Rehab Centers for Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction, now referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious condition that can impact your health, mental well-being and those around you. Structured rehab is a reliable treatment option for AUD that can help disrupt this unhealthy cycle. This comprehensive guide to alcohol addiction rehab explains who needs alcohol rehab, what to expect and cost considerations.

People who misuse alcohol or have an alcohol use disorder may be a good fit for a rehab program, especially if they show signs that they need a higher level of support. An inability to cut back on drinking, drinking despite negative consequences and withdrawal symptoms may all indicate the need for professional intervention.

Rehab is also a good choice for people who have heavy, long-term drinking patterns. Individuals who have a history of prior addiction treatment or repeated relapses may need more structured care, such as in a rehab center. The same goes for people with escalating health or safety risks due to their drinking habits.

Anyone who has a co-occurring disorder may also be a good fit for rehab. Co-occurring disorders are mental health conditions that occur alongside addiction. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a history of polysubstance use may indicate a need for structured care designed to address both conditions.

Some individuals who need a rehab program may seem high functioning on the surface, even at the peak of their addiction. It’s possible to seem functional at work or home while addiction worsens behind the scenes. Keeping an eye on loved ones who you suspect might be dealing with alcohol misuse is crucial for this reason.

Knowing what to expect during an AUD treatment program can make it less intimidating to enroll in rehab. Treatment programs vary by facility, but there are a few standard phases of care. Before beginning treatment, you’ll go through intake and assessment.

The intake and assessment process involves:

• Sharing your medical history
• Answering questions about your drinking patterns
• A mental health screening
• Safety planning

After your assessment, you and your care team will discuss your individualized treatment plan and goals. Your treatment plan may be adjusted as you go through rehab based on your goals, progress and reaction to care services.

Once you begin treatment, you can expect to follow a daily schedule that will likely include:

• Therapy sessions
• Education
• Peer support
• Skills building
• Personal time

If you have co-occurring disorders, your treatment plan will address both conditions to improve your chances of success in recovery. Dual diagnosis treatment and behavioral therapy are common treatment approaches for co-occurring disorders.

Many people entering an addiction treatment program begin with detox. Detoxification occurs as your body processes and metabolizes any alcohol still in your system. The idea is to start treatment with a system free of alcohol.

Detox services are an early stabilization phase that focuses on safety as you go through the withdrawal process. Many people who misuse alcohol or have AUD have a physical dependence on alcohol, which means their body adapts to functioning in the presence of alcohol. When detox starts, the lack of alcohol prompts the body to react with withdrawal symptoms.

Common withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Anxiety

While many withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable or unpleasant, some can be dangerous in severe cases. Serious withdrawal symptoms can include hallucinations, seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), which may need more supportive care.

Medical supervision can help make the detox process safer and more comfortable. Detoxing at home on your own isn’t recommended.

Alcohol rehab may involve various treatment methods. The recovery services included in your treatment plan should be tailored to your needs and medical history to ensure the best success.

The Matrix Model is an outpatient treatment program that uses a combination of evidence-based treatment services to manage addiction. This 16-week program involves treatment three times per week and has shown particular success in alcohol and opioid use disorders.

This comprehensive treatment approach includes:

• Relapse prevention
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Psycho-education
• Self-help
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where indicated
• Motivational interviewing, when needed

Behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy often used to treat co-occurring disorders. It focuses on behavioral patterns that may be contributing to alcohol use disorder.

There are several kinds of behavioral therapy, but the most commonly used forms in addiction rehab are CBT and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). CBT centers around unhealthy thought patterns and emotions related to addiction and changing those behaviors. DBT focuses on coping with intense emotions and reducing harmful behaviors.

Counseling is another important part of many alcohol treatment programs. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, counseling can serve as an outlet for discussing thoughts about recovery and setting goals.

Individual counseling sessions take place between one patient and a counselor and provide an opportunity to discuss your progress, worries and goals. Group counseling sessions help foster peer support. They also allow individuals to hear other patients’ stories, which may make them feel less alone.

Some treatment facilities also offer couples and family counseling. Both forms of counseling can help rebuild bonds between couples and family members that addiction may have weakened.

Support groups are one of the most well-known treatment services for addiction. There are countless recovery support groups, and finding the right one for your needs can make all the difference in your recovery.

Attending support group meetings can help hold individuals accountable on their recovery journey. Many people form connections and life-long friendships in recovery support groups.

Support groups can serve as a stand-alone treatment for less severe addictions or be a part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery and local support groups are some of the many options out there.

The amount of time you spend in treatment should be tailored to your needs. Many rehab programs are 30, 60 or 90 days, which may seem relatively short, but longer-term options are available for people who need them. In many cases, those who need additional care after completing their treatment program may transition to step-down care.

Factors that might affect your treatment duration include:

• Severity of alcohol use disorder
• Withdrawal risk
• Presence of co-occurring conditions
• Stability in recovery skills

Treatment modality may also impact the length of your care. Residential programs tend to be shorter in duration because they offer intensive, round-the-clock care, unlike lower levels of care, such as outpatient treatment.

After you complete your alcohol rehab program, you can expect to transition to aftercare or continuing care. Aftercare is the treatment and support you continue to receive as you transition back to your daily schedule.

Continuing care will look a bit different for everyone, but the idea is to ease you back into your day-to-day life. This can help reduce the chance of relapse and improve long-term sobriety. Continuing care options may include therapy sessions, support groups and regular check-ins with a counselor.

Sober living is another aftercare option that’s great for individuals who need a little extra support and structure. It allows like-minded people to live in an alcohol- and drug-free space with rules and expectations to support accountability.

Having a solid routine that prioritizes wellness is essential after completing treatment. Sleep, stress management, social connection and healthier coping strategies should be your priority during this phase.

Relapse prevention is another crucial part of your recovery journey following addiction treatment. You can think of relapse prevention as the skills and planning used to reduce the risk of relapse and respond early to warning signs. When building a relapse prevention plan, it’s vital to know your triggers.

Relapse triggers may include:

• Boredom
• Stress
• Relationship conflict
• Social pressure
• Sleep disruption
• Mental health conditions

Some treatment centers offer relapse prevention education to help set patients up for success after rehab. It can help you learn what skills to use and how to identify early signs of relapse.

Relapse prevention strategies include:

• Avoiding high-risk environments
• Finding new, healthy coping skills
• Picking up a new hobby
• Trigger planning
• Building a support system

If you relapse after treatment, there’s no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Reach out for support to address the relapse before it gets severe.

Each rehab facility will have its own treatment program rates. However, several factors may influence your overall cost.

Factors that can impact the cost of alcohol rehab include:

• Level of care
• Facility location
• Program length
• Included services and amenities
• Clinical complexity
• Aftercare planning
• Medical detox, if needed

If you’re using health insurance to cover the cost of your treatment, you should review your benefits before choosing a program. In-network programs are likely to be more affordable than out-of-network facilities, which involve higher out-of-pocket costs.

When choosing a treatment program, cost shouldn’t be the only consideration. It’s essential to choose an accredited program that suits your needs and offers evidence-based care. Some facilities offer financial assistance, payment plans and scholarships to help reduce costs.

Unfortunately, rehab can’t cure alcohol use disorder. Substance addictions are chronic conditions that can be treated and managed, but not cured.

Think of rehab as a stabilization method that helps you manage your condition. Enrolling in a rehab program can help set you up with the tools, skills and behavior changes needed to keep your condition under control.

Long-term recovery isn’t always easy, and you must actively choose recovery every day. However, ongoing support, realistic planning and consistent coping strategies are the best way to achieve lasting sobriety.

Rehab services for AUD have countless benefits. Understanding how treatment can change their life for the better can encourage people to seek the help they need or keep them motivated on their journey.

Common benefits of alcohol addiction treatment include:

• Safer withdrawal management
• Structure environment
• Reduced risk of overdose
• Improved relationships
• Better physical health
• Improved mental health
• Better work/school performance
• New relationships
• New hobbies
• Reduced risk of negative health consequences

Asking for help with alcohol use disorder can feel scary and overwhelming, especially if you use alcohol to relieve stress or as part of your daily routine. However, it’s crucial to seek professional support if your alcohol use is leading to safety concerns or withdrawal symptoms or if it starts negatively impacting other areas of your life.

Finding the right rehab for you doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out Help.org today for free, confidential guidance in finding an addiction treatment center that’s right for you, including those that treat alcohol addiction.