Treatment for alcohol addiction starts with getting sober, and that can be a challenge in itself. Many alcoholics have spent years feeding their addictions before they finally seek help, which means their brains have become accustomed to the presence of alcohol. As a result, suddenly quitting drinking can have a disastrous effect on the brain, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Additionally, quitting cold turkey isn’t possible for many addicts, and they may have tried unsuccessfully several times before seeking help. To successfully get sober, an alcoholic will usually need to enter an alcohol detox center before starting an addiction recovery program.
This involves the use of medication that simulates the effects alcohol has on the brain. By administering strict doses of the medication and tapering down the size of each dose, the detox program helps an addict manage the withdrawal symptoms without raising the risks to their health. Additionally, the cravings are also reduced, making it a little easier for the addict to focus on their recovery. Once the addict completes their alcohol detox program, they can move forward and begin the recovery process in rehab. This will start with an intake process that includes a complete health evaluation. The evaluation is conducted to identify any health problems that may contribute to their alcoholism or complicate their recovery. For example, a heart problem may need to be monitored more closely during the recovery process.
Alternatively, someone suffering from chronic pain may need to be prescribed controlled doses of pain medication until they can learn more natural ways for managing pain. For individuals suffering from depression and other forms of emotional health problems, it will be important to treat those issues concurrently. If an emotional health problem isn’t properly treated in rehab, the individual may relapse after treatment in order to self-medicate. A comprehensive evaluation allows the caregivers in an alcohol addiction treatment facility to customize the treatment program to the individual needs of each individual. This increases the likelihood that every alcoholic who goes through the program will have the best possible chances for a sustained recovery.
How are Addicts Treated in an Addiction Treatment Facility?
Once you begin rehab, you’ll find there’s very little time that isn’t scheduled with activities or therapy. This is intentional because a strictly regulated daily schedule will limit the time you have to dwell on your cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Typically, residents in inpatient rehab will be expected to get very early in the morning to give them time to attend a peer group therapy session after dressing and taking care of personal hygiene. There are several group sessions that recovering alcoholics will engage in throughout each day. These sessions provide the individuals opportunities to discuss their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in rehab. In addition to gaining insight and advice from other recovering addicts, they can also serve as an inspiration to their fellow recovering alcoholics. The group sessions are also a big part of the recovery process because they provide recovering addicts with opportunities to bond with each other.
As they form friendships with other individuals interested in living cleaner lifestyles, they will be building up a larger support network. In addition to creating a supportive network, alcoholics in recovery will also participate in one on one therapy sessions. Some sessions will be conducted by an addiction counselor and will address issues related specifically to the individual’s addiction. Those sessions will focus on identifying triggers that increase the likelihood of a relapse. By being able to recognize a trigger, such as increased stress or meeting up with a former friend who still drinks, the individual can learn how to deal with those triggers in healthier ways. They will learn to use yoga and meditation, physical exercise, and other healthy coping mechanisms in those situations. Additionally, recovering alcoholics will also be able to meet with a licensed therapist to help them address emotional health issues. Since depression, bi-polar disorder, and other conditions can lead to addicts using alcohol to self-medicate, it’s essential to treat these conditions during rehab. Either through strictly prescribed medication or therapies designed to provide better control over behavior, addicts are able to obtain relief for their mental health issues. Therapy reduces the risks of an addiction relapse after completing treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, seeking professional help can provide better odds for a sustainable recovery. You can call our counselors at 833-497-3812 seven days a week, 24 hours a day to get answers to all of your questions about recovery. We can help you start on a path to sober living.