Alcoholism rehabilitation centers: 5 things to steer clear of

Alcoholism rehabilitation centers should help (not hurt) your recovery. What should you avoid when looking for or attending rehab? More on how to ensure successful alcoholism treatment here.

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How to have a successful stay in rehab

The success or failure of your addiction rehab process mostly depends on you. This is why experts recommend that you honestly assess benefits and costs of quitting drinking alcohol BEFORE you set off for a stay in a rehabilitation center. Further, setting clear goals will bring you additional assurance when you decide to reduce or quit drinking.

To stay sober for a long time, you’ll need to develop a completely new mindset and find a renewed meaning in your life. Effective rehab should help prepare you to manage the triggers and cravings, while helping you develop new skills. This is why you should only consider rehabs that employ scientific, evidence-based practices which include:

  1. Prescription medications such as acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone
  2. Psychotherapy and behavioral therapies
  3. A combination of the two

Medical detox is also important when considering a stay in an alcoholism rehabilitation center. If you can’t stop drinking by your own or you’ve been using alcohol to numb pain over the long-term, ask for medical supervision to safely withdraw from alcohol. Detoxification is best when it is medically supervised. In fact, dangerous symptoms tend to occur 2-3 days AFTER you stop drinking. You’ll want total supervision until you’re in the clear.

What to steer clear of during rehabilitation

Overcoming alcoholism can be a long-term process. While your attitude and willingness for change are key, many other factors play crucial role in determining its effectiveness. Here are 5 things you need to avoid to ensure successful rehab:

1. Non-certified programs.

When you start looking for alcoholism treatment, turn on an ad filter. While amenities are nice to have, they probably come with a big price tag. Focus on what is truly important: appropriate licensing, quality of care during the program, follow-up services, and staff credentials.

2. Poor diet.

The food we take play important role in our life. It affects us not only on physical, but also on mental level. If your goal is to build successful sober life, you need to make changes in what you eat. Avoid fried foods, foods with sugar, or foods that come pre-packaged. Try to learn more about what balanced nutrition means and avoid any deficiencies.

3. Stress.

Many people use alcohol as a way to handle daily stressful situations. The feeling of needing a drink in these situations can return if you don’t find a way to cope with the stress without returning to alcohol use. You need to learn how to behave when warning signs of relapse appear. Work with your therapist to address stress, if present, during rehab. Address and communicate your concerns immediately. Also, give yourself up to the process of rehabilitation and stop fighting what works.

4. Unhelpful triggers.

During rehab, it might be easier for you to avoid places, people, or activities that trigger the craving for drinking alcohol. Most rehabs will try to shield you from urges, but the alcoholic mind is insidious. Select a center which is far from your old, routine haunts. Stop communication with old drinking buddies. Also, stay away from other patients who obsess about drinking. Turn inward and focus on recovery for best results.

5. Negative mindset.

Negative thoughts can lead to depression which affects the treatment process in a really bad way. If you find yourself overwhelmed by bad thoughts, it is a sign to make a move. Mindfulness practice is one method of releasing your attachment to thoughts, which can also help you clear your goals and perceive life situations more objectively. The process of reverting the old patterns of thinking acquires some time. Just try to be patient and work on knowing self better.

Alcoholism rehabilitation questions and answers

Do you still have questions about alcohol rehab? If you or anyone close to you is planning to enter treatment, you may have several questions about ensuring best results. We encourage you to ask questions and share any of your experiences on the subject and become a part of the dialogue via the comment form below. We will try to get back to you personally and promptly!

About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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