Alcohol Addiction Treatment:The Complete 2025 Guide

What Is Alcohol Addiction (Alcohol Use Disorder)?

Alcohol addiction is a medical condition where a person becomes unable to control their drinking despite negative consequences. It affects physical health, mental health, relationships, and daily functioning. AUD is not a moral failing or lack of willpower—it is a chronic brain condition that can be treated with evidence-based care.

Common Signs of Alcohol Addiction

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Trying to cut down but being unable to
• Strong cravings or urges to drink
• Drinking interfering with responsibilities
• Continuing to drink despite harm to health or relationships
• Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect (tolerance)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

Alcohol addiction exists on a spectrum—mild, moderate, or severe— and different levels of care are recommended depending on the severity.

If you want a broader understanding of addiction treatment in general, you can also read our Drug Addiction Treatment Guide, which explains how detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs work across all substances.

Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Risks & Why Detox Matters

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person who drinks heavily stops or reduces their alcohol use. Because alcohol affects the central nervous system, stopping suddenly can cause dangerous reactions in the body. Withdrawal can become life-threatening in severe cases, which is why medical detox is strongly recommended.

Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

• Anxiety or restlessness
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shakiness or tremors
• Elevated heart rate or blood pressure
• Sweating and irritability

Severe Withdrawal: Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Delirium tremens is a medical emergency that can occur 24–72 hours after the last drink. It involves confusion, hallucinations, seizures, fever, and dangerously high blood pressure. Without medical supervision, DTs can be fatal. This is why detox is the safest first step for anyone who has been drinking heavily for an extended period.

For a complete breakdown of withdrawal timelines and medical stabilization, visit our Detox Guide, which explains the detox process in detail.

Alcohol Detox: What Happens During Treatment?

Alcohol detox is the medically supervised process of clearing alcohol from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms safely. Unlike self-detoxing at home, medical detox provides 24/7 care, medications, and monitoring to prevent complications.

What You Can Expect in a Medical Detox Program

• Evaluation of withdrawal severity and overall health
• 24/7 monitoring by nurses and medical staff
• Medications to prevent seizures and reduce symptoms
• Hydration and nutritional support
• Emotional support during withdrawal

Detox typically lasts 3 to 7 days, depending on the severity of withdrawal and how long a person has been drinking. Detox does not treat the underlying addiction—it stabilizes the body so a person can start ongoing treatment.

Inpatient (Residential) Alcohol Rehab

Inpatient rehab provides 24/7 care in a structured, supportive environment. It is ideal for people who need stability, medical oversight, separation from triggers, or have moderate to severe alcohol addiction.

What Happens in Residential Treatment?

• Daily counseling and therapy sessions
• Individual and group therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment (if needed)
• Structured routines and recovery-focused activities
• Relapse-prevention education
• Support for co-occurring mental health conditions

Stays usually last 30, 60, or 90 days, but some programs offer longer-term care depending on the individual’s needs.

You can compare inpatient and residential facilities by browsing our national directory at Inpatient Rehab Guide.

Outpatient Programs (Standard, IOP & PHP)

Outpatient programs are best for people who do not need 24/7 care or who have already completed detox or inpatient treatment. Outpatient levels vary from low-intensity to highly structured.

Types of Outpatient Treatment

• Standard Outpatient (OP) – 1–2 sessions per week, focused on counseling and support.
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) – 9+ hours per week of structured therapy.
• Partial Hospitalization (PHP) – The most intensive outpatient level; 20–30 hours per week.

Outpatient care allows individuals to live at home, maintain family or work responsibilities, and gradually develop recovery skills in real-world settings.

For more information about levels of outpatient care, see our Outpatient Treatment Guide.

Medications for Alcohol Addiction (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective tools for alcohol addiction. These medications are FDA-approved and help reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and support long-term recovery.

Common Medications Used in Alcohol Addiction Treatment

• Naltrexone (oral or monthly injection) – blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol.
• Acamprosate (Campral®) – reduces cravings and stabilizes brain chemistry.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse®) – creates unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed.

MAT is often paired with therapy, counseling, or support groups for the best long-term results.

Dual Diagnosis: When Alcohol Addiction and Mental Health Meet

Many individuals with alcohol addiction also experience depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or trauma-related symptoms. When both conditions occur together, treatment must address both to be effective. This is known as a dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders).

Why Dual Diagnosis Care Matters

• Addresses root causes and triggers of drinking
• Improves long-term treatment outcomes
• Reduces risk of relapse
• Provides integrated mental health and addiction care

Facilities offering dual diagnosis treatment typically provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, trauma therapy, and long-term recovery planning.

To explore conditions involving both addiction and mental health disorders, visit our Dual Diagnosis Guide.

How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost?

Alcohol treatment costs depend on the level of care, location, insurance coverage, and length of stay. Without insurance, treatment costs can vary widely—but many programs offer financial assistance.

Average Detox & Rehab Costs in the U.S.

• Detox: $300–$1,000 per day (3–7 days typical)
• Inpatient rehab: $6,000–$20,000 for 30 days
• Intensive outpatient (IOP): $3,000–$10,000 per month
• Standard outpatient: $1,000–$4,000 per month

Many people pay significantly less with insurance, government funding, or sliding-scale fees. Free or low-cost programs also exist in every state.

Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

Yes. Under U.S. federal law, insurance providers must cover addiction treatment the same way they cover other medical and mental health conditions. This includes employer insurance, marketplace plans, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Types of Insurance Commonly Accepted

• Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, etc.)
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• TRICARE / military insurance
• State-funded programs
• Self-pay or sliding-scale payment options

Most facilities will verify your insurance benefits for free, typically within minutes.

Aftercare: Building a Long-Term Recovery Plan

Treatment does not end when a person leaves rehab. Long-term recovery is supported by ongoing care, habits, and stable routines. Aftercare options help individuals maintain the progress they made in treatment and reduce relapse risk.

Common Aftercare Options

• Outpatient counseling
• Peer support groups (AA, SMART Recovery)
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Relapse-prevention education
• Sober living homes
• Case management and recovery coaching

Aftercare is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery success. Many people stay connected to support for months or years after initial treatment.

How to Choose the Right Alcohol Rehab Program

Choosing a treatment program is one of the most important decisions a person can make. Every individual has different needs—medical, emotional, financial, and personal. The right program should match your goals, provide evidence-based care, and offer the level of support necessary for long-term success.

Key Factors to Consider

• Whether you need detox before starting treatment
• Residential vs. outpatient care requirements
• Availability of dual-diagnosis mental health support
• Insurance coverage and total expected costs
• Treatment styles (CBT, trauma therapy, MAT, etc.)
• Whether you prefer local care or treatment in a new environment
• Program accreditation and clinical expertise

If you're unsure where to begin, a treatment specialist can help evaluate your needs and recommend a program that fits your financial, medical, and personal situation.

Finding Alcohol Treatment Near You

Alcohol addiction treatment is available in every state, from large metro areas to smaller communities. Our national directory makes it easy to compare programs, filter by services, and understand the levels of care available near you.

Use the links below to explore treatment options in your state:

• View all rehab centers by state
• Substance use treatment services
• Alcohol detox programs
• Outpatient rehab programs
• Residential & inpatient treatment

You can also browse treatment centers by city, compare services, and read detailed facility profiles before choosing a program.