Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease that can cause emotional, social, and physical consequences. Unfortunately, alcohol use disorder is extremely common, and nearly 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes each year.[1]
While alcoholism is common in America, recovering from this condition is difficult and even dangerous without professional help. If you suffer from an alcohol use disorder, seeking help from a professional alcohol treatment program is vital. Here is what you can expect when you seek treatment for alcoholism.
When you decide to attend an alcohol rehab program, there are a few things you should consider. After all, attending an inpatient program means you will be away from home for a few weeks.
What to consider when preparing to leave for rehab:
Additionally, you will want to ensure that the clothes and items you bring with you are appropriate. This means bringing weather-appropriate clothing, having a notebook with names and numbers, and double-checking your toiletries. The last thing you want is to bring things that will be confiscated, such as sharp beauty tools like tweezers or mouthwash products that contain alcohol.
When you arrive at your alcohol treatment center, you will begin the intake and admissions process. The first step is to complete the pre-admission assessment.
During the pre-admission assessment, a counselor will ask you questions about your medical history. These questions may include:
Your answers to the pre-admissions questions should be totally honest, as this is what will help your counselor make your individualized treatment plan. Your treatment plan will outline an estimated treatment timeline as well as what types of treatment you will benefit from. This ensures that the treatment you receive during alcohol rehab is individualized to match your needs.
Next, an admissions counselor will take your insurance or payment information. They will work with your insurance company to determine your coverage and discuss any out-of-pocket payments you may need to make. Once this is completed, the admissions process is finished and you can begin your recovery journey.
The first step of alcohol addiction treatment is medical detox. When you become addicted to alcohol, your body adjusts to the presence of the substance. This is what causes you to experience symptoms of withdrawal when you suddenly stop drinking.
The length of detox will depend on a variety of factors, including:
You may be given FDA-approved medications to help ease your symptoms of withdrawal and prevent alcohol cravings from occurring. Oftentimes, benzodiazepines are used to prevent the serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, like panic attacks, insomnia, and even seizures.
After you finish detoxing, you will begin participating in group and individual therapy sessions. Therapy will help you recover from the mental and emotional aspects of alcoholism. Additionally, individual therapy helps you uncover the root causes of your issues with substance abuse.
Professional alcohol rehab programs primarily utilize evidence-based behavioral therapies, as most individuals experience high success rates with these types of therapies.
Commonly used behavioral therapies in alcoholism treatment programs include:[2]
Alcohol rehab can be extremely effective, however, it is not a cure.
Because alcoholism is a chronic disease, individuals may relapse after completing an effective treatment program. This could be due to an unsafe home environment, environmental triggers, high levels of stress, or little to no support from loved ones.
However, individuals who remain diligent in their recovery after completing an alcohol treatment program have a higher likelihood of maintaining long-term sobriety. Additionally, it is important to note that relapsing is not a failure, but a small misstep in a lifelong journey of recovery.
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
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