Alcohol Treatment

When people hear the phrase “drug addiction,” they often think of substances like heroin, crystal meth, cocaine or even painkillers. Alcohol is often overlooked as a drug because of how common usage is among the general population. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 52 percent of all adults over the age of 18 were regular consumers of alcohol. Alcoholism kills thousands every year. In 2005, over 14,000 people died from alcohol-related liver disease, and over 24,000 people died from alcohol-related accidents and homicides.

Individuals who feel they may have a problem with alcohol use are implored to seek treatment before their addiction is out of control. Alcoholism is defined as the habitual intake of alcohol that leads to a deterioration in health. Someone who is addicted to alcohol may not even realize this is the case until they stop using and experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcoholics often use drinking to alter their mood or perceptions and find excuses or justifications for their drinking.  The alcohol treatment help provided at rehab facilities addresses both the physical and psychological components of alcoholism, helping patients to get the most complete treatment possible.

Alcohol Treatment Program Types

There are two common treatments for alcoholism: residential care and outpatient care. In a residential alcohol program, the patient leaves their home and moves into the treatment facility for weeks or even months at a time. The purpose of these programs is to remove the individual from their home environment, allowing them to focus on their treatment without extraneous stresses.

In an outpatient alcohol treatment program patients continue to live at home while attending regularly scheduled meetings with counselors, medical professionals and group therapy sessions. Patients can often maintain their jobs and manage any at-home responsibilities they have while receiving treatment.

How Long Does Alcohol Treatment Last?

The average alcohol treatment program lasts between one and two months. However, depending on the psychological basis and the severity of the addiction, some programs can take up to a year to complete.

Where Can I Get Alcohol Treatment?

Qualified alcohol treatment centers and programs can now be found all over the United States. Different programs have different methods of treatment — from medically based to holistic methods — but all focus on achieving the same goal. Are you struggling with alcoholism and feel you may need professional help? Please call our toll-free number and speak to one of our trained counselors about what treatment options may be right for you.