Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Rehab

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Alcohol abuse is a very common problem in America. In 2020, 17 million Americans were considered heavy drinkers. You might be interested in seeking help from an alcohol rehabilitation program.

There are many questions you may have about alcohol rehab. We will explain what an alcohol use disorder looks like, how it is treated, and some of the causes. We will discuss the importance of alcohol rehab programs for managing alcohol withdrawal, as well as treatment settings.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), a complex medical condition, is characterized by compulsive drinking and other problematic behaviors. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are defined as addictions to different substances, including alcohol. There are many types of SUD. They can vary depending on the substance being used. For example, an opioid use disorder or an alcohol abuse disorder. The severity of an alcohol-related SUD is determined by the number of criteria that were met in a 12-month time period. Alcohol use disorders can be complicated and may present in different ways for each person. The interplay of genes and other factors is likely to determine whether or not an individual develops alcohol addiction.

How can alcohol addiction be treated?

There are many ways to treat alcohol abuse disorder. When you are trying to figure out how to start the process, here are some suggestions:

  • Talk to your doctor about your health and drinking habits. They can also discuss the best treatment options for you.
  • Assessing if the program is able to tailor treatment to individual patient needs.
  • You should verify that the program offers a variety of treatment options, such as drug or alcohol detox and medication, as well behavioral therapy. Asking questions about the expectations of patients to be active participants in their own rehabilitation.

Find out which outpatient and inpatient treatment options are covered by your insurance.

To determine the appropriate level of care, a thorough evaluation and intake assessment are required. This should include your medical history, alcohol use, and social history. Your provider will then develop a treatment plan that is based on your current needs. You will be monitored for a period of detox, which will keep you safe and comfortable. Medical withdrawal management is available if necessary. For more intensive treatment, 24-hour care is available in an inpatient setting or in a residential setting.

An outpatient program might be the best option to start treatment in some cases.

After completing an inpatient, residential or other treatment program, some people might opt to move on to an outpatient program. Aftercare planning can include continued participation in a 12-Step program, or another mutual support group.

What is Medical Detoxification?

Many people suffering from alcohol abuse disorders need to detox. This is an essential first step in their recovery. Due to the possibility of severe withdrawal symptoms and withdrawal complications, close patient monitoring may be necessary.8 A person detoxing from alcohol may also be prescribed medications such as benzodiazepines to prevent seizures and manage other symptoms. Medical detox is a great option for acute alcohol withdrawal management. However, detox cannot replace more extensive rehab efforts. Detox can be used to stabilize people in withdrawal and prepare them for additional treatment that is necessary for long-term recovery.

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal

Individuals with severe alcohol dependence may be at risk of alcohol withdrawal. If you stop drinking alcohol suddenly and become dependent on it, you could experience alcohol withdrawal. This can lead to severe and sometimes even fatal symptoms. A medical professional can help with withdrawal management and monitoring of individuals who have severe alcohol dependence.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Although withdrawal symptoms for alcohol withdrawal can vary depending on the person, most often they occur within 6 to 24 hours of someone quitting using alcohol. Some symptoms of mild alcohol withdrawal include:

  • Anxiety.
  • Irritability.
  • Insomnia.
  • You will have a reduced appetite.

Some people may experience severe alcohol withdrawal, which can include the following symptoms:

  • Tremors.
  • Fever.
  • Sweating.
  • Nausea.
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Rapid pulse
  • Hypersensitivity to light, sound and/or vibration
  • Auditory and/or vision hallucinations
  • Seizures.

Progressively severe alcohol withdrawal can sometimes be called DTs (delirium tremens), a potentially fatal condition that is marked by severe hyperactivity in the autonomic nervous systems and profound confusion.

Different types of Alcohol Rehab Programs

There are many treatment options for alcohol abuse disorders. There is usually no single treatment that works for all. The ideal treatment plan for an addiction will be tailored to each individual, according to their specific needs. One-third of those who have received treatment for an alcohol problem are symptom-free within a year. Many others experience significant reductions in their alcohol consumption and fewer alcohol-related problems.

Outpatient and inpatient alcohol rehab are both possible treatment options. Some cases may include medication along with behavioral therapies. Although many programs focus on group therapy, individual counseling/therapy is also an option. A comprehensive treatment plan that treats both the alcohol abuse disorder and mental disorder can be beneficial for people with co-occurring, dual diagnosis mental disorders.

What is an Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Center?

An outpatient alcohol rehab center may offer a similar variety of treatment options to residential or inpatient settings. Outpatient programs allow you to stay in your home and receive treatment. You may still be able to go to school or work sometimes. The following are examples of the various levels of care that can be found in outpatient treatment settings:

Partial Hospitalization is the highest level of outpatient treatment. You will be treated for approximately 20 hours per week.

You will be treated for up to nine hours per week as an intensive outpatient. This is often after you have completed inpatient treatment. Individual therapy may be offered two to three times per weeks in a therapist’s office or another outpatient clinic setting. People can benefit from ongoing counseling sessions to help with abstinence maintenance, relapse prevention, and other areas of impaired functioning such as family issues and employment.

What is the average length of treatment for alcohol addiction?

There are many factors that influence the length of treatment in an alcohol rehabilitation program.

  • The severity of the alcohol abuse disorder.
  • Previous alcohol treatment episodes
  • Your overall physical and mental health.
  • Co-occurring mental health disorders.

Keep in mind that AUD, like diabetes and hypertension, is a brain condition that needs to be managed for the rest of your life. The first steps towards long-term management are detox and rehabilitation in a hospital.

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Recovery Support Groups

An important part of someone’s recovery from alcohol abuse disorder is a recovery support group. This helps them to continue their positive, healthy behavior after treatment. It has been proven that mutual support groups can increase abstinence from drinking for many people.

Call Crescent Moon Recovery for more information and to get started on your successful journey to recover from Alcoholism.

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