The physical addiction that alcoholics have can be treated through several different varieties of programs, with choices differing from residential inpatient treatment to outpatient treatment. Alcohol treatment centers have different philosophies and programs that they offer and in order to raise the probability of the addict staying clean, the proper, individualized program needs to be chosen.

While outpatient treatment can be a wise selection for the alcoholic with a recent history of addiction, programs that last less than 90 days result in poor long-term outcomes. Residential inpatient treatment centers with programs of at least 90 days are the better option, and those programs with a length of at least a year have the best success rate for continuing long term sobriety. The rationales for this are two-fold: the addict's physical addiction needs are treated as well as the addict's mental health needs.

While many of the briefer treatment options address the detoxification facet, they do not instruct the alcoholic with the skills necessary to maintain restraint from alcohol once back into typical society, in turn leaving them ill-equipped for the pressures and triggers that can lead them down the trail of abuse once again.

Long-term treatment facilities offer personalized care which seriously adds to the addict's level of success. The most accomplished alcohol rehabilitation facilities offer diverse programs that are intended to meet the addict's individual requirements, often with its foundation based on the 12-step program which focuses the spiritual needs of the individual while getting them ready for life after treatment. Also, behavioral therapies, which teach the alcoholic the coping skills needed to stay away from temptation, and pharmacological treatments, which help with physical withdrawal symptoms and potential mental illness, ensure personalized care.

Working together, the three methods are the most successful. Alcohol treatment centers that provide this three-pronged methodology properly focus on the exclusive needs of each person. This method addresses the mental health needs of the addict, whether that is for depression or anxiety or the need for counseling. Individuals also acquire new behaviors and coping skills that they will need to thrive in life after leaving the treatment facility. Programs like this provide continuing care for the recovering addict once he is back in the mainstream.

Long-term alcohol treatment centers are most successful through the instruction that is offered along with the personalized care given to each person, as sobriety skills are not learned in a week. They are taught through the course of a year and the alcoholics should stay until they have properly strengthened their abilities to stay sober outside of treatment. This year of treatment allows the addict time needed to learn coping skills, and it gives them time to mend past issues that may be the original reasons for the abuse. Short-term treatment offers adequate time to rid the body of the addictive substance but does not give the time needed to properly learn how to function in society.

There are many treatment options around, but long-term alcohol treatment facilities offer the best chance of a sober life. Recognizing the needs of the alcoholic, and being aware of the choices that are available will make choosing an alcohol treatment center easy, leading to long-term sobriety.