There are many factors to consider when choosing an alcohol rehab program. These factors include: cost, location, insurance coverage, and specialized programs.
Alcohol rehab typically begins with detox, which involves eliminating all traces of alcohol from the body. After this, rehab may involve group or individual counseling, physical fitness, and dietary changes.
Inpatient
Inpatient alcohol rehab programs are designed for people who have a more serious problem with drinking. This type of program allows for 24-hour supervision and access to a schedule of behavioral therapy. Inpatient alcohol rehab may also provide medical support for those who have health concerns, like heart or breathing problems.
During the admissions process, a person will meet with a member of the treatment center’s staff for about an hour. They will help them to understand the extent of their alcohol use disorder and co-occurring conditions, then create a customized care plan for their time at the facility.
During this period, the facility will generally start with detox, which helps remove the physical dependence on alcohol. Following that will be a variety of individual and group therapies. Some of these include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and dialectical behavioral therapy, among other techniques. Some facilities will also host speakers to discuss their personal stories of recovery, offering residents a sense of hope for the future.
Outpatient
Outpatient alcohol rehab allows people to receive therapy at home or at a facility near their homes. Sessions are usually held at night or early in the morning to fit into attendees’ schedules. The program can be a step-down from inpatient detox, partial hospitalization, or residential rehab, or it can be the starting point for recovery.
Inpatient treatment at a hospital or medical center is not as common as it used to be, but it can work for some people. Inpatient programs generally begin with a medically assisted detox, and staff will monitor vital signs and administer medications to ease the withdrawal symptoms.
The Outpatient alcohol rehab near me is offered at mental health clinics, counselors’ offices, hospital clinics, and community-based facilities. Patients attend regular group therapy sessions that last for up to a year. This type of therapy can help a person learn to cope with their problems without resorting to drinking to escape them. It can also help them build skills to maintain sobriety when they return home.
Medications
Medications can play an important role in alcohol addiction treatment. They can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Medications should be used in combination with psychotherapy and other behavioral therapies. A trained medical professional should supervise a patient’s drug use and provide regular blood tests to monitor liver health.
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, act by binding to the neurotransmitter GABA and blocking its effects. This reduces anxiety and provides a sense of calmness. They are also prescribed during detox to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Once the body has been rid of alcohol, medications such as naltrexone can be taken to reduce urges to drink. It can be taken as a pill or administered monthly via injection by a health care professional. It is important to communicate openly with the prescribing doctor and report any changes in mood or behavior to ensure that the medication is working properly. This may require a change in dosage or other medication options.
Support Groups
After completing rehab, most people are encouraged to join a support group to maintain sobriety. A support group offers a new daily routine, interaction with other members, and accountability. In addition, the groups help you learn coping skills to deal with triggers and provide structure for your recovery.
One of the most popular support groups for alcoholics is Alcoholics Anonymous. This 12-step program helps you admit your powerlessness over alcohol and believe in a higher power. It also requires you to take a fearless moral inventory and make amends for your past actions.
Another popular support group is SMART, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This secular treatment group encourages you to practice honesty in communication and promotes independence from addiction. Its meetings include online and in-person discussions and offer tips and coping methods on abstaining from alcohol. Its tools, such as worksheets and structured group discussion, can help you find the motivation to overcome your addiction.