Some people may think that the solution to excessive alcohol use is simply stopping one’s self from drinking. However, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that in 2019, 14.5 million people in the United States suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The figures show that this happens not only among adults but also among children as young as 12 years old.
If excessive alcohol use has been extremely challenging your lifestyle and greatly affecting your relationship with other people, then this is a clear sign for you to call for help. Struggling from excessive alcohol use is also considered a chronic disease that requires proper treatment. Rehab is one great option that you can consider to recover.
How Does Rehab Work
A rehab center is a safe and homey place where people suffering from alcoholism and substance abuse can get treatment. It is known to be effective since it caters to an individual’s holistic needs – from physical to behavioral problems – caused by substance abuse. There are three stages to get through a rehab facility. Let’s take a peek at each of the following stages:
Detox treatment
For any rehab treatment plan, the first step is always detoxification. It aims to remove all toxins inside your body, which are products of substance abuse. If you want less pain for this process, then a medically-assisted detox plan is most suitable.
This is a must for those patients having severe alcohol use disorder. Severe conditions may include hallucinations and depression, seizures, aspiration pneumonia, and dysfunction of the liver or kidney.
Benzodiazepines, one of the most effective drugs used to minimize withdrawal discomfort, can be highly addictive and must be strictly supervised by a physician. But when it comes to treating alcohol-induced seizures, anticonvulsant is the one prescribed by doctors.
With medically-assisted detox treatment in a rehab facility, the patient is thoroughly monitored round-the-clock by healthcare professionals, which makes the treatment safer and more effective.
Sessions for therapies
Working in conjunction with alcohol detoxification are therapies that aim to redirect a person’s behavior to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Addiction is also a behavioral disorder, and so we need to correct those unhealthy behaviors to ensure one’s recovery.
Generally, in a therapy session, there will be a therapist who will guide the patients in identifying the triggers of their alcoholism. On top of that, multiple kinds of therapy can accommodate every person’s interest and the following are a few of the choices:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is the most common individual therapy, is a one-to-one session between a psychologist and a patient focusing on counteracting negative behaviors with positive ones. The counseling highlights actions that serve as solutions to the addiction more than mental health diagnosis.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, which is also known as talk therapy, makes use of conversations about problems, past traumas, and other personal issues that the patient has experienced. Mental health diagnosis is the focus of the psychologist. For psychiatrists, they can prescribe medications to treat underlying mental health disorders that exist with addiction.
Group Therapy
Group therapy enriches social interactions among people battling similarly from alcohol addiction. As sessions progress, individuals learn from each other’s experiences and the fellowship most likely contributes to a person’s emotional healing. In line with this, trust and camaraderie also grow among each other through time.
Specialized Therapy
Specialized therapy addresses a person’s struggle in managing emotions that trigger substance abuse. Mechanisms such as stress and anger management as well as grief counseling may strengthen a person’s will to resist alcohol use especially in dealing with difficult times.
Alternative Therapy
Alternative therapy includes sessions that spark new hobbies such as arts, dance, and music. An individual’s self-expression and creativity build-up by engaging in these fun activities. Exercise programs are also great options to maintain physical fitness as well as develop a sound mind and body.
Available therapies vary among rehab facilities. It is best to discuss preferences with your professional addiction specialist so that options can be open and the most suitable program can be given to you.
At the end of the day, the success of your recovery relies on your willingness and commitment to take control of your life and live a healthier and better relationship with others and with yourself.
Post-rehab care
The duration of treatment varies on every patient, but the usual timeframe is between 30 to 90 days. The longer the treatment, the more effective it could bring a person to recovery. As soon as the inpatient treatment ends, it is important to keep oneself engaged in post-rehab treatment to strengthen independent capacity to live a sober life in a world filled with temptations.
Counseling sessions and therapies are continuously recommended outside the rehab facility. This helps the patient monitor one’s condition and take the time to constantly assess one’s behavior to stay on track on the goal. The counselor serves as a guide to make this possible. The number of sessions may diminish over time until full recovery is achieved.
Support groups are also helpful once outside the rehab facility. Alumni programs, which aim to build a community of recovering substance users, are also great options to explore. Fellowship creates a bond among individuals who have gone through similar battles and are moving forward to similar goals. This makes recovery lighter and brighter.
How Much is a Rehab Treatment
The cost of inpatient rehab greatly varies depending on the length of your treatment as well as the kind of medications you will be prescribed during treatment. However, several rehab facilities accept insurance as well as financing options. There are also non-profit rehab centers worth exploring.
Overall, the price of staying addicted is costlier than getting treatment. With a more controlled life, opportunities will come knocking your way. Getting your life back is worth every penny there is. If you think your alcohol use is taking hold of your life, speak to a professional treatment provider now!
