Untreated alcohol addiction leads to gradual deterioration of personal and professional life, as well as serious health consequences — from liver damage, through mental disorders, to increased risk of premature death. That's why it's so important to begin treatment as early as possible. Alcoholism therapy is a complex and long-term process — there is no single, universal answer to the question of exactly how long it lasts. The time depends on many factors, including the degree of addiction, the person's motivation, the chosen form of treatment, and the presence of co-occurring mental or somatic disorders.
How Long Does Alcoholism Treatment Last?
Effective addiction treatment should have an integrated character and include both medical assistance and psychological support. Alcoholism is not just a problem with a substance — it's a disease that affects the way of thinking, feeling, and functioning. Therefore, treatment cannot be limited to just detoxification or substance cessation. Comprehensive work is needed on the causes of drinking, mechanisms of addiction, and learning to live in sobriety. The duration of the entire treatment depends on many individual factors: degree of addiction, duration of drinking, overall health condition, level of motivation, and support from the environment. For some, a return to stable functioning occurs within a few months, while others need several years to build a new life without alcohol. However, in every case, the earlier therapy is started, the greater the chances of lasting results. Also read: What Are the Causes of Alcoholism?How Long Does Alcoholism Treatment Last - Cleansing the Body of Alcohol
Detoxification is the first and necessary step in addiction treatment. Its purpose is safe alcohol cessation and stabilization of the patient's physical condition. During cleansing, medications are administered that alleviate withdrawal syndrome symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and sometimes even seizures or delirium tremens. The body needs from several to several dozen hours to completely eliminate alcohol. However, how long alcohol detox lasts depends on many individual factors, including the person's health condition, the severity of addiction, and the amount of alcohol consumed at that moment.How Long Does Alcohol Therapy with Pharmacotherapy Last?
Pharmacotherapy in alcoholism treatment is based on the administration of disulfiram (brand name Esperal), which is available in two forms: alcohol implant and oral tablets. The duration of therapy with the implant is up to 12 months, depending on individual metabolism and dosage. After this time, the procedure can (though doesn't have to be) repeated if the patient and doctor together decide that further support in maintaining abstinence is needed. On the other hand, the duration of taking oral tablets depends on therapy progress and doctor's recommendations.Alcohol Therapy — Duration of Psychological Treatment
After detox begins psychological therapy — one of the most important stages of treatment, during which the person learns to recognize addiction mechanisms, cope with alcohol cravings, and strengthen motivation for sobriety. Maintaining abstinence after therapy completion requires continued support. For many, this is a lifelong process, including participation in self-help groups and consultations with a therapist. There is no single answer to how long this stage lasts — for some, a few months of systematic work is enough, while others use support for many years. Most important is building lasting mechanisms for coping with emotions, stress, and temptations without reaching for alcohol.How Long Does Addiction Therapy Last for Alcohol-Dependent Individuals?
Therapy for alcohol-dependent individuals is conducted in various forms that can complement each other:- Individual therapy — regular meetings with a therapist, during which the patient works on their problems, emotions, and motivation for change. The pace and duration of work are adapted to individual needs.
- Group therapy — provides an opportunity to share experiences, confront addiction mechanisms, and receive support from other people in similar situations.
- Therapy for families or partners — focuses on improving communication, rebuilding relationships, and supporting loved ones in the recovery process. Alcoholism is a disease that affects not only the addicted person but also their environment.
How Long Does Open Alcohol Therapy Last?
Open therapy is aimed at people who don't require round-the-clock care and are able to function in daily life (e.g., work, care for family) during treatment. Unlike closed therapy, it's conducted on an outpatient basis, meaning in a visiting mode — the patient participates in therapeutic sessions but lives at home. In specialized addiction treatment facilities such as Nasz Gabinet, the duration of outpatient treatment is set individually depending on needs and the nature of addiction. The form and frequency of meetings are selected by the therapeutic team based on detailed diagnosis and conversation with the patient. This can include both intensive individual or group therapy, as well as pharmacological support or additional consultations. Meeting frequency can range from several times a week to one session per week, depending on the current treatment phase, level of addiction severity, and the patient's readiness for change. The goal is to ensure an effective, flexible, and safe recovery process that will be adapted to the real possibilities and needs of the addicted person.How Long Does Alcohol Rehabilitation Last?
Alcohol rehabilitation focuses primarily on alcohol cessation, cleansing the body of toxins, and stabilizing physical and mental condition. It may be supported by medications that alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The rehabilitation itself can last from several weeks to several months. On the other hand, addiction therapy is the next, significantly longer stage that focuses on psychological work with the addicted person — recognizing addiction mechanisms, building motivation, learning to cope with emotions, and preventing relapse. This part of treatment can last from several months to even several years.How Long Does Recovery from Alcoholism and Maintaining Sobriety Last?
The process of recovery from alcoholism doesn't end with the completion of therapy. It's a long-term process that requires daily commitment, self-discipline, and using available forms of support. The time needed for complete recovery from addiction is individual, but for most people it lasts months or years, and for many remains a lifelong process. After completing the basic therapeutic program (outpatient or inpatient), the addicted person enters the stage of living in sobriety, which requires applying acquired skills in real, everyday functioning. During this time, difficulties may arise related to:- coping with emotions and stress without escaping into alcohol
- rebuilding family and social relationships
- searching for meaning and new life values
- temptations and relapse risks.
Alcoholism Treatment Is a Long-Term Process
Recovery from alcohol addiction doesn't happen overnight. It's a process requiring time, patience, and consistency, where it's not just about stopping drinking, but about deep, lasting change in the way of thinking, reacting, and functioning. Each stage of treatment — from detoxification, through therapy, to life in sobriety — brings different challenges but also offers a chance to restore health, relationships, and a sense of self-worth. Consistency in participating in therapy, openness to working on oneself, and willingness to seek help in difficult moments are the foundations of effective treatment that can accelerate the treatment process and ensure lasting results.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
