If you have a problem with alcohol, it is important to find an alcoholism treatment program that meets your needs. Different programs offer a variety of services, from detox to rehabilitation. Some are residential, where you live at the facility, while others are outpatient.
The first step is to meet with an admissions counselor at the treatment center. This allows the staff to get to know you and your situation better.
Detoxification
During detox, someone with addiction or alcohol use disorder will be given medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. This can be a safe and effective way to help a person through the detox process. It also ensures that people receive the proper medical care they need during this time.
Medical detox isn’t always comfortable, but it is a necessary step to recovery. It’s important to avoid going through the withdrawal process alone because it can be dangerous. The withdrawal symptoms from some substances can be severe, including shaking, sweating, tremors, nausea, insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks.
A medically-supervised detox will make the experience as comfortable and safe as possible. This may include a combination of medications, supportive therapy, individual and group therapy and other treatment options.
Rehabilitation
During rehabilitation, the focus shifts from addressing medical issues to dealing with psychological problems associated with alcohol addiction. This includes counseling and therapy for both individuals and groups, support group participation, and involvement in a 12-Step program.
Outpatient programs allow you to continue living at home but attend alcohol recovery services regularly. This might include weekly one-on-one or group therapy sessions, education about stress management and relapse prevention, and life skills training.
Residential treatment, or inpatient rehab for AUD, provides a safe and controlled environment where you can fully focus on recovering from your addiction. It may last from 30 days to a few months. Inpatient rehab programs usually have a strict daily schedule that includes group and individual counseling, psychoeducation (education about alcohol addiction), and educational activities.
Counseling
Unlike the days when people only had one choice for alcoholism treatment, today there are many options. Healthcare professionals offer up-to-date treatments backed by science in a wide range of settings, from outpatient to residential.
Individual and group therapy help patients understand their drinking patterns, coping strategies, and motivations for change. Therapists also teach patients about relapse prevention.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps patients change the way they think about alcohol and their stressors. Medications such as the FDA-approved drugs naltrexone and acamprosate can decrease cravings. Other medications, such as topiramate and gabapentin, reduce underlying depression or anxiety that may be contributing to drinking problems. In addition to professional-led programs, patients can find support in Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery groups. Marital and family counseling is another option.
Medications
Medications as part of an alcoholism treatment program help you control your cravings for alcohol. They can also reduce the physical effects of withdrawal. Some medications may be taken orally while others are injected, such as Vivitrol (naltrexone).
The medication you take will depend on your specific needs. You may choose to stay in an inpatient facility where you will receive around-the-clock care, or you might opt for outpatient treatment, which involves visiting your health care provider to get meds.
You can also try self-help treatment techniques to change your drinking habits. These include keeping a diary of your alcohol consumption and trying to drink in moderation. You can also benefit from psychological support in the form of therapy or group counseling. Psychotherapy can help you better understand your relationship with alcohol.
Aftercare
Completing a rehab program is an important step in recovery, but it’s just the beginning. Aftercare programs help people stay sober and support their success. They may include continuing treatment at an alcohol rehab center, mutual-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, and individual or family counseling.
Aftercare is any service or treatment that helps you maintain your recovery. It includes coping skills training, education on the dangers of drinking, and relapse prevention. It also includes motivational enhancement therapy and brief interventions, which are short sessions in which a counselor talks with you about your drinking pattern. It can also include marriage or family counseling, which involves your loved ones in talk therapy sessions with a psychologist. These can help you repair or rebuild relationships that were damaged by your drinking.