and develop a sense of community. Groups may focus on various topics including relapse prevention, coping skills, anger management, communication skills, trauma processing, or specific issues such as grief, relationships, or co-occurring disorders. The group setting allows individuals to both give and receive support, which can be powerfully therapeutic.

Educational sessions help individuals understand addiction as a disease, learn about the effects of alcohol on the brain and body, understand the recovery process, develop knowledge about relapse prevention, and learn about resources available for ongoing support. Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their recovery and understand what they are experiencing.

Benefits of Residential Treatment

Residential treatment offers several advantages for individuals with severe alcohol use disorder or those who have not succeeded at lower levels of care. The 24-hour structured environment removes access to alcohol and eliminates triggers present in daily life, allowing individuals to focus entirely on recovery without the distractions and stressors of work, family responsibilities, or problematic relationships. The intensive nature of residential treatment allows for more therapy and support than outpatient programs can provide, facilitating deeper work on underlying issues.

The residential community provides powerful peer support, with individuals living together, sharing experiences, and supporting each other's recovery. Many people form lasting friendships and support networks during residential treatment that continue after discharge. The immersive experience allows individuals to practice new coping skills and behaviors in a safe environment before returning to their regular lives. Staff are available 24 hours a day to provide support, answer questions, and help manage cravings or difficult emotions.

For individuals with unstable living situations, homelessness, or environments that actively undermine recovery (such as living with active substance users), residential treatment provides a safe, stable environment where recovery can take root. The time away from daily responsibilities allows individuals to focus on themselves and their healing, which can be difficult to do while managing work, family, and other obligations.

Considerations for Residential Treatment

While residential treatment offers significant benefits, it also requires considerable commitment. Individuals must be willing to leave home, work, and family for the duration of treatment, which can be challenging. The cost of residential treatment is typically higher than outpatient care, though many insurance plans cover residential treatment when medically necessary. Time away from work may require using vacation time, family medical leave, or taking unpaid leave, which is not feasible for everyone.

The structured, communal living environment is not comfortable for everyone. Individuals must be willing to follow program rules, participate in all required activities, share living space with others, and be open to feedback and confrontation when needed. Some people find the intensity and lack of privacy challenging, though most adjust within the first week or two. The key is being willing to fully engage in the program and trust the process, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Residential treatment is most effective when followed by step-down care such as intensive outpatient treatment, standard outpatient counseling, and ongoing support group participation. The transition from the protected environment of residential treatment back to regular life can be challenging, and continuing care helps maintain gains achieved during residential treatment. Programs such as those offered by LongIsland.Rehab provide comprehensive services including residential treatment and continuing care.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive addiction treatment while living at home and maintaining work, school, and family responsibilities. Outpatient care ranges from standard outpatient counseling (a few hours per week) to intensive outpatient programs (9 to 19 hours per week) to partial hospitalization (20 or more hours per week). The appropriate intensity depends on severity of alcohol use disorder, previous treatment history, co-occurring conditions, and environmental factors.

Standard Outpatient Treatment

Standard outpatient treatment typically involves one to three counseling sessions per week, each lasting 45 to 90 minutes. Sessions may be individual, group, or a combination of both. This level of care is appropriate for individuals with less severe alcohol use disorder, those stepping down from more intensive treatment, people with strong support systems and stable living situations, and individuals highly motivated for recovery who can maintain abstinence between sessions.

Outpatient counseling focuses on maintaining abstinence, identifying and managing triggers, developing coping skills, addressing underlying issues contributing to alcohol use, improving relationships and communication, and building a recovery-oriented lifestyle. The lower intensity of standard outpatient care requires individuals to take more responsibility for their recovery between sessions, practicing skills learned in therapy in their daily lives. This can be beneficial for developing independence and self-efficacy but requires strong motivation and support.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs provide a middle ground between standard outpatient care and residential treatment. IOP typically involves 9 to 19 hours of programming per week, usually spread over three to five days. A typical IOP schedule might include three hours of programming three to four evenings per week, allowing individuals to work during the day and attend treatment in the evening. Some programs offer daytime IOP for individuals not currently working.

IOP programming typically includes group therapy focusing on various recovery topics, individual counseling sessions, educational sessions about addiction and recovery, relapse prevention planning, and sometimes family therapy or family education. The group format is emphasized in IOP, as it provides cost-effective treatment while offering the benefits of peer support and learning from others' experiences. Many people find the group experience to be one of the most valuable aspects of IOP.

IOP is appropriate for individuals who need more support than weekly outpatient counseling but do not require 24-hour supervision. This includes people stepping down from residential treatment or partial hospitalization, those with moderate alcohol use disorder and good support systems, individuals who have relapsed after less intensive treatment and need more structure, and people who cannot take time away from work or family for residential treatment but recognize they need substantial support.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization provides the most intensive level of outpatient care, typically involving 20 or more hours of programming per week, often five to seven days per week. Individuals attend treatment during the day (usually 9am to 3pm or similar hours) and return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings. PHP provides a level of care just below residential treatment and is appropriate for individuals who need intensive support but have a stable, supportive living situation.

PHP offers comprehensive services including multiple therapy sessions daily (individual and group), psychiatric evaluation and medication management, nursing care and medical monitoring, case management and coordination with other providers, and structured therapeutic activities. The intensity of PHP allows for close monitoring and rapid intervention if problems arise, while still allowing individuals to practice recovery skills at home each evening. Many people transition to PHP after completing residential treatment or medical detoxification as a step-down level of care.

Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment offers several advantages. Individuals can maintain work, school, and family responsibilities while receiving treatment, which is important for financial stability and family well-being. The cost is typically lower than residential treatment, making it more accessible for many people. Individuals remain in their home environment, allowing them to immediately practice recovery skills in real-world situations and address triggers and challenges as they arise with therapist support.

Outpatient treatment allows individuals to maintain their support systems, including family, friends, and community connections that support recovery. For people with children, outpatient treatment avoids the need for extended childcare arrangements. The flexibility of outpatient care makes it possible for more people to access treatment who might not be able to take time away for residential care.

Challenges of Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment also presents challenges. Individuals remain in environments where they previously drank, with access to alcohol and exposure to triggers. This requires strong motivation and coping skills to maintain abstinence between sessions. The lower intensity of outpatient care means less support and structure, which can be difficult for people with severe addiction or limited support systems. Individuals must balance treatment with other responsibilities, which can be stressful and may interfere with full engagement in treatment.

For people with unstable living situations, unsupportive family members, or environments that actively undermine recovery, outpatient treatment may not provide sufficient support. In these cases, residential treatment or a higher level of outpatient care combined with sober living may be more appropriate. Treatment providers can help assess whether outpatient treatment is suitable or whether a more intensive level of care is needed. Resources such as IntegrityTreatmentPartners.com offer various levels of outpatient care.

Evidence-Based Therapies in Rehab

Effective alcohol rehabilitation programs use evidence-based therapies that have been scientifically proven to help people achieve and maintain recovery. Understanding these therapeutic approaches helps individuals know what to expect in treatment and how different therapies can address various aspects of addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most widely used and well-researched treatments for alcohol use disorder. CBT helps individuals identify and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to drinking. The therapy is based on the understanding that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing problematic thinking can lead to changes in emotions and behavior. In CBT for alcohol use, individuals learn to recognize triggers, challenge thoughts that lead to drinking, develop coping strategies, and practice new behaviors. CBT provides practical, actionable skills that individuals can use long after treatment ends.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Motivational Enhancement Therapy helps individuals resolve ambivalence about recovery and strengthen commitment to change. Many people feel conflicted about stopping drinking, recognizing problems while also valuing aspects of drinking or fearing life without alcohol. MET uses motivational interviewing techniques to help individuals explore this ambivalence, articulate their own reasons for change, and develop a personalized plan for recovery. The approach is collaborative and non-confrontational, respecting individual autonomy while gently guiding toward positive change.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, originally developed for borderline personality disorder, has been adapted for substance use disorders and is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation. DBT teaches skills in four areas: mindfulness (being present in the moment), distress tolerance (managing difficult emotions without using substances), emotion regulation (understanding and managing emotions effectively), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating needs and maintaining healthy relationships). These skills are valuable for managing the emotional challenges of early recovery.

Trauma-Informed Care

Many individuals with alcohol use disorder have histories of trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, combat exposure, or other traumatic experiences. Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of trauma on addiction and recovery, creating a safe therapeutic environment, avoiding re-traumatization, and addressing trauma as part of treatment. Specific trauma-focused therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-focused CBT may be used to help individuals process traumatic experiences and reduce their impact on current functioning.

Family Therapy

Alcohol use disorder affects entire families, not just the individual drinking. Family therapy involves family members in treatment, addressing relationship problems, improving communication, healing damage caused by addiction, and building family support for recovery. Family members learn about addiction, how to support recovery without enabling, and how to take care of their own well-being. Family involvement in treatment improves outcomes and helps create a home environment that supports long-term recovery.

12-Step Facilitation

Many treatment programs incorporate 12-step principles and facilitate connection with 12-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. 12-step facilitation therapy helps individuals understand the 12-step philosophy, work through the steps with guidance, connect with 12-step meetings and sponsors, and integrate 12-step principles into their recovery. While 12-step participation is not required in all programs, research shows that individuals who engage with 12-step groups have better long-term outcomes, and many programs encourage at least exploring this resource.

Effective treatment programs typically use multiple therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs rather than relying on a single method. The combination of individual therapy, group therapy, family involvement, and skill-building activities addresses the complex, multifaceted nature of alcohol use disorder. Learn more about specific treatment approaches on our treatment options page.

What to Expect During Rehab

Understanding what happens during alcohol rehabilitation can reduce anxiety and help individuals prepare for treatment. While specific details vary by program, certain elements are common to most rehabilitation experiences.

Assessment and Treatment Planning

Treatment begins with comprehensive assessment including detailed history of alcohol use, previous treatment experiences, medical history and current health status, mental health history and current symptoms, family history of addiction and mental health issues, social situation including relationships, work, and living environment, strengths and resources that can support recovery, and goals for treatment. This information is used to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses specific needs and circumstances.

Daily Structure

Rehabilitation programs follow structured daily schedules that typically include morning community meeting or meditation, individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, educational sessions, recreational or experiential therapy, meals and breaks, 12-step or other support group meetings, free time for reflection and personal work, and evening wrap-up or planning for the next day. The structure helps individuals develop healthy routines and provides a framework for recovery.

Therapeutic Activities

In addition to traditional talk therapy, many programs incorporate experiential and recreational therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, adventure therapy, yoga and meditation, exercise and fitness activities, and mindfulness practices. These activities provide alternative ways to process emotions, reduce stress, build confidence, and develop healthy coping strategies. Many people find these activities to be valuable complements to traditional therapy.

Medication Management

For individuals taking medications for alcohol use disorder (such as naltrexone or acamprosate) or for co-occurring mental health conditions, medication management is an important part of treatment. Medical staff monitor medication effectiveness, adjust doses as needed, manage side effects, and educate individuals about their medications. Some individuals begin medication during rehab, while others continue medications started during detox or prior to admission.

Discharge Planning

Successful rehabilitation includes careful planning for life after treatment. Discharge planning typically begins early in treatment and includes identifying appropriate continuing care (step-down treatment, outpatient counseling, etc.), connecting with support groups and community resources, developing a relapse prevention plan, addressing practical issues such as housing, employment, and relationships, arranging follow-up appointments with therapists and medical providers, and ensuring individuals have the tools and support needed to maintain recovery. The transition from treatment back to regular life is a vulnerable time, and thorough discharge planning helps reduce relapse risk.

Insurance and Payment Options

The cost of alcohol rehabilitation varies widely depending on level of care, program length, location, and amenities. Understanding payment options helps make treatment accessible.

Insurance Coverage

Most health insurance plans cover alcohol treatment services. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance plans to cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit, and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires that coverage for addiction treatment be comparable to coverage for other medical conditions. However, specific coverage varies by plan, and it is important to verify benefits before admission.

When verifying insurance, ask about coverage for different levels of care (detox, residential, outpatient), length of stay limits or session limits, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums, whether pre-authorization is required, which facilities are in-network versus out-of-network, and what documentation is needed for coverage. Many treatment facilities have admissions staff who can verify insurance benefits and explain coverage.

Other Payment Options

For individuals without insurance or with limited coverage, other options may be available. Medicaid covers addiction treatment in most states, though specific benefits vary. Some treatment facilities offer sliding scale fees based on ability to pay. Payment plans may be available to spread costs over time. Some facilities offer scholarships or charity care for individuals who qualify. State-funded treatment programs serve individuals who meet income and other eligibility criteria. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) may cover some treatment costs.

Do not let financial concerns prevent you from seeking treatment. Many options exist for making treatment affordable, and the long-term costs of untreated alcohol use disorder (health problems, lost productivity, legal issues, relationship damage) far exceed the cost of treatment. Treatment providers can work with you to find affordable options. Contact our helpline at (914) 594-5851 to discuss payment options and find accessible treatment.

Choosing a Rehab Program

With many treatment programs available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Consider these factors when evaluating programs.

Accreditation and Licensing

Choose programs that are licensed by the state and accredited by recognized organizations such as The Joint Commission or CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Accreditation indicates that the program meets quality standards and follows evidence-based practices. Verify that staff are appropriately licensed and credentialed.

Treatment Approach

Look for programs that use evidence-based therapies and individualized treatment planning. Ask about the therapeutic approaches used, how treatment is tailored to individual needs, whether the program addresses co-occurring mental health conditions, and how family is involved in treatment. Be wary of programs that rely on a single approach or that make unrealistic promises about outcomes.

Staff Qualifications

Quality programs employ qualified staff including licensed therapists and counselors, medical professionals (physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners), addiction specialists with appropriate certifications, and staff with lived experience in recovery who can provide peer support. Ask about staff-to-client ratios and how much individual attention you will receive.

Continuing Care

Effective programs emphasize continuing care after initial treatment. Ask about discharge planning, whether the program offers step-down levels of care, what alumni services are available, and how the program supports long-term recovery. Programs that offer a continuum of care from detox through outpatient treatment and alumni support tend to have better outcomes.

Environment and Amenities

While the quality of treatment is most important, the environment and amenities can affect your comfort and engagement. Consider location (close to home versus away from home), setting (urban, suburban, rural), accommodations (private rooms versus shared), amenities (gym, outdoor space, recreational facilities), and whether the environment feels safe and comfortable. Some people prefer a homelike setting, while others prefer a more clinical environment.

Visit facilities if possible, talk to admissions staff, ask questions, and trust your instincts. The right program is one that meets your clinical needs, fits your circumstances, and feels like a place where you can do the difficult work of recovery. Resources such as LongIslandAddictionResources.com can help you research and compare treatment options.

Related Resources

Additional information about alcohol treatment and recovery:

• Medical Detox - Information about safe alcohol detoxification
• Treatment Options - Comprehensive guide to therapies and medications
• Getting Sober - Practical guidance for early recovery
• How to Stop Drinking - Strategies for reducing or quitting alcohol
• Alcohol Withdrawal - Understanding withdrawal symptoms
• AUDIT Test - Assess your drinking patterns
• About Our Helpline - Learn about our support services