Finding the Best Alcohol Rehab
Alcoholism is one of this countries most prevalent health problems.
The National Institution of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that “in 2014, 87.6 % of people ages 18 or older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime; 71.0 % reported that they drank in the past year; 56.9 % reported that they drank in the past month.”
It is surprising to some to learn that alcohol is the most deadly drug. With so many horror stories of “hard drugs” such as heroin or cocaine, much of society sees alcohol as an enjoyable past time without many serious consequences or harmful effects. Actually, alcohol kills more people then all other drugs combined.
Alcoholism is relatively common among teenagers and adults. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug and it is reported that 17.6 million people (that’s 1 in 12) in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse or full on alcohol dependence. Most alcoholics need help to quit.
How to Treat Alcoholism
The goal for the treatment of alcoholism is abstinence. Alcoholics have a very difficult time learning how to drink socially and in most cases, complete abstinence will lead to the best quality of life.
In order to live a sober life, the first step is to treat the drinking problem. In most cases, the treatment process will guide an alcoholic through a sequence of important steps.
Alcohol Detox
Alcohol withdrawal is potentially fatal. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to serious depending on how long and how intensely the recovering alcoholic has been drinking. It is of paramount importance for alcoholics to attend a medical detox facility. Mild withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, vomiting and diarrhea. However, more serious symptoms include seizures and delirium tremors, or more commonly known as DT’s. The fatality rate for DT’s range from 1% – 5%. None the less, alcohol is one of the few drugs that can kill you during the detox process so a medically supervised detox is a crucial first step. Never detox from alcohol alone and always do so under the supervision of a medical professional.
Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
After detox, a recovering alcoholic should attend an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Inpatient rehab provide residence for the clients, in most cases food, will provide individual counseling services and group therapy sessions. Depending on the type of rehab the clients may attend 12 step meetings, attend church services or possibly holistic health sessions such as yoga and meditation.
Typically, inpatient alcohol rehabs will keep you for 30, 60, or 90 days. The length of stay depends on a multitude of variables. Every case is different but it is important for you and your counselors to discuss some options. These include:
- how have you been progressing in your counseling and groups?
- have you learned as many tools as possible to maintain abstinence after treatment?
- what type of options do your benefits provide?
- how have you learned to cope with people, places and things that could potentially be triggers?
- what are your plans after treatment?
- what is the family dynamic at home?
Be sure to listen to your counselors in these situations. As someone who is in the beginning stretches of their recovery you may not always be in the best frame of mind to decide what is best for your long-term sobriety. This stay in an alcohol rehab will be a huge determining factor in your sobriety post-treatment. To goal is always to attend treatment once and the best way to do that is to learn as much as you can and to take your recovery seriously right from the beginning.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
People attend outpatient for a few reasons.
- The have already completed inpatient treatment and are ready for the next step down in their recovery program.
- Limitations such as work, family or finances held them back from going to an inpatient program.
- The alcohol problem has not progressed to full blown alcohol addiction yet the client still is willing to address the problem and attend treatment on his or her own accord.
Outpatient rehab has its advantages. Most importantly, outpatient alcohol rehab provides a great transitional model for those who have recently graduated from inpatient alcohol rehab. It is important to understand that inpatient treatment can address the drinking problem as well as provide intensive therapy to discuss the underlying issues behind their drinking. However, learning how to live a sober life in the real world is completely different.
Outpatient gives a little more freedom and self-reliance without completely dumping the recovering alcoholic into every day life with without the tools needed for long term sobriety. With daily groups, outpatient can help an individual in early recovery deal with the every day stresses of life while simultaneously learn how to cope with the emotions, feelings and anxiety without needing to pick up a drink.
Reboot Your Recovery
