According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 16 million adults in the United States suffer from an alcohol use disorder. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, know that you’re not alone. Many people suffer from this disease, but thankfully, there is help available. In this blog post, we’ll discuss alcohol rehab and why it’s so important for individuals struggling with addiction. We’ll also detail what you can expect during alcohol rehab and highlight the various levels of care available.
Can I Detox from Alcohol Alone?
The first step in overcoming alcohol addiction is detoxification, or detox. During detox, your body gets rid of all the alcohol in your system. It’s important to note that detox should only be done under medical supervision. This is because detox can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not done properly. Symptoms of withdrawal during detox can include nausea, vomiting, shaking, sweating, and anxiety. Because of the potential severity of these symptoms, it’s important to have medical professionals on hand to help you through the detoxification process.
The Levels of Care in an Alcohol Rehab Program
Once you’ve completed detox, you can begin focusing on your recovery.
Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
Recovery from alcohol addiction often begins with inpatient treatment at an alcohol rehab center. During inpatient treatment, you live at the rehab center full-time and receive around-the-clock care from medical professionals. This level of care is often necessary for those who have been struggling with a severe addiction or who have relapsed after previous attempts at sobriety.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
However, not everyone needs or wants to enter an inpatient program. For some people, outpatient treatment may be a better fit. Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home while still receiving regular care and support from a team of professionals. This level of care is often more flexible than inpatient treatment and may be a better option for those with work or family obligations.
What Can I Expect in Alcohol Rehab?
No two people are the same, so no two treatment plans will be identical either. However, there are some common elements that are often included in alcohol rehab programs. These elements may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, 12-step meetings, and recreational activities.
Individual therapy sessions give you the opportunity to work one-on-one with a therapist to address the underlying causes of your addiction. Group therapy sessions provide support and allow you to share your experiences with others who are going through similar struggles. Family therapy sessions help repair damaged relationships and improve communication within your family unit. 12-step meetings provide support and accountability as you work towards sobriety. Recreational activities help take your mind off of your addiction and allow you to have fun sober.
Do I Need Alcohol Rehab?
If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, chances are that an alcohol rehab center is right for you—but only you can make that decision. If you’re unsure about whether or not an alcohol rehab center is right for you, consider speaking with a professional about your options and what might be best for your unique situation.
You might consider getting treatment if:
- You frequently drink more than you planned to.
- You often find yourself drinking alone.
- You need alcohol to relax or feel happy.
- You’ve been unable to cut back or stop drinking, even though you want to.
- You spend a lot of time thinking about alcohol and how to get your next drink.
- Drinking causes problems in your relationships with friends and family members.
- You miss work or school because of alcohol.
- Alcohol makes you feel physically ill when you stop drinking it abruptly
Learn More About Alcohol Rehab Programs near You Today
Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide—but there is hope! If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, know that there are resources available to help them on the road to recovery—including professional detoxification services and rehabilitation programs at specialized centers across the country devoted specifically to helping people overcome alcoholism.
While each individual’s journey to sobriety will be unique, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. With professional help, individuals struggling with alcoholism can achieve lasting sobriety, improved mental health, stronger relationships, increased employability, and much more. Don’t suffer in silence—help is available! If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, reach out to an alcohol rehab center near you today.