Quick answer
Alcohol rehab usually starts with medically supervised detox, because alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and can be life-threatening. After detox, care continues with counseling such as CBT, FDA-approved medications like naltrexone or acamprosate, and an inpatient or outpatient program matched to your needs. Search below to find alcohol rehab centers near you.
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What are the signs of alcohol use disorder?
Doctors call alcohol addiction alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is a medical condition, not a moral failing. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), AUD is diagnosed using 11 criteria from the DSM-5, the manual clinicians use to diagnose mental health and substance use conditions.
In plain terms, the criteria ask whether, in the past year, you have:
- Drunk more, or for longer, than you meant to
- Wanted to cut down or stop but couldn’t
- Spent a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from it
- Had strong cravings or urges to drink
- Fallen behind at work, school or home because of drinking
- Kept drinking even though it caused problems with family or friends
- Given up activities you used to enjoy
- Gotten into risky situations while drinking, such as driving
- Kept drinking even though it made you feel depressed, anxious or unwell
- Needed more alcohol to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- Had withdrawal symptoms, such as shakiness, sweating or trouble sleeping, when the alcohol wore off
Having 2 to 3 of these signs suggests mild AUD, 4 to 5 suggests moderate AUD, and 6 or more suggests severe AUD. Only a qualified clinician can make a diagnosis, but this list can help you decide whether to reach out.
Not sure which level of care fits? Call (877) 847-2855 to talk through options and check your insurance benefits. It’s free and confidential.
Why can alcohol withdrawal be dangerous?
Alcohol withdrawal is one of the few withdrawal syndromes that can be life-threatening. When a person who drinks heavily stops suddenly, the brain can become overexcited. This can lead to seizures and a severe condition called delirium tremens (DTs), which involves confusion, hallucinations, fever and a racing heart.
Because of this risk, do not stop drinking abruptly on your own if you drink heavily or daily. Talk with a doctor first. Medically supervised alcohol and drug detox lets clinicians track your symptoms and give medications, often benzodiazepines, to prevent seizures and DTs. People with a history of seizures, past DTs or serious health problems may need hospital inpatient care.
If someone is having a seizure, is very confused, or has trouble breathing, call 911 right away.
Alcohol withdrawal timeline
Every person is different. This table shows a general pattern described by medical sources.
| Time since last drink | What may happen |
|---|---|
| 6–24 hours | Shaky hands, sweating, anxiety, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping |
| 12–48 hours | Symptoms may get stronger; hallucinations can occur in some people |
| 24–48 hours | Highest risk window for withdrawal seizures |
| 48–72 hours | Delirium tremens (DTs) may begin in severe cases; this is a medical emergency |
| 4–7 days | Acute symptoms usually ease |
| Weeks to months | Some people have lingering sleep problems, irritability or low mood |
What is the best treatment for alcohol addiction?
Effective treatment combines medical care, counseling and support. The right mix depends on how severe your drinking is, your health and your home situation.
Medications for alcohol use disorder
The FDA has approved three medications for AUD. None of them is addictive.
- Naltrexone can reduce cravings and the rewarding feeling of drinking. It comes as a daily pill or a monthly injection.
- Acamprosate may help people who have stopped drinking stay alcohol-free.
- Disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions, such as nausea and flushing, if you drink.
Using medication along with counseling is often called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Learn more on our medication-assisted treatment page.
Behavioral therapies
According to NIAAA, several talk therapies help people change drinking habits:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you spot triggers and build coping skills.
- Motivational enhancement therapy builds your own motivation to change.
- Couples and family counseling can repair relationships and strengthen support at home.
- Mutual-support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, offer peer support alongside treatment.
Many people with AUD also have depression, anxiety or trauma. Programs that treat both at once are called dual diagnosis treatment.
Which level of care is right for you?
Clinicians often use the ASAM Criteria, a set of guidelines from the American Society of Addiction Medicine, to match you with the right level of care. Here are the main options:
| Level of care | What it involves | May fit if you… |
|---|---|---|
| Detox | Medical monitoring while alcohol leaves your body | Drink heavily or daily, or have had withdrawal before |
| Inpatient/residential | Live on-site with 24/7 support | Need structure, have tried before, or lack a safe home |
| Partial hospitalization (PHP) | Treatment most of the day, home at night | Need daily support but have a stable place to live |
| Intensive outpatient (IOP) | Several hours of therapy a few days a week | Can keep working or caring for family |
| Outpatient | Weekly counseling and medication visits | Have mild AUD or are stepping down from more care |
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers hospital-level structure during the day. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides more hours than standard outpatient care but lets you live at home. Many people move through more than one level over time. Our guide on how long rehab lasts explains what to expect.
Can you overdose on alcohol?
Yes. Drinking a large amount in a short time can cause alcohol poisoning, which can slow breathing and heart rate and lead to death. Signs include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, cold or bluish skin, and being hard to wake. Call 911 if you see these signs, and don’t leave the person alone.
Mixing alcohol with opioids or benzodiazepines is especially dangerous, because they all slow breathing. If opioids might be involved, give naloxone if you have it.
How do you pay for alcohol rehab?
Costs vary widely by setting, length of stay and insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, substance use treatment is an essential health benefit for most individual and small-group plans. Federal parity law (MHPAEA) generally requires plans to cover addiction care on terms comparable to medical care.
Coverage still depends on your plan. Insurers usually require that care is medically necessary, may require prior authorization, and pay more for in-network providers. You may owe a deductible and coinsurance up to your out-of-pocket maximum. Read more in does insurance cover rehab? or explore Medicaid coverage.
How do you get help for alcohol addiction?
Taking the first step can feel hard, but you don’t have to have it all figured out. Here’s a simple path:
- Talk to a doctor about your drinking, especially before you stop.
- Ask about safe detox if you drink daily or heavily.
- Choose a level of care using the table above, or browse rehab centers by state.
- Check your coverage before you enroll.
- Line up ongoing support, such as outpatient care, medication and peer groups.
If you’re helping someone else, our guide on how to help a loved one has tips for starting the conversation. If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988.
Recovery from alcohol use disorder is possible, and many people get better with treatment. To find an alcohol rehab that fits your needs and budget, call our admissions helpline at (877) 847-2855. It’s free and confidential.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find alcohol rehab near me?
Search by city, state or zip code above to see licensed rehab centers nearby; nearly all of them treat alcohol use disorder. If you drink heavily every day, start with a program that offers medical detox, then move into inpatient or outpatient care. Check that the program is licensed, accredited and in your insurance network, and ask whether it offers medications for alcohol use disorder. Our free helpline at (877) 847-2855 can help you compare options. We currently list programs in California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona and Massachusetts. If you live elsewhere, search FindTreatment.gov or call the free SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
Is it dangerous to quit drinking on my own?
It can be. If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can cause seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal. Talk to a doctor before you stop, and consider medically supervised detox.
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
Symptoms often begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink, peak around days 1 to 3, and ease within about a week. Some people have sleep problems, anxiety or mood changes for weeks afterward.
What medications treat alcohol use disorder?
The FDA has approved three: naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. None of them is addictive. A doctor can help you decide which one fits your health and goals, and they work best alongside counseling.
Do I need inpatient rehab for alcohol?
Not always. Many people do well in outpatient or intensive outpatient care. Inpatient or residential care may be a better fit if you have severe withdrawal risk, other health conditions, an unstable home or past relapses.
Does insurance cover alcohol rehab?
Most health plans cover some substance use treatment because it is an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. What your plan pays depends on medical necessity, your network, prior authorization rules, and your deductible.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition in which a person has trouble controlling or stopping drinking despite harm to their health, relationships or work. It ranges from mild to severe and is treatable.
