To overcome alcohol addiction, a mix of proven treatments, therapy, healthy lifestyle changes, and planning is needed. When these are put together, they form an addiction treatment plan, which can be completed through different types of rehab.

One option is inpatient rehab for alcohol addiction, which is often the most effective. This involves staying at a rehab centre full-time, where you receive 24-hour support and follow a structured treatment programme designed to help you recover step by step.

Another option is outpatient rehab, which allows you to live at home while attending treatment sessions. This approach is more flexible and is funded by the NHS. However, it is usually better suited to mild or early-stage alcohol problems and is less effective for more serious or long-term addiction.

At Nova Recovery, we recommend inpatient rehab for alcohol addiction because it offers personalised care, constant support, and a higher chance of long-term recovery.

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What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is when a person stays at a specialist treatment centre while they receive help for alcohol addiction. Everything happens in one place, including detox, therapy, and recovery support, so there’s no need to go home each day.

Getting inpatient rehab through the NHS is now very rare. Most inpatient treatment is provided by private rehab centres, which can usually offer faster admission, high-quality care, and better long-term outcomes.

Because you stay at the clinic full-time, the whole focus is on recovery. Treatment covers all aspects of addiction, including managing alcohol withdrawal, improving mental health, and planning for life after rehab.

Although inpatient rehab must be paid for, private clinics are required to meet strict care standards. They offer medical support, emotional care, personalised treatment plans, and 24/7 supervision in modern, comfortable facilities. For many people, residential rehab is the best first step toward stopping drinking.

Alcohol addiction cannot be cured, but it can be effectively treated and managed. Inpatient rehab gives people the strongest chance to regain control and maintain long-term sobriety.

What Happens During Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient treatment plans offer a comprehensive journey through addiction recovery. That journey involves various treatments, therapies, recovery commitments and planning sessions.

 

Detoxification

Alcohol detoxification programmes are offered through inpatient rehab. Providing a medically assisted programme, alcohol withdrawal can be aimed for with assurance. 24/7 medical care is available for all clients whilst working through expected withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Detoxing from alcohol is essential, in order to eliminate an internal build-up. Alcohol detoxification is the first step of rehab, offering a clean slate.

Some clients will also benefit from alcohol detoxification medications, which are prescribed to manage symptoms and reduce future relapse risks. Clients are assessed and treated on a one-to-one basis, meaning that prescriptions will only be made where necessary.

 

Therapy sessions

Therapy sessions are inclusive of inpatient treatment. Sessions are delivered through individual, family, and group sessions, helping to manage the psychological symptoms of alcoholism.

Alcohol addiction is an emotionally testing disease to live with. It can deter mental health, damage relationships, adapt outlooks and reduce self-awareness. A range of therapy sessions will be promoted to regulate emotions, improve coping and rebuild the damages of alcohol use disorders.

Addiction therapies include:

Poor mental health is a direct symptom of alcohol addiction. Symptoms can make it harder to recover and increase the risks of a dual diagnosis. Mental health treatments, such as talking therapies, wellness sessions and medical prescriptions are offered to manage symptoms.

Through inpatient rehab, a recovery-driven plan can be worked through, focusing on influences, wellbeing, and relapse prevention.

 

Holistic therapies

Holistic therapies are safe and target all-round recovery. A holistic approach to treatment will be incorporated into inpatient rehab, offering additional services such as mindfulness, meditation, spirituality, and alternative therapies.

 

Wellness and nutritional plans

Alcohol can significantly suppress physical health and wellbeing. It can cause malnourishment, deficiencies, and unpleasant side effects. To rebuild the body and to develop healthy intentions, wellness and nutritional plans are offered through inpatient rehab.

Plans are led by specialist coaches, nutritionists, and personal trainers to improve relationships with food, exercise, and movement.

 

Educational sessions

Understanding addiction, personal triggers and risks of relapse are imperative in order to manage the condition. Educational sessions are delivered through alcohol rehab to boost awareness and confidence whilst working towards long-term recovery.

Alcohol addiction is a complicated, highly stigmatised brain disease. With greater awareness, myths can be overlooked whilst focusing on effective recovery steps and coping techniques. Recommendations on how to lead a sober lifestyle will be made, helping to ease post-rehab life and improve the chances of remaining sober.

 

Family visits and sessions

By checking into and completing inpatient rehab for alcohol addiction, family involvement can be opted for. Family visits, therapy sessions and educational workshops can be arranged.

Reasonably it can be difficult to pause everyday life to complete rehab. Visits can help to bridge the gap, whilst treatments can assist with rebuilding relationships, trust, and mutual understanding.

 

Relapse prevention planning

Planning is also focused on through residential rehab. In order to remain sober, the tools of recovery must be carried forward. Planning sessions are designed to incorporate such tools into everyday life, helping to prevent relapse and work through any risks.

Relapse prevention planning will also be focused on through aftercare and 12-step recovery plans, which are inclusive of inpatient rehab.

Are There Other Options?

Yes, there are other rehab options available, and it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and personal situation.

One alternative is outpatient rehab, which is usually offered and funded by the NHS. With outpatient treatment, you attend regular appointments for therapy and support but continue living at home while managing your recovery independently.

Outpatient rehab can still provide medical care, addiction support, and ongoing guidance. However, it does come with challenges. Treatment often lasts between 6 and 12 months, and a lot of responsibility is placed on the individual to stay motivated and avoid triggers at home.

This option is generally better for people in the early stages of alcohol misuse, those with mild symptoms, or those who are unable to commit to residential rehab. W

hile outpatient rehab can be helpful, inpatient rehab is usually more effective, offering a structured, all-in-one recovery programme with clear guidance and stronger support toward long-term sobriety.

Why Should I Choose Inpatient Rehab?

There are many benefits linked to inpatient rehab. Firstly, inpatient rehab offers an indefinite escape from alcohol.

A safe, controlled, and positive environment will be maintained, helping clients relax, focus, and avoid triggers. This level of control cannot be guaranteed through outpatient treatment, due to external influences.

Secondly, choosing inpatient rehab will speed up the recovery process. Whilst effort must still be invested, and whilst at least a 30 -day process must be completed within a treatment facility, efficient results can be expected.

The admissions process is also quick, helping to begin the process with urgency. Outpatient treatment is a much longer process. Whilst flexible and suitable for some, it will not deliver a time-sensitive and urgent treatment plan and will usually begin with an NHS waiting list.

Thirdly, 24/7 medical care, advice and support is offered through inpatient rehab for alcohol addiction. A reassuring experience can be expected whilst working through any challenges, such as withdrawal symptoms. Immediate relapse risks can be reduced, whilst experiencing one-to-one care and compassion.

Lastly, residential rehab programmes are personalised and offer a comprehensive recovery process. Additional treatments, techniques and services can be involved to improve recovery rates, adoption, and wellbeing.

How Long Does Inpatient Rehab Last?

Residential addiction treatment is a distraction-free, progressive offering. The average plan can be completed in 4 weeks.

Depending on personal needs and progress, inpatient rehab can be extended to last a number of months.

For some clients, additional issues will need to be addressed and worked through in order to comfortably transition back to everyday life. Inpatient rehab can support this by prolonging residential services.

Combatting alcoholism through a quick-fix approach will be impossible, as recovery will continue as a long-term focus. Yet inpatient rehab offers an efficient start to the process, helping recovering addicts reach and remain sober.

Inpatient Rehab Aftercare

Aftercare is inclusive of inpatient rehab, acting as a post-rehab step. It helps to bridge the gap between residential recovery and everyday recovery.

Our aftercare plans at Nova Recovery offer access to local support groups, one-to-one therapy sessions, additional treatments, regular check-ins, and 12-step recovery plans. Services are offered for 12 months, helping to strengthen early recovery.

Adjusting to a new lifestyle and routine can be tough after being controlled by habits. Aftercare services begin as soon as you leave rehab, in place to promote healthy intentions, reduce relapse risks and offer emotional and peer support.

How To Find The Best Inpatient Rehab For Me

Finding the best inpatient rehab should start by understanding and prioritising your personal needs.

You should consider factors such as your budget, your location, your availability, and the complexity of your alcohol problems.

You should then consider a number of inpatient rehab clinics that can accommodate your needs and offer a treatment plan which can benefit your recovery. Considering what’s important to you will make sure that your experience can be positive and that your expectations can be met.

Choosing a medically accredited and CQC-registered rehab clinic is encouraged, opting for a clinic with high success rates is recommended, and selecting a treatment facility that is private and suitable is promoted.

At Nova Recovery, we run a private addiction recovery hospital, offering inpatient rehab for alcohol addiction.

Professional and specialist services are delivered from our peaceful and equipped treatment facility. Reach out to experience the expected benefits of inpatient rehab whilst working through alcoholism.

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Our admissions team can give you expert help and advice on the best options available for Inpatient Rehab in Scotland, get in touch today to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I detox at home?
Detoxing from alcohol should be completed via a safe and medically assisted rehab facility. The process can be invasive and mentally challenging, best completed with 24/7 medical care. Detoxing from home will therefore be discouraged due to safety issues, risks of extreme withdrawal symptoms and threats of early relapse.
How much does inpatient rehab cost?
Inpatient rehab for alcohol addiction costs between £3,000-£10,000. Costs will vary depending on your location, your chosen rehab clinic, your needs, and the length of your treatment programme.

As we operate on a per-client basis, we will accommodate your needs and work to your budget to make sure that inpatient rehab is a feasible option.
What happens after inpatient rehab?
On completion of inpatient rehab, aftercare services will begin, helping to assist with your post-rehab transition. Returning home will be recommended whilst armed with the tools, support network and services to remain sober.

Support groups will be arranged for you, a 12-step plan will be created, and check-ins will be organised to assist you through the adjustment phase.

With support, you’ll slowly work towards normalising sobriety and returning to everyday life.

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: January 28, 2026

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.

Dr Stacey Vettraino

Dr Stacey Vettraino (General Practitioner) - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: December 18, 2023

Dr Stacey Vettraino has been a GP for over 15 years and has been involved in GP management for 7 of these. Over the last few years, Dr Vettraino has worked towards a portfolio career, working as a GP in various parts of Scotland and within the private sector – including Bupa as a private GP, Health Assessments, and Menopause Clinics. She has had a longstanding interest in psychiatry and has previously held a post in Old Age Psychiatry post-GP training focusing on dementia. Her interest in addictions has steadily grown from work as a GP and Dr Vettraino is now excited and privileged to be part of addiction treatment.