Alcoholism Treatment
According to the 2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, 17.6 million Americans meet the standard diagnostic criteria for having an alcohol disorder. Over 24,000 Americans died from alcohol-related deaths (including car crashes and homicides) in 2005. Alcoholism is one of the top causes of preventable death in the United States, but it often goes undiagnosed. Many are uninformed about their treatment options and avoid getting help for this reason.
What Is Alcoholism Treatment?
Alcoholism treatment is a combination of psychotherapy and detox treatment that treats the immediate addiction and related health concerns while helping patients develop the life skills to remain sober in the long term. These programs are professionally staffed by counselors and medical staff to provide the most safe and complete treatment possible. Some patient centers offer certain luxury amenities, while others cater to a specific group of people. Alcoholism treatment can be very individualized.
How Long Is the Average Alcoholism Treatment Program?
Most alcohol treatment programs last between 30 and 60 days. However, in more serious cases (such as those struggling with multiple addictions) treatment programs can last several months or even over a year.
What About Detox and Alcoholism Treatment?
The purpose of alcohol detox is to eliminate the body’s physical dependency on alcohol, while helping to manage their withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fever, chills, heart palpitations, insomnia and even seizures. Patients undergo detox while being carefully supervised by medical professionals. They are also given full access to counselors throughout the process as it can be both physically and emotionally draining for many. In some high-risk patients, withdrawal symptoms can even lead to life-threatening situations, so it is important that the appropriate care and attention are given to each individual.
What Are the Different Alcoholism Treatment Options?
There are two core type of treatment categories which every program falls into. Residential programs are for those with serious addictions where the patient lives at the facility; outpatient care programs allow patients to live away from the facility while they receive treatment. Both program types offer patients access to counselors and medical professionals, and help prepare them for aftercare treatment.
If you or your loved one is struggling with alcoholism, please call our toll-free number and speak to one of our trained counselors. They are available 24 hours a day to discuss your rehab options with you and answer any questions you may have about treatment.
