It can be difficult to admit that you need help for a drinking problem. But if you or a loved one are facing chronic problems as a result of drinking, it can truly help to seek professional help.
So, who are the best candidates for rehab? When should you attend and what can you expect during the process? We review what happens in the rehab treatment of alcohol addiction here. Then, we invite your questions and comments about rehab in the section at the end. In fact, we will try our best to respond to your personally if you take the time to ask us a question directly.
Who needs alcohol rehabilitation?
There are often a number of different signs that someone needs professional help for a drinking problem. Typically, a physical dependence and tolerance to alcohol often indicate a need for medical and psychological treatment. Other signs that someone needs rehab may include:
- black outs or memory loss when drinking
- consuming more drinks than intended
- drinking longer than intended
- finding excuses to drink
- hiding alcohol consumption
- loss of control over drinking
- social, financial, career, legal, or health problems due to alcohol
Going to alcohol rehabilitation
For many, going to a rehab center can be nerve wrecking or even shameful. But alcohol rehabilitation is actually a process of medical treatment. Understanding what happens during rehabilitation can alleviate some of these fears. When going to seek professional help through a rehab center, you can expect many, if not all, of the following to happen:
1. First, an intake assessment to determine what’s going on for you. This usually includes a physical exam, blood/urine samples, and an interview or questionnaire.
2. Based on initial assessment, rehabs then suggest that best course of treatment. Sometimes, this will include a period in detox. Other times, you go directly into behavioral/psychological therapy.
3. Medical detox to help ease withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, when needed. 24-7 supervision is included, as well as medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and address cravings for alcohol.
4. Psychological treatments, such as individual, group, and family counseling. Behavioral therapy can also round out the psychological care that you receive.
5. Medications may be prescribed used to treat alcohol addiction.
6. Education sessions to help you understand alcoholism better.
7. Supportive services, such as educational and vocational help, or housing placement after you “graduate” from rehab.
The ultimate goal of any time in an alcoholic rehabilitation facility is to help a person maintain abstinence from alcohol. Ultimately, the best outcome of alcohol rehab is for a recovering alcoholic to learn how to cope without alcohol and stay alcohol-free for years, decades, or a lifetime after treatment.
Reasons to go to alcohol addiction rehabilitation
There’s really no reason NOT to try alcohol rehab, especially if you’re truly ready to make a change. By committing to treatment for alcohol addiction, you are taking a step toward a better life for you and your loved ones. If you’re still looking for reasons to go to alcohol addiction rehabilitation, consider these.
- Your physical, mental, and emotional health will improve.
- You can work on repairing relationships that have suffered from your drinking.
- You’ll save a great deal of money.
- You’ll be more productive in work or school.
- You won’t have to deal with a horrible hangover after drinking.
- You’ll be less likely to get into trouble with the law.
- You’ll no longer need to worry about blacking out and doing something embarrassing or dangerous.
Who is affected by alcohol addiction?
The effects of alcohol addiction reach far and wide, starting with the alcoholics themselves. Alcoholism can lead to a number of physical health problems, such as liver disease and high blood pressure; studies have shown that alcoholics are also at a higher risk of suffering from strokes and cancer. Alcohol abuse can also lead effect an alcoholics social and professional life, and even lead to legal problems.
Alcoholism does not just affect the alcoholic, though. It can tear apart families, since many people find it impossible to live with an alcoholic. Alcohol addiction can even endanger members of a community, particularly if an alcoholic chooses to drink and drive.
The benefits of alcohol addiction rehabilitation, however, also spread far and wide. By successfully completing treatment, a person can restore health and self-control. Families and communities also benefit from alcohol rehabilitation, since a recovering alcoholic is safer, more productive, and a stable member of society.
Alcohol addiction rehabilitation questions
Do you still have questions about the addiction rehabilitation process? Please let us know. We will be happy to help answer your questions or refer you to someone who can help.
Reference Sources: Medline Plus: Alcohol use disorder
State of Kentucky: Signs of alcoholism
NIAAA: Alcohol effects on the body
USDA: EAPs and Alcohol
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