Finding The Right Alcohol Addiction Treatment Resources

For many people considering alcohol rehab, it seems like a scary prospect. However, the people working at alcohol treatment centers are all there to help you. You don’t need to be hesitant, as long as you have the right treatment program for your needs. We can help you find it. Here are a few things to know.

• Rehab nearly always consists of four major steps: intake, detox, treatment, and aftercare.
• Most programs are either inpatient or outpatient.
• The length of rehab can vary; some programs are quite short, others are longer-term.

Common Reasons For Avoiding Treatment

There are many reasons that people avoid going into alcohol rehab treatment. The hardest part of recovery is accepting that you have a problem with which you need to deal. There are many obstacles that can keep you from reaching this realization.

• Denying that you have a drinking problem.
• Believing that you can handle the problem alone.
• Fear of sharing your problem with others.
• Worry that rehab will be too expensive.
• Concern over the stigma associated with rehab.

There are so many positive benefits that come from quitting alcohol addiction that these worries are truly dwarfed. You can achieve a better quality of life, be more confident, save money, lead a healthier life, and rebuild your relationships with loved ones.

Some alcoholics believe they need to lose everything before they need to seek help. However, rock bottom will keep getting lower until it is too late. Don’t wait to seek help. Other alcoholics are afraid of the unknown of recovery; their current lives may be miserable, but they are familiar. If this sounds like you, realize that even the worst of recovery is better than living with addiction.

You may also be worried about losing current friends if you seek help. The unfortunate truth is that your friends who also abuse alcohol are enabling your addiction. Consider encouraging your friends to seek help too. However, don’t let damaging relationships prevent you from getting help with your addiction.

You have the potential to change your life for the better.

Types of Rehab Programs

There are a few types of alcohol treatment programs; understanding what each entail can empower you to make the right choice for you. Fortunately, we’re here to help you navigate the world of alcohol rehab. Here are the major types of programs:

Inpatient

Inpatient rehab programs involve you living at the treatment facility. This typically lasts 30, 60, or 90 days. Some treatment programs are as short as three days and some are as long as a year. It is more expensive than other types of treatment, in most cases. Additionally, you will likely have less freedom. However, inpatient treatment gives the highest chances of success, because you will be focusing on recovery all day. Additionally, there are far less triggers and temptations while staying in a rehab facility. Sometimes the greater structure of an inpatient program is exactly what you need.

Learn more about inpatient treatment.

Outpatient

Outpatient rehab programs involve you staying at home but visiting the facility for treatment. The majority of your rehab process will take place while visiting the center. This is generally a less-expensive option than inpatient treatment. Also, you will stay with loved ones who can provide some care. However, there can be more temptations with an outpatient program. The average drop-out rate for outpatient treatment is higher. This may indicate that patients who commit to an inpatient program are more serious about their recovery.

Group Support/Therapy

Recovery isn’t just about detoxing and treatment. Maintaining your sobriety after leaving treatment can be the most challenging aspect of rehab. Support groups and therapy sessions can make this aftercare process much more effective. These meetings typically happen one or two times per week and are most effective when paired with other treatment.

Do You Need Alcohol Treatment?

Many people struggling with alcohol abuse ask themselves whether rehab is necessary. The short answer is to seek help as soon as you suspect it might be necessary. If you have tried to limit your drinking without success, get help. Don’t wait to hit rock bottom; make the choice to live a better life today.

Signs You May Be Addicted to Alcohol

Identifying alcohol addiction is not an exact diagnosis; unlike a virus, there isn’t a simple test to determine if you have it. Many people believe addiction is related to hard drugs like heroin and is uncommon. Unfortunately, anyone can become addicted to a substance he or she is using and it is surprisingly common. Here are some signs of which you should be aware.

• You have tried to reduce your alcohol consumption and not been successful
• You often drink more or drink for longer than you planned
• You experience strong cravings for alcohol
• Your life often centers on drinking and recovering from drinking
• Your drinking interferes with other activities in your life
• You drink and make dangerous decisions
• You are aware of how alcohol is hurting you but drink anyway
• You have a high tolerance to alcohol
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

If you or a loved one is experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it may be a sign of alcohol addiction. Contact us to learn what you can do.

What You Need to Know About Recovery

If you are considering alcohol rehab, you should know what to expect. Every treatment program will be a little different. Here are a few things to know.

• The Team: You will work with a team of certified medical professionals and addiction counselors. Some rehab centers may not have a certified staff. This is an indication that you will want to look elsewhere.
• Dual Diagnosis: You may receive a dual diagnosis. This means you have other mental-health issues to address in addition to alcohol addiction. In this case, your treatment program will cover both and may be more extensive than a typical alcohol treatment. Learn more about dual diagnosis.
• The Best Treatment Options: There are many different ways to bet addiction. Inquire with your rehab facility what approaches they use and what the basis for these techniques is. A common and effective treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This focuses on identifying and correcting problematic behaviors.