How long to be rehabilitated in a 'betty ford' clinic for alcoholics? My boyfriend, checked himself in 3 days ago, and says he detoxed! They at the clinic told me he was far from being ready! But they can't hold him against his will! I just want to know how long I should expect someone to be in, as in an average? I know everyone's different, but 3 days!!!!????? Please help!
2007-06-02 06:30:10 · 8 answers · asked by Goal Chaser :o) 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
it takes longer then just a few days =right now he is just sober
when he goes into withdrawal that is when you know it is really working and after that he should be okay
2007-06-02 06:34:51 · answer #1 · answered by caffsans 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you are actually asking 2 different questions. First of all detox can vary from 3 days to 7 for just alcohol. It just depends on how much the person drank, and if he was using any other substances. Detox is basically to help the person through the withdrawal process safely. Doctors say a person is detoxed after he no longer needs medications to make his detox safe. They usually like to keep a person in the facility a full 24 hours (off support medications) to make sure he is safe for release. If he was using other substances, it may take up to 2 weeks, depending on the substance. As for rehabilitation, for a true alcoholic, that is a different story. Most clinics offer a 21-28 day rehabilitation program where a person learns about their addiction and how to cope with life without alcohol. When that is over, rehabilitation istelf isn't over. That is a life-time process. He will have to remain sober and that is often very difficult. Programs like AA, NA, Sane Sobriety, etc can help. I would be a little wary of the 3 day issue. He probably feels better (or maybe worse - detox is NOT fun) and misses you. Try to encourage him to remain a little longer if his doctors think he needs it. I wish you both luck.
2007-06-02 13:55:45 · answer #2 · answered by Elsie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi.I am a former alcoholic and still am one at the same time.I know that if I drink it I will return to the misery and hell that I dragged myself out of.Clinics can help in the withdrawal of alcohol,teach people how booze affects you but thats about it.It is not easy to quit,took me 5 times.The want to quit comes from whithin.In my case I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.AA is good as long as its an "open"meeting since all you have to do is listen.Eventually you will hear your own story.Get a sponser to keep you on the right path to sobriety.As to your question,clinics never helped me.I made a decision to stop by myself.One day at a time is AA answer.Once an alcoholic,allways an alcoholic thats my motto.There is no cure as with any drug,it changes you usually in a negative manner.In english it means its up to you.To quit drinking is one thing but to change the way you think is another.I hope Ive helped in this matter.In july I will be sober for 23years.
2007-06-06 12:16:45 · answer #3 · answered by spooky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An alcoholic or addict is never rehabilitated (past tense) but will be "in recovery" for the rest of his/her life. It takes a few days to simply detox (i.e. reach a state of sobriety), up to a month to get all the way through the physical withdrawal, and around 4 to 6 months to become habituated to a sober lifestyle. But the deep struggle to stay clean and sober lasts the rest of one's life.
A clinic can do well getting someone started down the road to sobriety; but it's hard to over-emphasize the importance of on-going support for life. He could do well to find a good twelve-step group for that. "Ninety meetings in ninety days" is a good formula to start with. A close buddy of mine did daily meetings for almost six months, before he felt strong enough to relax his vigil.
Three days is only enough to clear the bats out of your boyfriend's head and make him feel good enough to start another binge. He isn't done with rehab yet, though --- that part is still just beginning.
God bless your efforts (both of you) to lick this.
2007-06-02 14:09:07 · answer #4 · answered by mike 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least 28 days. Many programs go 60 days. The longer he is in treatment the better his chances for long-term sobriety. Detox is not the goal of treatment. Sobriety and good health are.
2007-06-06 13:19:10 · answer #5 · answered by TAT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a "hardcore" alcoholic he needs about 4 - 6 months to become clean.
2007-06-02 13:37:39 · answer #6 · answered by Right in ya face! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would imagine that everyone would have a different amount of time that they would need to be healthy again, but three days does seem a bit quick.
2007-06-02 13:37:36 · answer #7 · answered by islington9 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least 30 days.
2007-06-02 13:38:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋