The dangers of alcohol are widely known, but the addictive properties of this substance make it difficult for many people to quit. Fortunately, help is available for those who want to give up drinking.
Alcoholism rehabilitation programs are designed to assist individuals with alcohol problems in changing their behavior and stopping their intake of alcohol. These programs vary in length and scope, but all have the same goal: To help you achieve long-term sobriety.
This article discusses what you can expect from alcoholism rehab and the importance of seeking outside assistance if you struggle with drinking or have fallen into a negative pattern with alcohol use. Also you can find more information and help at alcohol rehab Chandler AZ.
What to Expect in Alcohol Rehabilitation
There are many different types of alcohol rehabilitation programs, so it is difficult to generalize what will occur during your time in treatment.
That said, there are some commonalities among alcohol rehabilitation programs that you may experience:
– Medical evaluation: In many instances, those who enter treatment for alcohol abuse are also dealing with a health condition due to their drinking. Alcoholics often have liver damage, nutritional deficiencies, and high blood pressure, among other health issues. Alcohol rehab facilities will run a thorough medical evaluation to determine what other health conditions you may have and what risks you face as an alcohol user.
– Intake assessment: Alcohol rehab facilities will conduct an intake assessment to determine your current situation and the best way to proceed. This assessment may include an extensive psychological evaluation and an exploration of your family history of alcohol abuse. Alcohol rehab facilities want to understand your situation better and the factors that led you to your current state so they can better assist you in overcoming your alcohol use.
– Treatment plan: A treatment plan is created based on the intake assessment and indicates what you will do during your time in alcohol rehab. The plan is designed to help you overcome your alcohol addiction and make positive changes in your life.
Counseling and Therapy
Many alcohol rehab facilities offer therapy as part of their program. Therapy is common in rehabilitation programs and can take many forms. Some of the most common types of therapy at alcohol rehab facilities include individual counseling, group counseling, couples counseling, family therapy, and talk therapy.
– Individual counseling: Individual counseling is a one-on-one conversation with a trained counselor that helps you work through your emotions and thoughts in a safe space. Individual counseling is helpful for people who have experienced trauma, have trouble communicating their feelings, or feel stuck in their current situation.
– Group counseling: Group counseling is a facilitated discussion between individuals with a similar problem, such as alcohol abuse. Group counseling allows people to share their experiences and discuss their problems in a safe, supportive environment. Group counseling is common for alcohol rehab programs because individuals with a drinking problem likely deal with issues related to shame and isolation. Group counseling allows people to talk about these issues in a safe environment and receive support from others who understand what they are going through.
– Couples counseling: Couples counseling is designed for couples dealing with an issue related to their relationship. Couples counseling is often used when one or both partners struggle with a drinking problem and need assistance in dealing with the issue. Alcoholism is often a source of tension and conflict in romantic relationships, so couples counseling is helpful in alcohol rehab programs.
– Family therapy: Family therapy is a form of therapy that involves the individual receiving treatment, their partner, and their families. Family therapy is often used in alcohol rehab programs to assist individuals in dealing with childhood trauma that may have caused their alcohol use. Family therapy allows individuals to express their feelings and receive assistance in processing negative emotions.
– Talk therapy: Talk therapy is a form of individual counseling that uses conversation to help individuals deal with their emotions and problems. Talk therapy is helpful for individuals who have trouble expressing themselves and communicating their feelings.
12-Step Programs
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are commonly recognized 12-step programs used in alcohol rehabilitation programs since their inception in the 1930s. 12-step programs involve a group of people working together and supporting each other in their struggles against alcohol use.
The 12-steps are as follows:
- We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.
- We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- We decide to put our wills and our lives in the care of God as we conceive him.
- We fearlessly made a thorough moral inventory of ourselves.
- We admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our shortcomings.
- We were entirely willing to let God free us from all these character defects.
- We humbly ask him to rid us of our shortcomings.
- We made a list of all those people whom we had offended and were willing to repair the damage we caused them.
- We directly repaired the damage caused to as many as possible, except when doing so implied harm to them or to others.
- We continued to take our personal inventory, and when we were wrong, we immediately admitted it.
- We seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we conceive him, asking him only to let us know his will for us and give us the strength to fulfill it.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we try to carry this message to other alcoholics and practice these principles in all our affairs.
The main objective is that they attend the meetings to establish a healthy support network of people who understand what they are going through. From there, group members are encouraged to help each other reach their goals and maintain their sobriety.
They are also encouraged to read and be honest. Reading is a useful resource for those who want to stop drinking and is required in many rehab programs. The honesty and openness required may also already experience feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt. These feelings are common but can be overcome by practicing honesty in your meetings and with those around you.
Residential Rehabilitation
Residential rehab programs are ideal for people with serious alcohol problems who require more intensive assistance than an outpatient program can provide. In these programs, patients are hospitalized and live at the program site until its completion.
– Duration: Residential alcohol rehab programs vary in length, but most last from three weeks to three months. If you enter a residential program, you will likely remain sober for the duration of the program.
– Medications: Some residential alcohol rehab programs offer medications to help you abstain from alcohol. Medication use in residential programs is controversial, but some facilities offer non-addictive medications, such as disulfiram, to help you stay sober.
– Additional Services: Residential programs are often highly structured and include a variety of activities designed to help you overcome your drinking and improve your life. In addition to treatment and group therapy, residential programs offer activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and hobbies.
How Help is Available for Those Who Want to Quit Drinking
If you want to quit drinking but feel trapped by your alcohol use, help is available. Alcohol abuse and addiction are treatable conditions; you do not have to fight them alone. There are many different types of alcohol rehabilitation programs, and there is almost certainly a program that will suit your needs and budget.
There are also various self-help programs available to those who want to quit drinking but do not have access to rehab facilities. One of the most well-known and effective self-help programs is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a 12-step program that relies on the power of a supportive community to assist individuals in quitting drinking. Other self-help programs include Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), Healthwise, and SHUR-T.
These programs vary in length and intensity, but they all have the same goal: To assist you in quitting drinking and improving your life.
The Importance of Knowing You Have Options
If you struggle with alcohol, it is important to seek help. Many people wait until they have hit rock bottom to seek assistance, but this is the wrong approach. You can and should get help at the earliest sign of trouble. The decision to quit drinking is not easy, but you must make it if you want to see a better future. You can overcome your alcohol problem, and many different types of alcohol rehab programs assist you.
