Options for Alcohol Recovery

Alcoholism: The Disease

Alcoholism is a disease that affects millions of Americans and their families each year. Alcoholism causes harmful effects on the body, and can even lead to death. Fortunately, there is help for those in need of alcohol Recovery.

Identifying the Problem

You may be affected by alcoholism if you answer yes to any of the following questions:

• Do you have strong urges to drink?
• Do you drink more than you originally intend to?
• Do you drink even though it is causing relationship problems at home, work, or other areas in your life?
• Do you avoid hobbies that you have enjoyed previously to drink?
• Have you tried to quit drinking, but failed?
• Does your drinking cause you to place yourself in harmful situations?
• Do you drink even though it relates to a health problem?
• Do you have a high tolerance for alcohol?
• Do you experience withdrawal symptoms after the effects of alcohol have worn off?

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, you should consider alcohol Treatment. There is hope for sobriety through addiction treatment. Educating yourself on different rehab options is vital to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. With rehab, there are many different options and methods to choose from that can cater to the specific needs of patients. It is best to consider all options so that you are certain you have chosen the right recovery path for your life.

Alcohol Detox: A Vital Step to Becoming Sober

The detoxification process is a necessary part of the treatment process for alcoholism. Detox is the exit of toxins from within the body. During this process, an alcoholic will experience withdrawal symptoms. It is imperative that a medical professional monitor the entire detox process. This is necessary so that the correct dosage of anti-withdrawal medications are administered to the patient. It is also important that a detoxing alcoholic is closely monitored for vital health signs since the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can sometimes cause death.

Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Body Shakes
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Mood Swings
• Paranoia

Detox is the beginning of recovery, and can be done medically in a hospital or treatment center. The best way to follow up on detox is with addiction treatment. There are several options to fit anyone’s recovery needs. Doing research on the different types before you go will ensure that you are getting the best alcohol treatment for your lifestyle. Remember, the more time you can put into your treatment and recovery, the better chance you have at sobriety.

Hospital Programs

Hospitals offer detox programs in their emergency rooms. Some hospitals offer inpatient programs but have been limited on account of insurance policy changes.

Pros: Hospitals usually offer a 5-day detox program that is covered by most insurance companies. They also provide around-the-clock care.

Cons: There is no aftercare provided after detox in most hospitals. This means that there are no therapy sessions offered and a patient does not develop connections with peers. They are simply sent home.

Residential Rehab Facilities

Residential Rehab Programs offer in-house treatments with in-depth plans for recovery. Patients that choose this type of program live alongside others with the same addiction. These programs are offered for a time span of one month to one year.

Pros: Insight to alcoholism recovery through peer interaction. Programs recognize stages in recovery, to ease an alcoholic back into normal life.

Cons: Because these programs are longer in time, an alcoholic will have to take time away from family, school, and work to focus on treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

These programs allow recovering alcoholics to participate in treatment for part of the day. The patient attends treatment four to eight hours a day at either a hospital or treatment facility.

Pros: Recovering alcoholics can attend treatment and still go about with their daily activity.

Cons: For those with limited outside support, it is more difficult to stay sober without constant surveillance during treatment.

Outpatient Plans

Outpatient programs feature group therapy sessions held frequently at treatment facilities. Attendance to these programs is usually not mandatory.

Pros: Gives the option for recovery at any time of the day. Allows a patient to pick and choose when to work on their recovery.

Cons: Not a stable environment for those fresh out of detox. Since attendance is not mandatory, recovery will not be the number one focus in life to a patient that chooses this approach.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs have a minimum hour requirement for attendance, 9-20 hours a week. They are the same as outpatient programs, but attendance is mandatory.

Pros: IOPs give a recovering addict structure, yet still allows for normal daily activity.

Cons: Although attendance is mandatory, this approach is not best for the newly sober since constant surveillance and support is not offered.

Finding Help

Weighing the options of treatment is imperative, but the first step to recovery is to seek help. If you or someone that you know struggles with alcoholism, please feel free to contact us at any time for a helping hand.

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