Alcoholism is a severe condition affecting millions of people globally. It wreaks havoc on their relationships, careers, and personal lives. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to help people struggling with alcohol addiction overcome this condition and regain control of their lives.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that is characterized by a person’s inability to abstain from or regulate their consumption of alcohol despite adverse social, professional, or health repercussions. This condition goes beyond a simple drinking problem and is sometimes referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, or alcoholism.
What is Alcoholism Treatment?
Alcoholism treatment is a comprehensive approach that can help you get back on track. It’s a multi-step process that combines various treatment methods, including detoxification, behavioral therapies, support groups, and medical treatments designed to help you manage the physical, mental, and emotional components of alcohol use disorder.
The treatment process can be challenging, but the benefits are immeasurable. Alcoholism treatment can help you overcome your dependence and reclaim your life. Here are some benefits of alcoholism treatment:
- Improve your physical and mental health
- Restore your relationships with your loved ones
- Enhance your career prospects and personal goals
- Enjoy a happier and more fulfilling life
- Avoid the many risks and consequences of alcohol abuse, such as liver damage, heart disease, cancer, accidents, violence, and legal problems
- Discover new hobbies and interests
What are the Different Types of Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Substance abuse treatment is never one-size-fits-all, and the same goes for alcoholism. The most effective treatment for alcohol use disorder is typically a combination of different treatment modalities.
Detoxification
Detoxification or detox is the process of safely removing alcohol from your body, usually under the supervision of a medical professional.
It’s unsafe for people with severe AUD to stop drinking or using without the help of addiction medicine professionals. This is why detoxification is often the first step in treating AUD.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT involves using medications combined with other forms of treatment, such as therapy or counseling, to enhance their effectiveness. Several medications can help people with AUD reduce their drinking or abstain from alcohol altogether.
Some of these medications work by blocking the rewarding effects of alcohol in the brain, making it less appealing to drink. Others work by reducing the withdrawal or cravings that can lead to relapse. Medications for AUD are usually prescribed by a doctor and taken under clinical supervision.
Counseling or Therapy
Counseling or therapy usually involves talking to a trained professional who can help you understand and change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to your substance abuse.
There are different counseling or therapy for AUD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), family therapy, group therapy, alcohol rehab, or 12-step programs. Therapy can be done individually or in a group setting.
Recovery Support Services
Recovery support services can help people with AUD maintain their recovery and prevent relapse after completing a formal treatment program. These non-medical services provide emotional, social, and practical support to people recovering from substance abuse. They complement other forms of treatment and help people build a supportive network and a meaningful life without alcohol.
Recovery support services can include:
- Peer support groups
- Sober living homes
- Recovery coaches
When to Seek Alcohol Rehab and Treatment?
Admitting a drinking problem is tough for those with alcohol use disorder. But once they do, they may wonder when to seek alcohol rehab and treatment. The answer is not simple, as different people may have different needs and circumstances. However, some general guidelines can help you make an informed decision.
First of all, you need to prepare yourself for the treatment process. Alcoholism treatment is not easy.
So, before seeking alcohol rehab and treatment, you must be fully prepared. Here are some things you should do before entering rehab:
- Seek support from your loved ones.
- Make a commitment to quit drinking.
- Understand your medical condition.
Ask yourself these questions to help you decide when to seek treatment:
What is My Current Medical Condition?
If you have any physical or mental health issues that require intensive care or medication, you should look for a rehab that can provide adequate medical care and supervision. Depending on your physical dependency, you may also need a detox program to manage your alcohol withdrawal symptoms safely.
What Exactly Am I Trying to Treat?
Various factors, such as genetics, environment, trauma, stress, or co-occurring disorders, can influence alcohol addiction. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from different types of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, or 12-step programs.
Can I Travel for Rehab?
When seeking treatment, some people prefer to stay close to their home and support network, while others may want to escape their triggers and distractions. Traveling to a rehab facility can also give you access to more options and treatment centers that suit your preferences and budget.
However, this can also have some drawbacks, such as transportation costs, travel restrictions, or isolation from your loved ones. Weigh the pros and cons of traveling for rehab and decide what works best for you.
What are My Financial Options?
Alcohol rehab and treatment options can be expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable. Do you have private insurance coverage that can cover some or all of the costs of your treatment? If not, you may check to see if you qualify for financial aid, scholarships, or grants from various sources or government entities.
How to Choose an Alcohol Treatment Center?
When it comes to tackling alcohol addiction, you’ve got two main choices: inpatient and outpatient care.
Inpatient means staying at a center for a month to three, diving into therapy and support, away from triggers. It’s effective but can be pricey and a bit isolating. On the other hand, outpatient lets you attend sessions while staying home or in a sober environment. It’s flexible and budget-friendly, but needs more willpower and might not be as strong for tough cases.
Your best choice depends on how serious the situation is, your health, what you’re comfortable with, and your budget.
Typical Alcohol Addiction Treatment Experience
What can you expect from typical treatment programs? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some common elements that most people will encounter during their recovery process. Here are some of them:
- Assessment. Before you start any treatment, you must undergo a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional. The assessment will help you and your provider choose the most appropriate level of care for your situation, such as detox, residential, outpatient, or aftercare services.
- Detox. If you have a physical alcohol dependence, you must go through a medically supervised outpatient or inpatient detox process to eliminate the substance from your body safely.
- Therapy. The core of any alcohol addiction treatment is therapy. You will participate in various forms of therapy, such as individual, group, family, or couples counseling.
- Education. You will learn about the effects of alcohol on your brain and body, the stages of addiction and recovery, the risk factors and warning signs of relapse, and the resources and support available after treatment.
- Activities. In addition to therapy and education, you will also engage in various activities to enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These may include exercise, yoga, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, animal therapy, or recreational outings.
Medications Used for Alcohol Treatment
Medication can sometimes be a helpful tool to complement your treatment. Medication can help you reduce your cravings, ease your withdrawal, or discourage you from drinking by causing unpleasant effects if you do.
However, medication is not a magic bullet that can cure your addiction. You still need to participate in therapy and aftercare to address the psychological aspects of your condition. We also urge you to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and monitor any side effects or interactions with other drugs.
Some of the medications that are commonly used for treating alcohol use disorder include:
- Naltrexone blocks the effects of alcohol on the brain’s reward system. It can help you reduce cravings and drinking behavior by making alcohol less enjoyable and rewarding.
- Acamprosate restores the balance of brain chemicals disrupted by chronic alcohol use. It can help ease withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
- Disulfiram interferes with the metabolism of alcohol in the body. This can become a strong deterrent against continued alcohol use by causing unpleasant effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and flushing if you drink alcohol while taking it.
- Antidepressants can help treat depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders contributing to or resulting from drinking alcohol.
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. The clinical team at a treatment facility will work with each individual to determine which medications may be appropriate for them.
Aftercare Plan for Recovering Alcoholics
People often mistakenly believe you are off the hook once you leave alcohol rehab, but the recovery process does not end when you leave the treatment center. You need an aftercare plan to maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse.
An aftercare plan or continuing care is a set of strategies and activities to help you maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse.
An aftercare plan is a key component of long-term recovery from alcohol addiction. It can help you stay focused on your goals, cope with stress, and enjoy life without alcohol. An aftercare plan can also help you stay motivated and accountable as you transition from treatment to everyday life.
Ready to take control of your life and overcome alcohol addiction?
Discover hope and healing at Design for Recovery. Our comprehensive treatment approach can help you achieve lasting recovery. Contact us today to start your transformational journey toward a healthier and happier life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Treatment And Rehab
What are 3 Interventions or Treatments for Alcoholism?
There are many different types of interventions and treatments for alcoholism, depending on the severity of the problem, the individual’s needs and preferences, and the availability of resources. Some of the most common ones are:
Detoxification
Medication
Behavioral Therapy
Which Therapy is Most Suitable for Alcoholism?
There is no one-size-fits-all therapy for alcoholism, as different people may respond better to different approaches.
What are Some Treatment Options for Someone Who is Suffering From Alcoholism?
There are many different treatment options for someone suffering from alcoholism, ranging from self-help groups to residential programs. Some of the most common ones are:
Self-help groups
Outpatient programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
Residential programs
What are the 7 Steps to Overcome Alcoholism?
Admitting that they have a problem with alcohol and that they need help.
Seeking professional help or joining a self-help group.
Detoxifying from alcohol and managing withdrawal symptoms.
Learning about the causes and effects of alcoholism and developing coping skills and strategies to prevent relapse.
Setting realistic and attainable goals for their recovery and tracking their progress.
Building a support network of family, friends, peers, counselors, or mentors who can help them stay sober and motivated.
Maintaining sobriety and well-being by following a healthy lifestyle, engaging in positive activities, and addressing underlying issues.
What are the Three P’s in Addiction Recovery?
The three Ps in addiction recovery are patience, persistence, and perseverance. These qualities can help people overcome the challenges and difficulties they may face in their recovery journey.
How Many Days Should an Alcohol Detox and Rehab Treatment Be?
The duration of an alcohol detox and rehab treatment may depend on various factors, such as the severity of the addiction, the presence of any medical complications, the type of treatment program, the individual’s needs and preferences, and the availability of resources. It’s not going to be the same timeline for everyone.
Sources
Hayashida, M. (1998). An Overview of Outpatient and Inpatient Detoxification. Alcohol Health and Research World, 22(1), 44-46. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761814/
McHugh, R. K., Hearon, B. A., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(3), 511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.012
McKay, J. R. (2009). Continuing Care Research: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Going. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 36(2), 131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2008.10.004
Tracy, K., & Wallace, S. P. (2016). Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 7, 143-154. https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S81535
