You’ve finally acknowledged that you have a problem with alcohol and you’re ready to get treatment. Now you just have to figure out where and how to go about it.
There are several types of rehab programs, including inpatient treatment at a hospital or medical center. Residential treatment usually lasts 1-3 months and is good for people with serious addiction issues.
Inpatient
Unlike outpatient alcohol rehab, inpatient residential treatment provides a secure environment where you can stay for a set amount of time while receiving extensive care. These facilities vary by location, amenities offered, types of therapy, and staff experience and expertise. Some offer shared rooms, cafeteria-style meals, and recreational activities. Others are more luxurious and provide private suites, nutritional meals, and various other amenities.
In addition to providing close 24-hour medical supervision, inpatient rehab programs also offer structured programming that helps you re-learn how to live without alcohol. The goal is to learn how to cope with triggers and cravings in a healthy way so that you can maintain your sobriety after leaving the facility.
Many rehabs also offer individual and family counseling as well as group therapy. Some also offer a variety of holistic therapies such as yoga, music, or animal therapy. Some also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which involves using prescription drugs to treat addiction. These medications, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Outpatient
When a person experiences problems in their life that are caused by alcohol addiction, they might want to look into outpatient rehab. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including day treatment, intensive outpatient therapy, and ongoing care groups. When choosing an outpatient program, it is important to find one that fits your lifestyle.
Outpatient treatment can help you overcome your alcohol addiction while still living at home. It is also an excellent option if you can’t commit to a residential program, or if your alcohol addiction is complicated by other medical or mental health problems.
Outpatient programs meet during the day but allow you to return home at night. Intensive outpatient programs usually meet more frequently than day treatment, but the frequency decreases as you achieve clinical milestones. Inpatient and residential alcohol rehab are more effective than outpatient programs, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. These programs are most effective for people who need a high level of support and a safe environment to recover.
Residential
A residential alcohol rehab program is live-in care where you’ll receive treatment and therapy sessions around the clock. This type of treatment is ideal for people who have a high risk of relapse. You’ll get a safe, supportive environment that is free of stressors and triggers. You’ll also be living with other people who are going through recovery, creating a community of support and empathy.
Most residential alcohol programs start with medically assisted detox, where you’ll be monitored by a doctor during the withdrawal process. This can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings for alcohol.
The next step in residential treatment is a partial hospitalization program, or PHP. A PHP is an intensive outpatient treatment that usually requires five or more hours of treatment a day, most days of the week. It’s not possible to work while in a PHP. Your loved ones can contact you during your stay, but visitation is limited.
Insurance
Many insurance plans cover some or all of the costs of alcohol addiction treatment. This is especially true for those who use a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO). Individuals without employer-provided insurance can often purchase a plan through the Affordable Care Act marketplace and receive subsidies to offset the cost of premiums, copayments, and deductibles.
Many reputable rehab centers have specialists on staff who work to determine what a specific insurance policy will or will not cover. These professionals can also help individuals navigate the process of obtaining financial assistance to cover costs that may not be covered by their insurance.
Intensive inpatient services provide around-the-clock medical attention to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure your physical well-being. This type of rehab is appropriate when your alcohol addiction has created a serious medical concern, or when you’ve developed a dependency that requires immediate attention. In addition, intensive inpatient services can address the underlying issues that contribute to your addiction and teach you skills for long-term recovery.