Skip to content

Alcohol

Alcoholism Treatment

Although alcoholism can take over a person's life, proper treatment can help to those struggling to lead functioning sober lives.

Why Is Alcoholism Treatment Necessary

Alcohol abuse and addiction impacts millions of Americans every year as it is the most widely abused substance in the United States and much of the world. The accessibility of alcohol and the emotional and social dependence it induces contribute to its popularity. With 88,000 alcohol-related deaths in the US annually, including underage drinkers, the consequences of alcohol abuse can be devastating. Luckily, many of these deaths are preventable.

Currently, 6 people die from alcohol poisoning in the US every day, most aged 35 to 64. Roughly 2.5% of women and 4.5% of men who drink meet the criteria for alcohol dependence. The lives of those who struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) are often disrupted by the consequences of their drinking habits and their dependency. Alcoholism treatment can help to correct a person’s addiction and return them to their normal functioning lives.

Who Needs Alcoholism Treatment

Sadly, many who are in dire need of treatment do not get it. There are several common reasons why people avoid treatment when it is needed. A few of those reasons are:

  • Denial about the severity of their alcoholism.
  • Believe they can’t afford treatment.
  • Afraid of what others will think about their drinking habits.
  • Lack other coping mechanisms.
  • Don’t want to fail.

Despite these reasons, there are many serious risk of alcoholism or an impending addiction. It is not always easy to self-reflect one’s unhealthy habits and admit that help is needed. Those who are concerned about their alcohol consumption should evaluate if any of the following experiences apply them.

Signs an individual might need treatment include:

  • Not being able to limit the amount of alcohol consumed.
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop drinking.
  • Spending increased amount of time drinking or recovering from use.
  • Cravings for alcohol.
  • Continuing to drink despite negative impacts to relationships, work, school, or health.
  • Giving up other hobbies and activities for drinking.
  • Needing more alcohol to achieve same effects.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

Rehabilitation facilities can greatly assist prospective patients with the compassion and expertise needed, from providing them the best medication to digging deeper and discovering hidden triggers for alcohol addiction with in-house counseling. To find out more about the benefits of rehab, talk to a treatment provider now.

Alcoholism Treatment Methods

Fortunately, alcoholism treatment programs can be highly effective when conducted by top-notch treatment facilities, and future patients have many treatment options to choose from. Obtaining treatment from qualified inpatient rehab facilities can assist in an individual’s journey to recovery.

At inpatient rehabilitation facilities, staff members offer the supervision and care needed for patients to get the best results. Patients are removed from external distractions that can encourage relapses or triggers. Outpatient rehab facilities offer patients the ability to recover without removing them from their daily routines or obligations.

Alcohol detox, (also known as detoxification) procedures are often used to help cleanse the body of alcohol and other substances. Detox generally takes up to a week, although the exact time will vary between facilities and patients. During detox, alcohol is purged from the body, and the drinker’s system is cleansed. Medication can be used to assist the detox process.

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to the BetterHelp site.

Online Addiction Counseling

Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.

Get Matched
Begin Therapy
  • Personalized Matching Process
  • Easy Online Scheduling
  • 30,000+ Licensed Therapists

TAKE ASSESSMENT

Medication

Medications may be prescribed by medical health professionals to greatly reduce the need to drink alcohol and alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Although most patients experience discomfort during detox, the medicines prescribed will also lessen other discomfort (such as symptoms of withdrawal) experienced during treatment. Performing detox alone is not suggested. Going “cold turkey” for alcoholism, alcohol addiction, or alcohol abuse can have serious side effects, such as severe dehydration, seizures, and hallucinations, some of which can be fatal.

Other Alcoholism Treatment Methods

These methods of treatment can vary from facility to facility. However, the number and variety of available treatments helps ensure that each patient can find an approach and a solution that works best for them. These treatment options include:

  • Biofeedback
  • Spiritual-based therapies
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Beach trips
  • Fitness programs
  • Self-love therapy
  • Trauma resolution
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Reflective writing
  • Equine therapy
  • One-on one therapy sessions
  • Art and music therapy
  • Cutting edge medication
  • Rebuilding healthy relationships
  • Establishing core resolutions
  • Identifying core issues with addiction
  • 12-step-oriented or affiliated support groups

Many treatments explore the root cause of alcoholism/alcohol addiction, healing patients from the inside out.

Selecting the Right Alcoholism Treatment Program

When selecting the best alcoholism treatment option for you, it is advisable to take a number of steps so that you can make the most informed decision.

Become Knowledgeable Of Available Treatment Choices

There are thousands of drug and alcohol treatment centers across the country. They vary tremendously in terms of specialties, amenities, therapies offered, cost, location, success rate, and overall quality. The right rehab for you will be determined by factors such as what your addiction is, how severe your addiction is, other life commitments you may have, any co-occurring mental disorders that may be present, what therapy methods work best for you, and many more. Contact a treatment provider now.

Determine How Treatment Success Is Measured

There are many different ways of determining treatment success. One of the most common is relapse rates, or the percentage of patients that experience a relapse within a certain time period. Often relapse rates are measured at regular intervals, most commonly three months, six months, one year, and two years. It is important to note that a relapse rate without a broader picture can be highly misleading. For example, an excellent facility that specializes in treating opioid addiction for patients with co-occurring disorders is likely to have a higher relapse rate than a comparable facility that specializes in treating hallucinogen addiction. Some facilities also measure success in other ways, such as how many patients achieve certain personal goals, such as maintaining a job or continuing to participate in 12-step programs.

Learn How Facilities Handle Patient Relapses

Regrettably, relapse is a fact of treatment. In many programs, the majority of patients will eventually relapse at some point. However, there are different types of relapse. There are one-time moments of weakness, and there are complete returns to a life of addiction. The ways that rehab facilities handle relapse in both current and former patients can make a major difference in what happens to the relapser after their mistake. Just because an individual isn’t perfect doesn’t mean that their sobriety journey has to end.

What Happens After Treatment?

Many treatments available help to ensure a low relapse rate, providing patients with the guidance, comfort, and medication to ensure a higher chance of sobriety. Aside from traditional medical treatment, patients build communities with other patients and inpatient facility employees, creating lifelong relationships.

Patience and self-care routines are also encouraged for patients. Keep in mind that adjusting to a life of sobriety can take time. Family members are also encouraged to offer support to patients post rehab and provide loving words of appreciation for positive environments. Many rehab facility providers additionally offer specialized advice for post-treatment living once patients have been released.

If you are concerned with your well-being or the wellbeing of a loved one, know there is help. Take the first step into wellness. Contact a treatment provider.

Start Your Recovery Today

Help is available. Explore your recovery options and break free from addiction.

877-648-4288