3 Alcohol Rehab Options in 2023- Pros and Cons
By Cynthia Wanjiru Kiiru.
Alcohol abuse is a problematic disorder with immense effects on societal and personal well-being. When a loved one or you are struggling with alcoholism, it is possible to blame yourself or lose the end in sight. However, brace yourself, as all hope is not lost.
This piece outlines different alcohol rehab options to get you or your loved one sober again!
When to seek help
Before getting started on a treatment process, as an alcoholic, acknowledge that you need help. Additionally, the desire to quit goes a long way in achieving sobriety. In some situations, however, I’ve seen relatives stage intervention when alcoholism signs were warning, such as;
· Irrational mood swings
· Neglect or excuses for neglecting duties
· Frequent binge drinking
· A decline in personal hygiene
· Violence or crime
· Poor performance in school or work
· Neglect of hobbies
· Denial of excess alcohol use after a confrontation
Types of alcohol rehab options
- Alcohol detox
During alcohol withdrawal, detoxification comes in handy! It is the initial and most difficult process in treating alcohol use disorders (AUD). As a result, it is conducted under professional medical care in rehab. Medics offer medication to ease the pain and help you focus on improving. Drugs such as Acamprosate and Naltrexone reduce alcohol cravings, while Disulfiram causes severe negative effects upon relapse.
Detoxification is the most effective way to get sober because it deals with managing physical addiction. In contrast, it is very painful and uncomfortable during withdrawal. On rare occasions, withdrawals lead to seizures and, eventually, death!
2. Inpatient rehabilitation
Do you want to focus on recovery with no distractions fully? Inpatient treatment allows full devotion to recovery by offering a well-structured environment, mostly for recurring disorders. You must remain on-site for the entire duration, which could last 30 to 90 days, receiving care that prepares you for life after rehab.
Treatment includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the most popular method. It promotes healthy coping mechanisms and encourages you to change how you react to triggers. Rehab centers offer personal or group counseling and conduct healthy nutrition training and experimental therapies.
While it is more intense and well structured, inpatient rehabilitation is crazy expensive, especially if you don’t have medical cover. In addition, you’ll have to eventually transition back into the real world, where relapse is possible.
3. Outpatient counseling
After rehabilitation, it is important to schedule meetings where you communicate and receive guidelines on sobriety. You could do this in two ways;
· Join an AA meeting, usually a group of alcoholics who share past addiction experiences and interact for guidance.
· Schedule therapy and counseling sessions with an alcohol counselor.
Counseling opens you up to a healthy communication line not only during the good but also during the bad days. Your group or therapist will help you handle drinking triggers and cultivate healthy relationships.
Outpatient treatment is cheaper and more affordable in comparison to inpatient care. Consequently, you don’t have to put your life on hold to sort treatment as you have set a time to meet for counseling.
However, detoxification is not prioritized; thus, you could attend meetings while still deep in alcohol abuse! It is also less intense in comparison to inpatient care.
Final thoughts
Overcoming an alcohol addiction starts with a get-well mindset. While a good treatment facility is paramount, you must be honest with yourself! You’ll be triggered to stumble back into alcoholism if you don’t desire to quit. Next, take the second step to recovery. Contact a treatment provider and return to living a healthy and fulfilling life.
