What is Alcohol Addiction Rehab?

Alcohol is the most abused substance throughout the world. Learn about how to seek alcohol addiction rehab here.

Overview of Alcohol Addiction Rehab

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, more than 88,000 people die yearly from alcohol-related deaths. To date, alcohol continues to be one of the nation’s most preventative causes of death, second only to tobacco and poor diet/sedentary lifestyle.

As of 2019, estimates showed approximately 15 million American youth and adults met the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder. Despite these statistics, it’s essential to remember that with treatment at an alcoholism treatment program, people can overcome alcoholism.1 Roughly one-third of people who complete rehab for alcohol at a program specializing in rehab for alcohol addiction report having no further symptoms one year later.2

Alcohol Addiction Rehab

What is Alcohol Addiction Rehab?

As mentioned above, millions of people of all ages suffer from alcohol addiction symptoms. However, data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that only 7% of those will seek or get the help they need from an alcohol treatment program.

Alcohol addiction rehab helps those looking to get sober by providing care and support throughout detox and removing access to triggers and other situations that could impact your sobriety and worsen cravings during the early stages of recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

The most successful and effective treatments for any illness or disease start early. Addiction is no different. When you notice signs of alcoholism, such as:
  • You’ve relapsed after a period of sobriety
  • You find that you need to drink more than you used to feel the same effects
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, headaches, or nausea
  • You struggle to complete responsibilities due to alcohol use
  • You experience adverse physical or psychological effects 
  • You’re in legal or professional trouble because of your alcohol use

It may be time to seek help at an alcohol detox center.

Is an Alcohol Addiction Rehab Program Right for Me?

At an alcohol rehabilitation center, trained providers offer treatment models designed to address their client’s individual needs and goals. During rehab, you can expect programs based on evidence-based models proven successful in addressing the specifics of alcohol addiction for people of all ages. Alcoholism therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing are widely used alcoholic counseling models. You can also expect programs for alcohol addiction, such as alternative therapies and peer support (12-step programs). These benefits are part of a larger alcoholism care plan focused on your specific needs and goals.

Types of Alcohol Rehab Programs

In an alcohol rehab program, there are several types or stages of alcohol addiction treatment. These will be detailed below.

Detoxification

When someone experiences alcohol detox, they intentionally stop drinking to give their body time to learn how to function without alcohol. Detoxing from alcohol can be painful, scary, and dangerous because it requires an individual to experience the full range of withdrawal symptoms.

In some cases, withdrawal symptoms often cause a person to relapse because withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and sometimes debilitating. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are dangerous, and detoxing under medical supervision at a rehab facility offers the greatest opportunities for a successful detox. Those who detox without medical monitoring and assistance are at a higher risk for severe medical problems and relapse.

Residential/Inpatient Treatment

Among the most common options for alcohol rehabilitation is residential or inpatient treatment for alcohol addiction. At an inpatient rehab for drinking, you’ll live at the treatment center throughout the process. Inpatient treatment for alcohol assures you have access to care and support around the clock to assist with alcohol detox services and alcohol addiction therapy.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization programs (called day programs or PHPs) provide those ready to overcome addiction the opportunity to receive intensive therapy without an overnight stay at an alcoholic treatment center. PHP alcoholism treatment programs are often more demanding than traditional outpatient programs requiring more sessions each week.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs for alcohol addiction involve treatment during the day but living at home in the evenings. Most outpatient treatment programs include individual or group therapy that takes place as little as one or as many as five times per week. Because outpatient programs don’t require participants to stay at an alcohol treatment facility, they can continue working and living at home throughout their treatment process.

What Therapies Can I Expect at Alcohol Rehab?

A significant part of rehab for alcohol is active participation in therapy. Although detoxing from alcohol is a crucial first step towards sobriety, detox alone doesn’t help you understand addiction or learn more about your triggers. Therapy enables you to learn and practice new coping tools you can learn to manage triggers and other stressors that may threaten your sobriety after treatment at an alcohol addiction rehab ends.

Many different types of alcohol abuse therapy are used as part of evidence-based programs by skilled treatment providers at inpatient rehabs across the nation. When used as part of a holistic program, evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focused therapy, family therapy, and individual therapies can help you overcome the physical and psychological challenges of alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Rehab Treatment Medications

Part of treatment at many alcohol detox treatment centers and alcohol treatment programs involves medication-assisted treatment or MAT. While not a substitute for compressive alcohol rehabilitation therapy, MAT can help make detox and treatment more effective by reducing the intensity and severity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings during recovery. Several medications are used as part of a MAT program at local alcohol rehab.

Acamprosate

Acamprosate is believed to reduce positive reinforcement of alcohol use by reducing the positive effects of alcohol on the body. Additionally, it helps reduce the severity and intensity of withdrawal cravings. However, unlike other drugs approved for alcohol addiction treatment, the exact mechanism of these actions is unknown.2

Naltrexone

Naltrexone works in the brain to reduce dependency on alcohol. Like other drugs used to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone blocks the effects of specific receptors in the brain. Naltrexone belongs to a class of medications called opioid agonists. These drugs work to block the effects of alcohol in the brain. When used as directed, it can help limit many challenges associated with overcoming alcohol addiction.3

Disulfiram

Disulfiram (Antabuse) has been part of alcohol treatment programs for over forty years. When you drink alcohol after taking disulfiram, it produces unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects. Disulfiram works within the body to inhibit the influence of alcohol while producing an acute sensitivity to it. Drinking alcohol while using disulfiram immediately produces many of the effects experienced when you have a hangover.4
Alcohol Addiction Rehab

How to Decide on a Course of Alcohol Rehab Treatment

There are many alcohol rehabilitation options. When choosing a local alcohol rehab, it’s important to remember that not all programs are created equally. When selecting the best alcoholism treatment center for you, there are several things you should consider to ensure your rehab experience is effective and that you feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout treatment.

Rehab for Your Specific Addiction

First, choosing a rehab that addresses your specific addiction is essential. It’s necessary to consider the severity of your addiction, how long you have been drinking, and whether you have been to rehab for drinking in the past and experienced a relapse. Understanding your specific needs and the factors that will impact your success at an alcoholic treatment center can help ensure the program you choose offers the most significant opportunity for positive treatment outcomes.

Rehab for Your Demographic

You may also consider whether the alcoholism rehabilitation you choose offers specific alcohol rehabilitation services designed for certain demographics. For example, there are teen-focused rehabs, LGBTQ-focused rehabs, gender-specific rehabs, and rehabs focused on particular religions and cultures. It’s crucial to choose a rehab where the treatment program and the alcohol rehabilitation services meet your treatment needs and expectations.

Rehab that Offers Benefits

In addition, you may find certain alcohol treatment facilities offer benefits and amenities above and beyond what you may find at a traditional rehab program. These luxury treatment centers often provide a range of alternative and holistic treatment options such as yoga, art therapy, and music therapies. You will also want to look for rehab in a location ideal for your treatment needs.

Rehab for Your Financial Needs

Another consideration when deciding on the right rehab for you is financial considerations. However, it’s essential to remember that many insurance companies will cover most or all the cost of addiction treatment for a rehab considered in-network to your policy. Before choosing a rehab, talk to the admissions team at the rehab directly or your insurance provider to determine your level of coverage for addiction treatment services.

Attain Wellness at Alta Centers

If you’re ready to put the challenges of drug or alcohol addiction in the past, don’t wait another day to seek help. Contact a member of our treatment team here at Alta Centers to learn more about getting help with alcohol addiction.

Resources

Table of Contents

Questions About Treatment?

Our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your situation and options. Your call is confidential with no obligation required.

Call Us 24/7