Many people drink beer, wine and other types of alcohol without developing any serious problems. However, others develop an alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction. This chronic condition is characterized by excessive alcohol use and dependence on alcohol to function. Without proper treatment, alcoholism can lead to various physical and psychological problems and even death.
There is no cure for addiction, but it is a treatable condition. That’s where liquor addiction rehab comes in. With a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan, people who are addicted to alcohol can lead healthier lives. Before you enter rehab, it’s highly recommended that you go through the detoxification process. Let’s discuss this briefly before taking a closer look at rehab.
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Detox is usually the first stage in treating alcoholism. It’s the process by which the body rids itself of the liquor you consumed. As you undergo detox, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, fever, headache, irregular heartbeat and hallucinations. That’s because your body has become used to alcohol after months or years of heavy use, and it needs to adjust to the absence of alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms typically go away within a week or two after starting the detox process, but the time frame varies depending on the severity of the addiction. When the alcohol is completely out of your body, you can focus on the other stages of the recovery process.
Some people worry about quitting drinking because they don’t want to experience the withdrawal symptoms. However, undergoing a medical detox process can help to ensure you’re spared the worst of the symptoms. That’s why it’s recommended that people who want to enter liquor addiction rehab undergo a medically supervised detox. Treatment professionals will provide you with techniques and/or medications to reduce pain and make you more comfortable. Once you’ve successfully completed detox, you can move on to liquor addiction rehab.
Detox doesn’t address the underlying causes of addiction. That’s why rehab is important. Rehabilitation programs offer a range of services including medical care, counseling, and life skills training. They can take multiple forms but usually fall into the categories of either inpatient care or outpatient care.
If you enter an inpatient rehabilitation program, you’ll live in a facility full-time. Residential treatment is best for people who have severe addictions since they get 24/7 access to professional care. Individuals stay in inpatient treatment for anywhere from 30 days to 12 months, depending on the particular challenges they face. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for inpatient rehab but it is highly beneficial for many people struggling with addiction. When compared to outpatient rehab, inpatient treatment results in a higher success rate and increased safety.
People who undergo inpatient treatment are more likely to complete their program, and they achieve higher levels of function. One reason for this is that inpatients are surrounded by treatment professionals, counselors and fellow recovering addicts who provide the fellowship they need. They are also shielded from the triggers and temptation in their homes or communities. With outpatient rehab, it can take longer to form supportive bonds and the individual is often exposed to many of the things that influence their drinking.
Outpatient programs are less intensive than inpatient programs. They allow individuals to continue working or going to school, or at least continue living at home while they receive treatment. These programs are best for people who have mild addictions and a stable, supportive home environment. Outpatient programs typically require the individual to attend meetings every day for the first several weeks and then with lesser frequency as the person’s condition improves.
Day treatment is the most intensive form of outpatient rehab. Patients meet five to seven days per week for either the full day or half of the day. These programs are highly structured and patients take part in medically supervised detox, counselling, support groups, and other forms of therapy. At the end of the sessions, the individuals are allowed to go home to their families or loved ones.
Intensive outpatient programs are more flexible. Participants meet at scheduled times during the day or in the evening and they can keep up with other commitments such as working or caring for their children. Meetings are frequent at the start of the program, but they occur less often as the individual meets their recovery goals.
Another option is a continuing care group. These support groups are more common in larger cities. Individuals meet with other recovering addicts for about an hour or two each week to discuss both their victories and their challenges.
Many people who enter rehab go through these programs one after the other. They start with inpatient therapy and step down to less intensive forms of treatment as they improve. Each person’s situation is unique so your treatment should be tailored to your circumstances including the severity of your addiction and the strength of your support system.
Each individual who has a liquor addiction has different physical and mental needs. These needs determine the type of treatment they undergo while in rehab. There are multiple-evidence based treatment options for alcoholism, and most facilities use multiple treatment methods. The best rehab facilities focus on the overall well-being of each client.
Shortly after arriving at a rehab facility, you should be evaluated by a team of professionals who will determine the level of care you need. Your treatment plan should be based on a number of factors including:
Let’s look at some of the most common types of treatment you’ll find in a liquor addiction rehab.
During psychotherapy or talk therapy, the patient talks to a psychologist about their experiences and challenges. You can meet with a therapist one-on-one, with your partner or family, or with a group of fellow recovering addicts. You’ll discuss issues you face day to day as well as past traumas and ongoing problems. Psychotherapy can help you to understand your addiction and provide you with tools to manage your cravings. It can also equip you to maintain your sobriety. Psychotherapy can also lead to the diagnosis of co-occurring mental health disorders. A person with a dual diagnosis will need to undergo treatment for both conditions.. Psychotherapy sessions last for weeks or months depending on your needs.
CBT also involves talking to a psychologist. However, it is less focused on diagnosis and more concerned with identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive thoughts and behaviors. Your therapist will guide you in confronting harmful beliefs and fears and coming up with strategies to stop drinking. You may also participate in role playing to help you improve your interpersonal relationships. CBT can produce results in as few as five sessions.
Many people who are addicted to alcohol are ambivalent about stopping their drinking and participating in treatment. Motivational enhancement therapy is aimed at bringing about fast, internally motivated change. It typically involves one assessment session and then two to four meetings with a therapist. This type of therapy is focused on highlighting the pros and cons of seeking treatment, devising a plan to end problematic drinking, and developing the skills and confidence to adhere to the plan. Therapists successfully use MET to improve engagement during liquor addiction rehab.
Some medications have been proven to help people reduce or stop their drinking and avoid relapse. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three medications for treating alcohol dependence:
Not everyone will respond to these medications in the same way, but these medicines have helped many people to overcome their dependence on liquor. All three drugs are non-addictive, so there is no need to worry that you’re swapping one harmful substance for another. They are simply designed to help you manage your chronic condition, much like if you had diabetes or hypertension.
Addiction doesn’t only affect the person who is drinking. It also has a direct or indirect impact on their spouses, children, parents and other close relatives. Very often, these relationships become strained. Marital or family counseling includes the patient’s loved ones in their therapy sessions. This can help repair their relationships and assist spouses and relatives in understanding the person struggling with addiction.
Some liquor addiction rehab programs include more creative forms of therapy that can help to improve the recovery process. Art and music therapy is more than just drawing a picture or learning to play an instrument. The therapist will guide you in using art and music to relax, express your feelings, and become immersed in a positive activity. Creative expression can also be used to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety which are common in people dealing with alcohol addiction. Art and music can also be helpful for people who find it difficult to express their needs or feelings via speech or other traditional forms of communication.
These are just some of the treatment options you’ll find at rehab centers. What’s certain is that there is an appropriate rehab facility and program for anyone who is struggling with alcohol addiction. Let’s look at how you can begin evaluating the various options.
It’s important that you talk to a professional about what would be best for you. That’s why the experts at Rehabs Of Armerica are here to help. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to quit drinking on your own or as part of an outpatient program, you may need an inpatient program. If you have a co-occurring mental health disorder or another chronic illness, you may need a facility that offers additional services.
The goal is to find a facility and program that will give you the best chance at recovering and living a sober life. Therefore, you should also look at the quality of each program and how much it costs. You should look for a rehab facility with highly trained staff and a high success rate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about whether staff members are licensed or what types of medical and counseling services are offered. You can also ask for an example of a treatment plan or insight into the aftercare program.
Insurance coverage is also an important factor for many people seeking addiction treatment. Most health plans cover some addiction treatment services but the out-of-pocket costs will depend on your plan and which program you enter. When evaluating various liquor addiction rehab programs, contact your insurance provider. Inquire about the copays and the specific services your insurance policy covers such as detox, inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment. Medicare Part A covers hospital mental health care including alcoholism treatment while Part B pays for outpatient services.
If your drinking habits are impacting your life negatively, you may need professional treatment to help you get back on track. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your symptoms to see if you meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. If so, talking to an addiction professional will be a positive step in the right direction. An untreated addiction is likely to get worse, so the sooner you get help, the better it will be for you.
That being said, it’s never too late to seek treatment. There are multiple treatment modalities available and once you find the right one, recovery is possible. Talk to the professionals at Rehabs Of Armerica today to get connected with the best liquor addiction rehab facility and program for your needs.
Charles F. has been an active part of the Florida recovery community for over 5 years. He began as a behavioral health technician at an addiction treatment facility in Ocala, Florida and has since begun training as a Licensed Addiction and Chemical Dependency counselor in Boca Raton. Charles’ passion involves the promotion of recovery and helping spread the hope of recovery to as many readers as possible!
