Alcohol Treatment Programs

According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 51.9 percent of people over the age of 12 are regular consumers of alcohol and 6.8 percent of the population are considered heavy drinkers. Heavy drinkers are significantly more likely to suffer from alcoholism. These numbers have changed little since 2007, meaning the demand for alcohol treatment programs is as prevalent as ever.

What Are Alcohol Treatment Programs?

Alcohol treatment programs provide both physical and psychotherapeutic treatment for a person’s addiction. Patients spend anywhere from a few weeks to over a year meeting with medical professionals and counselors to help them achieve sobriety.

What Are the Components of Alcohol Treatment Programs?

All alcohol (and drug) treatment centers are composed of three core components:

• Alcohol detox.  In detox, the patient stops using alcohol and experiences the related withdrawal symptoms in a controlled, carefully monitored environment. Detox treats the physical dependency of the addiction to eliminate cravings so patients can move successfully into the next phase of treatment. Detox typically lasts one to two weeks.
• Alcohol counseling.   The majority of a person’s time in rehab will be spent attending counseling sessions and receiving support from therapists. Counseling addresses the psychological issues associated with addiction and can last for several weeks or months. Some counseling sessions will be on a one-on-one basis, some will be group therapy sessions and some may include the patient’s family. The focus on counseling is to help patients understand their addiction and learn how to manage any triggers they might experience that led to their drinking.
• Alcohol aftercare. After treatment is successfully completed, the individual will face the challenges of living as a sober individual in their everyday lives. Often, patients are re-exposed to the stresses and negative influences that led them to drink in the first place.  Aftercare programs (such as a community-based program or a halfway house) hold patients accountable during this time and help them practice behaviors to make them successful in the long run.

Where Does Alcohol Treatment Take Place?

Most every addiction facility falls into one of two categories: inpatient or outpatient.  Inpatient alcohol treatment programs require that the individual moves into the facility. At this type of facility, patients receive round-the-clock care and supervision while they undergo treatment.   Outpatient alcohol treatment programs allow patients to live away from the facility while they attend counseling and undergo detox.

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction and need help, call us today.  Our well-trained professionals are available to discuss your treatment options with you and help you decide on a program that best suits your needs.