Substance abuse treatment helps people stop the compulsive use of drugs and alcohol while learning how to live life without substances. Rehab programs involve many treatment components and take many forms. Some people seek the help of professionals for detox and withdrawal management and rehabilitation to aid in their recovery; however, the path to recovery looks different for each person.

Not all rehabilitation programs are the sam­e­—a number of factors determine the duration, intensity, and specific services of treatment.

What is a 30-Day Alcohol Rehab Program?

A common type of recovery setting is a 30-day rehab program, which is generally within an inpatient medical or residential setting. Typically, treatment involves a mix of substance abuse education, private and group counseling, medications to treat symptoms of withdrawal and/or reduce cravings, and behavioral therapies to help individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug or alcohol use.1

Participants in an inpatient treatment program may be monitored 24/7 by mental health, medical, and addiction professionals. Prior to treatment, patients will generally go through an intake evaluation process before the detoxification phase, which safely manages the acute symptoms of withdrawal.1 Following completion of detox, patients will move on to formal treatment to work toward recovery.

During inpatient treatment, a person can also expect to receive specialized treatment—such as individualized behavioral therapy with a licensed addiction and mental health professional—based on their specific needs. During education sessions, a trained addiction professional teaches about substance abuse, addiction, and strategies on how to prevent relapse and coping skills that don’t include taking drugs and ingesting alcohol.

In group therapy, individuals begin to process their addiction with their peers who share similar experiences. The insight gained in these groups helps patients work through some of the challenges they’ve experienced as a result of addiction.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehab for Addiction

Studies have associated longer treatment stays with improved treatment outcomes.1,2 Inpatient rehab addresses challenges associated with substance abuse in a safe and controlled environment. What’s more, patients can benefit from being surrounded by others who are experiencing the same thing. At the same time, an inpatient facility allows individuals to work toward recovery without the distractions and triggers of their everyday lives.10

An inpatient alcohol and drug rehab program can address each stage of substance abuse treatment with close medical monitoring incorporating medication as needed. With certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines, opioids and alcohol, detoxing can have uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects.3,4 Because of this, detoxing within an inpatient or medically supervised setting can allow for better monitoring of patient comfort as well as help individuals with severe substance use disorders avoid severe or fatal complications.4,5

It is important to note that detox does not address any of the behavioral, psychological, or emotional components of addiction; that process begins following detox.6

Which Type of Rehab Is Best for Me?

There are a number of factors that help to determine the type of setting to meet your unique needs. A medical professional usually recommends the duration of your stay based on factors such as diagnosis, length of use, underlying mental health disorders, and medical issues.11

Substance use disorders (SUD) can range from mild to severe and are diagnosed by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). For drug and/or alcohol disorders, at least 2 of the criteria must be met within the past year to be diagnosed with a SUD. The more criteria that are met, the greater the severity of the SUD.

Only a physician, psychiatrist or other properly licensed medical or mental health professional can diagnose a substance use disorder, but we can look to the DSM to outline some warning signs of addiction:7

  • Having times when you used the substance more (or longer) than intended.
  • Wanting to stop or cut down on use but being unable to do so.
  • Spending a considerable amount of time getting drugs or alcohol or getting over the effects of them.
  • Using drugs or alcohol instead of participating in activities that are important or interesting to you or that once gave you pleasure.
  • Using drugs (or being high) has hindered your ability to meet home, school, or job obligations.
  • Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite it causing problems with family or friends.
  • Needing more drugs or alcohol to achieve the desired effect (i.e., building a tolerance).
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the effects of the substance wear off, such as restlessness, sleeping, sweating, or racing heart.

Regardless of the severity of the addiction, which type of setting you may need and for how long, will be determined in conjunction with a medical professional or your addiction treatment team.

What Happens During a Typical Day in Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is very structured. A day generally begins at a wake-up time, followed by scheduled meals, individual therapy sessions, group therapy, meetings, and support groups. Time may be allotted for physical exercise, mindfulness/meditation, and activities such as art.

A typical day in treatment varies from facility to facility. Below is an example of what a daily schedule might look like:

  • 7:00 a.m. Breakfast
  • 7:45 a.m. Meditation
  • 8:30 a.m. Physical Wellness Training
  • 10:00 a.m. Behavioral Health Group
  • 11:00 a.m. Relapse Prevention Group
  • 12:00 p.m. Lunch and Reflection Time
  • 1:00 p.m. Nutrition and Wellness Group
  • 2:00 p.m. Private Therapy
  • 3:00 p.m. Expressive Therapies in Recovery
  • 4:00 p.m. Therapeutic Community Group
  • 5:00 p.m. Dinner
  • 6:30 p.m. Recovery Meeting
  • 7:30 p.m. Clean & Sober Structured Activities/Recreation
  • 10:00 p.m. Lights Out

What to Look for in an Inpatient Rehab Center

When you’re ready to seek treatment, it is important to choose a facility that meets your needs. For instance, some providers tailor treatment programs for specific groups such as veterans or women. Some offer treatment for those with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders or depression.12

When seeking a treatment facility, speaking with your medical or medical insurance provider is a good place to start. Gather as much information as you can and write down all the questions you may have; never be embarrassed to ask for further information or clarification. Some questions to consider are:8

  • Is treatment customized to the individual? Ask about their approach to treatment and if it is tailored or adapted to the individual. You’ll also want to ask if treatment plans will be revisited and adapted during treatment to meet your changing needs.
  • Are any specialized tracks offered? Some facilities offer specialized groups, living arrangements or treatment tracks. This could be gender-specific groups, LGBTQ+ tracks, faith-based approaches or veteran-focused care.
  • What are the treatment approaches the facility offers? It is important to know whether the facility relies on a single approach to treatment or provides a variety methods. For example, you will want to ask if medication is used during any stages of treatment or if co-occurring mental health disorders are addressed within treatment.
  • How does the facility handle relapse following completion of treatment? Relapse is a normal and common part of the recovery process. Some facilities may offer discounted treatment following a relapse or can work with you to restructure your treatment plan to help avoid another relapse in the future. You might also be offered an aftercare plan that includes therapy or attending mutual support groups.

Remember, your health, safety and sobriety are important and if you don’t feel heard or understood, you may want to seek out treatment at another facility. However, be aware that often times, your relationships with doctors, therapists, and other health professionals can develop over time.

Does Insurance Cover 30-Day Inpatient Rehab?

Prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), not everyone who wanted substance abuse treatment was able to receive it. The passing of ACA, however, mandated coverage of substance use treatment in major insurance plans and promoted the integration and coordination of substance use services with mainstream healthcare.9

Health insurance for substance abuse treatment may cover the below at approved facilities:

  • Inpatient or outpatient care.
  • Medical detox, including medications.
  • Co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Follow-up counseling.
  • FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.

There is a good chance that your substance abuse treatment will be fully or partially covered by your insurance; and you may have more coverage than you think. Typically, any medical services that are deemed unnecessary may not be covered such as extra services at upscale treatment centers (e.g., certain holistic care services, gourmet food, or other non-medical amenities).

Understanding your coverage can help put you at ease and empower you to make the life-changing decision of getting treatment for your addiction. Remember, help is available; you are not alone. Check your coverage instantly below!


Not sure if your insurance covers alcohol treatment?

Check your insurance coverage or text us your questions for more information.


Get Help for Alcoholism

If you’re ready to get help for addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. Operator of AlcoholRehab.com, we offer a nationwide network of treatment facilities providing care for those struggling with drugs and/or alcohol.

Our team of nurses, therapists, case managers, psychiatrists, and more each play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process to ensure that your recovery is as comfortable and safe as possible. Because each person is unique, we personalize our treatment programs to fit your specific needs.

By working toward sobriety with us, we believe that you have created the most solid foundation for your long-term goals of abstinence and will be with you every step of the way from Day 1. Additionally, when you entrust us with your recovery and successfully complete 90 consecutive days at one of our facilities, we offer a complimentary 30 days in treatment in the event of a relapse.

To speak with one of our admissions navigators about your treatment options, call our hotline now at . We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. And, there’s no obligation to make a decision when you call. Fill out the form below to see if your insurance covers treatment at AAC.