Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects millions of people. If you are going into alcohol rehab, read here to know what to expect from an alcohol addiction treatment program.
If you are reading this post, then chances are you or a loved one have been negatively impacted by alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that affects about 7 percent of Americans, but only about 8 percent of those affected seek treatment.
With millions of people out there in pain from alcohol addiction and going untreated, alcohol rehab is a challenging but rewarding undertaking. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or for a friend or family member, here is what can be expected when going into alcohol rehab.
Check-In
The rehab facility depends on a couple factors, including cost, location, and needs of the individual. But they all offer relatively the same services, and the entire alcohol rehab process will take 30 to 90 days.
Treatment begins right at check-in. The individual is evaluated, and treatment is tailored to fit their specific needs. After all, everyone is different and may respond to treatment differently.
Once you check in, you are free to leave whenever you want. If there are legal reasons why an individual was admitted to alcohol rehab, then there may be consequences down the line, but no one is going to tackle you on the way out.
Like so many things in life, you get out of rehab what you put in. Anyone who begins alcohol rehab is encouraged to stay through the entire process.
Detox
Detoxing may occur just before or at the very beginning of treatment. This can be a very painful and discomforting experience. It can also be a very daunting challenge and one that shouldn’t be faced alone.
Many facilities have their own detoxing program, but others may require detoxing to occur at an in-patient facility before rehab can start. Medical detox under trained supervision is encouraged to ensure the individual’s safety. Detoxing can be dangerous due to the potential for severe dehydration, unknown illnesses, and the general strain placed on the body.
This process can take about a week. It can be painful, frightening, and discouraging to anyone looking to quit alcohol addiction, but it is a necessary part of healing and improving.
Treatment
Treatment will not just consist of a drug-free environment. Treatment headed by counselors and trained professionals will help the individual face their drug addiction head-on and with an honest, clear perspective. It will help a person realize the negative impact that alcohol abuse has had on their life and their relationships.
The following therapy options may be employed during the rehab process:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
- dialectical behavioral therapy
- interpersonal therapy
The above forms of therapy focus on altering negative, alcohol-seeking behavior, and replacing them with positive behaviors. They will also help the individual to recognize, cope with, and avoid moments where they may be pressured into relapsing.
Therapy could be one-on-one or in a group setting. Most likely, both will be employed. Group therapy will help to establish a support system, and reinforce that an individual is not alone in what they are going through.
Individual therapy will focus more on any mental health concerns that may have lead to alcohol addiction. It is important to address any concern or problem, no matter how small they may seem, that has lead someone to alcohol addiction.
Visitation
Poor interactions with a family member may be an underlying cause that can lead to alcohol addiction. A family member may even be unknowingly enabling the individual. However, family can also be a form of support when none other is present.
That is why having family as part of the therapy process can be a powerful and often necessary tool. Some facilities won’t even allow visitation unless those visiting are a part of the therapy process.
Back to Life
Transitioning back to life outside of alcohol rehab can be difficult and may be more of a beginning than an end to rehabilitation. A person may find themselves in the exact same situation and presented with the same problems that lead them to seek out alcohol in the first place.
A person who has gone through alcohol rehab has been given the tools to cope with and avoid such situations. But this isn’t to say they would have to deal with these problems alone.
The transition to an outpatient setting will provide help in the forms of individual, family, and group counseling. Additionally, many facilities offer vocational and educational support to help alleviate other factors that may have lead to alcohol addiction.
Someone who has completed rehab may also be paired with a sponsor who will help them maintain sobriety. The goal isn’t just to provide a safety net when everything goes wrong; the goal is for there to be a constant support system in place to constantly say, “you are not alone.”
Self-improvement should always be pursued during and after rehab. Just because the initial program is done, it doesn’t mean that an individual should be lax in their education and pursuit of wellness.
Alcohol Rehab: This is Just the Beginning
With rehab, you get what you put into it, and you can’t go into it heedlessly. You need to be motivated. One month alcohol-free is a tremendous achievement that should be rewarded and thought upon.
But the goal of alcohol rehab is lifelong sobriety. Rehabilitation may begin when you walk through the doors of a facility, but it never ends. It requires constant vigilance and hard work.
If you, or anyone you know, is seeking help for alcohol or drug addiction, please do not hesitate to contact our facility at 800-426-1818. All matters are treated confidentially and respectfully.
We offer 24/7 inpatient facilities, detoxification, sober living homes, and several locations throughout Los Angeles. Our team of medical professionals and addiction specialists will be with you throughout the entire process, from check-in to outpatient care.
There are many who have been through alcohol rehab and have come out on the other side sober and successful. No matter what you’re going through, no matter what addiction ails you, you don’t have to fight it alone.
