Understanding Alcohol Rehab Programs

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) also called alcohol addiction or alcoholism is one of the most prevalent substance use disorders in the US. Individuals who are unable to control alcohol use or need to drink frequently and in large amounts to feel normal are considered to be addicted to alcohol.

According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the disorder affects about 18 million Americans. Further, approximately 88,000 alcohol-related deaths are recorded yearly.

What is Alcohol Rehab?

Alcohol is a beverage that contains ethanol, which is a substance that causes changes in brain chemistry when alcohol is used or abused on a long-term basis. Alcohol Rehabilitation is a structured process done in an inpatient or outpatient facility. There, you will undergo detox to remove the harmful substance from your system. You’ll then be transitioned into behavioral therapy to address the psychological aspect of addiction.

Treatment for Alcoholism

To overcome alcoholism, you or your loved one may need professional treatment at a rehab center that has programs specifically designed to help you recover stage by stage. Treatment begins at intake where the medical and psychiatric staff at the rehab will perform a thorough physical and psychological evaluation. This process is called dual-diagnosis where they will assess the level of addiction and diagnose any mental health or other disorder linked to alcohol dependency.

What to Look for in an Alcohol Rehab

Your decision to enter alcohol rehab may be the most important one thus far. Next is to find a rehab that is right for you. To help make the process easier, here are some things to consider when looking for an alcohol treatment center.

Licensed and qualified staff: Getting medical and mental health support from trained and qualified staff who is compassionate can make a huge difference in your journey to sobriety. These are the people who will practically hold your hand throughout every stage of recovery.

Location and setting: You may prefer a treatment facility near you or may choose one far away in another city. Some centers are nestled in tropical or serene environments to provide a sense of calm and peace for patients in recovery.

Flexible programs: Some individuals are able to put their lives on hold to live at rehab while others need to stay connected to their family and community. A rehab that offers flexible programs to suit your unique circumstances can increase your chances of recovery.

Supplemental programs: A comprehensive rehab program that helps you combat alcohol addiction from all angles strengthens your chance for recovery and sustained sobriety. To achieve this, some rehabs offer various types of therapies, e.g., family therapy, in addition to detox and behavioral therapy.

Affordability: Whether you get residential or outpatient treatment ultimately comes down to your ability to afford the costs. Luckily, our treatment centers accept most major insurance policies. Inpatient or residential rehab caters for people with severe addiction who can afford the accommodation while receiving full-time care.

Alcohol Detox

Detoxification or detox is the process of physically withdrawing from alcohol addiction. It should always be done in a safe and supervised setting at a hospital, clinic, or medical center where you can get help managing severe withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are among the most dangerous. They include seizures, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or rapid heart rate.

Alcohol Detox Medications

You may be given prescription drugs to help make the withdrawal process easier, get you stabilized faster, and prevent relapse. Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone are three FDA-approved drugs used for alcohol withdrawal.

Acamprosate: Acts on certain neurotransmitters to improve anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and dysphoria. It may also help deter future alcohol use.

Disulfiram: Is also a deterrent drug. It works in the body to produce an unpleasant taste and nausea if you drink alcohol after rehab.

Naltrexone: Reduces cravings by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain responsible for giving you that good feeling when you drink.

Inpatient/Residential Rehab for Alcoholism

Inpatient/Residential treatment has the facilities and housing to accommodate you throughout the period of detox and therapy. The average time in treatment is 28-90 days. You may need to stay longer if you are diagnosed with severe addiction. A major benefit of inpatient or residential treatment is round-the-clock supervision by medical staff and psychological support from a therapist or counselor.

Outpatient Rehab for Alcoholism

Outpatient Rehab programs typically last between 30-90 days. A major benefit of outpatient rehab is you’ll continue to live at home without needing to disrupt work, school, or family commitments to receive treatment.

Types of Outpatient Rehabs

At The Detox Center of L.A., we offer two different levels of outpatient care for those suffering from alcohol use disorder.

Partial Hospitalization (PHP): This program is normally recommended as a step-down from inpatient treatment or a stepping stone to residential treatment, particularly for those who are not ready to commit to a live-in program. In our partial hospitalization program, you can expect six hours of programming daily with four group therapy sessions each day. Our PHP program allows for at least two individual therapy sessions a week as well as weekly case management and peer support/Recovery Mentor sessions.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP): IOPs are suitable for those with a history of addiction or relapse or who completed detox or partial hospitalization or residential program. In our IOP, clients will undergo three hours of programming daily with two group therapy sessions each day/ There will be two individual therapy sessions a week as well as weekly case management and peer support/Recovery Mentor sessions.

Combining Detox with Therapy

Treatment for alcoholism does not end with detox. Every comprehensive treatment model includes a period of mental health therapy following detox. Therapy helps you to lose psychological dependence on alcohol and teaches you to manage alcohol use triggers. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you address thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that drive addiction. CBT promotes self-awareness and equips you with alternative coping mechanisms to deter alcohol use. Other programs that may be included in the treatment plan are:

• Group therapy
• Family counseling
• Relapse prevention planning
• Holistic therapies, e.g., breathwork and salt water therapy
• Referral to alcohol recovery groups, e.g., Alcohol Anonymous

Treatment For Alcoholism At The Detox Center of L.A.

Nestled in the heart of Culver City, CA, 310 recovery provides a perfect haven for overcoming alcoholism. Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient rehab, we deliver effective treatments and therapies for alcoholism in both of these settings. Our professional and compassionate staff will give you the highest quality of care using an individualized treatment plan tailored to suit your recovery needs. Call today to find out more.