Addiction Treatment Centers
People struggling with moderate to severe alcohol use disorders (AUD) can regain control over their lives through alcohol rehabilitation programs. If you or a loved one is considering enrolling in an alcohol treatment program, understanding the various forms of treatment is a crucial first step towards recovery. This page covers different types of alcohol addiction treatment programs, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient care.
While drinking alcohol is socially acceptable in many cultures and often associated with feelings of pleasure and relaxation, not everyone can partake in social drinking without suffering adverse consequences. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), while 138 million people reported current alcohol use, only 2 million out of the 28 million who reported having an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the previous year underwent treatment for alcohol abuse.
Fortunately, numerous effective alcohol therapies and treatment strategies are available. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, gathering information about alcohol treatment and rehab is a crucial first step in making a decision about your care. You can reach out to us for more information or request a text containing details about available treatments.
How and When to Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one needs help for alcohol addiction, there are various behavioral and physical changes to look for. Alcohol use disorder, or AUD, is characterized by the inability to control or reduce alcohol consumption despite the negative impact it may have on one’s life. A diagnosis of AUD is typically given when a patient exhibits two or more of these behavioral changes, signs, or symptoms within a 12-month period.
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists the following criteria:
- Consuming more alcohol or for longer periods than intended.
- A desire to cut down on drinking but being unable to do so.
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol.
- Craving alcohol intensely.
- Failing to meet obligations due to drinking (e.g., home, school, or work responsibilities).
- Continuing to drink despite it causing or exacerbating interpersonal and social issues.
- Reducing social, recreational, or professional activities because of drinking.
- Drinking in situations where it puts one’s safety at risk.
- Continuing to drink despite knowing it’s causing or worsening health issues.
- Developing a tolerance (i.e., needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effects).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping drinking or continuing to drink to prevent them.
Remember, AUD can develop over time. Even if you don’t currently display the above behavioral changes, signs, or symptoms of alcoholism, you might still have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or be at risk for needing alcohol addiction treatment in the future.
Use our self-evaluation tool for alcohol addiction
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, please take the free 5-minute self-assessment below. The assessment consists of 11 yes or no questions aimed at determining the likelihood and severity of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). No personal information is required to take the test or receive the results, which are completely confidential and free of charge.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating alcohol addiction; what works for one person may not work for another. However, merely being aware of the various alcohol addiction treatment options is a significant first step.
While many think of 12-step programs and rehab when they hear “alcohol addiction treatment,” there are a variety of treatment approaches, services, and environments available today. These include behavioral addiction therapy programs, medications, and peer-support networks such as 12-step programs (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous).
For effective treatment of alcohol use disorders, interventions, services, and environments must be tailored to the patient, addressing not just their alcohol use but also their health, legal, social, and occupational challenges. Treatment plans should be continuously evaluated and adapted as individuals progress and improve throughout their care. Treatment professionals should assist in making necessary adjustments, such as changing the duration of treatment, the medication, or the therapy approach.
Detox
Duration: Daily to weekly.
Location: Can take place in hospitals, specialized inpatient detox programs, or an outpatient setting under medical supervision.
Who this is suited for: People who may need careful monitoring of withdrawal symptoms after consuming high amounts of alcohol.
Not everyone needs detoxification, but for many, it’s a crucial first step in the alcohol rehabilitation process. It enables individuals to withdraw safely from alcohol while preparing them for ongoing therapy.
Abruptly reducing or stopping alcohol consumption can lead to acute withdrawal symptoms in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol withdrawal can result in severe illness and even death. Some people may experience seizures or delirium tremens, a severe withdrawal symptom characterized by confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations. Detox programs can help these individuals become substance-free while managing and treating their initial withdrawal symptoms.
However, it’s essential to remember that while detoxification might be a critical first step in the rehabilitation process, it’s not sufficient on its own to help someone with AUD make long-lasting changes. Many patients benefit from a comprehensive care plan following detox, such as continued therapy at an alcohol rehab facility.
Inpatient/Residential
Duration: Can range from 1 week to 1 year or more.
Location: Facilities such as hospitals or residential areas.
Who this is most suited for: Individuals with severe medical conditions, mental health issues, or those without stable employment or housing.
Inpatient or residential treatment can benefit people with a more severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). These patients live in a hospital or residential facility, receiving intensive care and round-the-clock medical attention from trained specialists. While there are long-term alcohol rehab options, these programs typically last from weeks to months and are intended for those with significant physical or mental health issues.
Non-medical staff provide the 24-hour care offered by residential treatment options. Patients receive comprehensive counseling, with a strong emphasis on peer support.
In these programs, participants can expect various group and one-on-one treatment methods to help them lead alcohol-free lives. Luxury alcohol treatment programs are available for those accustomed to a higher standard of living. These programs offer additional services and luxuries not typically found in a standard alcohol addiction recovery facility.
Outpatient
Duration: Variable.
Location: Facilities such as medical offices, hospitals, counseling centers, local health departments, and residential programs with outpatient clinics.
Who this is best suited for: Those who have completed inpatient treatment and/or have stable employment or housing.
The flexibility of outpatient programs can benefit patients, either as a step-down from inpatient treatment or as a standalone option. In outpatient alcohol recovery, patients live at home while receiving regular treatment, often enabling them to maintain responsibilities to their families, schools, or jobs.
Even though outpatient programs may be less intensive than residential or inpatient programs, they often include many of the same types of treatments. Low-intensity programs may focus on drug education, while high-intensity programs, like Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), can resemble residential settings in terms of what they offer. For example, an IOP may include support group meetings, medication management, medical support, individual and group counseling, and substance use monitoring.
What Takes Place in Alcohol Rehab?
Rehabilitation for alcohol addiction typically follows several stages. The process often begins with detoxification, where the body is cleansed of alcohol toxins. Following this, individuals usually proceed to either inpatient or outpatient treatment, which can involve various therapeutic programs.
Inpatient treatment typically includes lengthy, intensive therapy sessions in both group and individual settings. Therapy helps individuals recognize and change their alcohol-using and seeking behaviors, and learn improved coping strategies, relapse prevention techniques, and how to avoid substance use triggers.
Counseling is a critical part of rehab. It aims to modify alcohol-seeking behavior, establish improved coping strategies, and impart crucial relapse prevention skills. Many aftercare options provide individuals with long-term support and ongoing relapse prevention opportunities as part of the continuing recovery process.
Several therapy approaches are commonly used in alcohol addiction treatment facilities, including:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based therapy approach focuses on the learning processes that contribute to the development of harmful behavioral patterns like alcohol abuse. It emphasizes identifying emotions or situations that might lead to a desire to drink and developing coping strategies to prevent relapse.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): This therapy strategy helps clients overcome ambivalence about seeking treatment and quitting drinking. The MET process usually begins with an initial assessment, followed by 2 to 4 individual therapy sessions where coping and cessation strategies are reviewed.
12-Step Programs: Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a secure setting for discussing past experiences, current challenges, and future goals. They can supplement professional therapy for alcohol use disorders by providing additional social and community support.
Contingency Management: Techniques such as the community reinforcement approach (CRA) use tangible rewards and reinforcements to help individuals coping with AUD find new interests and social networks. Patients who abstain from drinking alcohol are regularly assessed and given vouchers.
Marital and Family Counseling: This type of counseling involves marital partners and other family members in the treatment process to strengthen and repair strained relationships caused by alcoholism. Research shows that family support can improve patient outcomes and help those with substance abuse to maintain abstinence.
Several medications can be integral to the treatment of many individuals. They can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, adhere to treatment, and avoid relapse. The FDA has approved three drugs for treating alcoholism: Acamprosate, Disulfiram, and Naltrexone.
Long-Term Recovery and Aftercare for Alcohol Addiction
The recovery process from alcoholism continues even after completing treatment. Aftercare or continued care provides ongoing support to help individuals maintain their recovery, prevent relapse, and achieve their life goals. Aftercare services can include residency in a sober living facility, ongoing counseling, participation in an alumni program, or joining 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Is Alcohol Addiction Treatment Effective?
While alcohol addiction can’t be “cured,” it can be successfully managed. Treatment can help individuals regain control over their lives and reduce the harmful effects of addiction on the brain, such as “wet brain” syndrome. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) estimates that about one-third of patients who receive treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) no longer have symptoms one year later. Another study found that most individuals who enter and remain in treatment stop drinking and experience improvements in their social, psychological, and occupational functioning.
Does relapse mean that treatment for AUD failed?
Relapse does not indicate that treatment for alcohol misuse has failed. Instead, it suggests that the current course of treatment and recovery strategy may need adjustment. Because addiction is a chronic condition, relapses may occur during the recovery process from alcohol addiction.
Addiction recurrence rates are similar to those of other chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, which also have both physiological and behavioral components. Just as ongoing treatment is required for these illnesses, individuals recovering from AUD typically require continual evaluation and modification of their treatment strategy.
When a relapse happens, it is considered a signal to re-engage in treatment, reassess the recovery plan, modify it as necessary, and learn from the experience to prevent future lapses. The important aspect to remember is that relapse doesn’t mean failure; it’s merely a part of the journey towards recovery. Persistence is key in managing a chronic disease like alcoholism.
Choosing the Best Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation Facility:
Selecting the right alcohol addiction rehabilitation facility can be challenging, but you have options and resources to help you make an informed decision. Medical professionals, mental health experts, and even individuals who have gone through similar experiences can provide valuable insights. It’s crucial to consider the types of care, treatment settings, personalization of therapy, relapse management, and post-care support offered by the facility.
Supporting a Loved One Suffering from Alcohol Abuse or Addiction:
Supporting a loved one battling alcohol use disorder can be challenging. It’s important to lend a sympathetic ear, spend time with them in non-alcohol-related activities, and maintain composure and understanding during setbacks. Remember, self-care is important too, and seeking professional help when needed is crucial.
FAQs about Alcohol Addiction Treatment:
Effective methods to stop drinking: Strategies to stop drinking can vary for individuals, but often include tracking consumption, developing new hobbies, recognizing and avoiding triggers, having non-alcoholic drinks on hand in social settings, and practicing refusal scripts.
Treatment methods for alcohol use disorder: There are various treatment methods for alcohol use disorder, including detox, rehab, clinical interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, 12-step programs, and medications.
Duration of Alcohol Rehab: The duration of alcohol rehab can vary depending on individual needs, with detoxification typically lasting between 3 and 7 days, followed by inpatient or outpatient treatment that can last between 14 to 90 days.
Stopping alcohol consumption naturally: While there are home remedies that some people use to quit drinking, medical supervision is generally recommended due to potential withdrawal symptoms that can be severe and even dangerous.
Encouraging someone to quit drinking: Approaching someone with concerns about their drinking can be difficult and often requires multiple discussions. Encouraging the person to seek treatment for their alcohol use disorder can be an effective strategy.
Success rate in treating alcohol use disorder: Treatment can help many people manage their alcoholism, with about 33% of patients showing no symptoms a year after treatment.
Moderation Management: Moderation Management is a nonprofit organization that provides a structured program for individuals who aim to maintain moderate alcohol consumption. It’s not suitable for everyone, and individuals should be honest with themselves about their drinking patterns.
Conclusion
Always remember to reach out for professional help when dealing with alcohol use disorder, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one. Recovery is a journey that can often benefit from experienced guidance.
FAQs About Rehab for Alcohol Addiction
What are the signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Signs of AUD include inability to control or reduce alcohol consumption despite its negative impact, drinking more or for longer periods than intended, failing to meet obligations due to drinking, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping drinking.
What types of treatment options are available for alcohol addiction?
Treatment options for alcohol addiction include detoxification, inpatient or residential treatment, outpatient programs, and different therapy approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and 12-step programs.
What are the medications approved by the FDA for treating alcoholism?
The FDA has approved three drugs for treating alcoholism: Acamprosate, Disulfiram, and Naltrexone.
What role does aftercare play in alcohol addiction recovery?
Aftercare provides ongoing support to help individuals maintain their recovery, prevent relapse, and achieve their life goals. It can include residency in a sober living facility, ongoing counseling, participation in an alumni program, or joining 12-step groups.
If someone relapses, does that mean their treatment has failed?
No, relapse does not mean that treatment has failed. Instead, it suggests that the current course of treatment and recovery strategy may need adjustment. Relapse is a common part of the journey towards recovery, similar to other chronic illnesses.
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- As a result, you may be eligible for treatment at one of our facilities with a discounted rate.
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