Taking the first step towards sobriety is not easy and often requires the support of others. However, that is not to say a healthy and sober life is not achievable, in fact there are now more treatment options available than ever before. Many people suffering with addiction find themselves avoiding alcohol treatment centers because they are uncertain what’s involved. In this article we examine what’s involved in alcohol rehab in an attempt to demystify the process and encourage more people to reach out for help.
Steps Involved in Alcohol Rehab
Everyone is different and each patient entering rehab will have a different experience based on their individual treatment needs. The initial steps are important in establishing the best treatment methodology to use for the most effective rehabilitation of each patient attending alcohol rehab centers. The majority of recovery processes share the same key elements which are as follows:
- Admission
- Detoxification
- Rehabilitation
- Ongoing Recovery
Admission
The initial days of rehab are focused on evaluation and assessment of each patient. Alcohol addiction and dependence is a complex area that is not ‘cured’ by simply abstaining. Before treatment can begin in earnest, it is imperative to identify the issues that are the root cause of the patient’s negative relationship with alcohol.
A new patient will be counseled through the process of communicating their backstory, which they may not be able to establish for themselves. Many people entering rehab do not have the self-awareness to truly understand their addiction issues or how their compulsion to use developed. Evaluation and assessment undertaken by a medical specialist is useful in guiding patients through a journey of understanding that is invaluable in supporting and motivating them through treatment.
Detoxification
Once a patient has been thorough evaluated and assessed both physically and mentally, they will then be required to detox. The detox process is more complex than a patient just abstaining from drinking as there are likely to be withdrawal symptoms that have to be overcome. It is impossible to determine how an individual will respond to abstinence and much depends on how long they have been drinking, what kind of drink they have favored and also their age.
There are significant benefits of undergoing detox in alcohol rehab centers which include 24-hour medical supervision. Should someone experience serious withdrawal symptoms, there is qualified staff on-hand to assist immediately. Studies have shown that people are less likely to detox successfully on their own than if they were in a facility where there is full access to medical support.
Rehabilitation
There are different types of rehab options available including inpatient, outpatient and a combination of both. Whether a patient opts for residential or outpatient care, the treatment protocols are likely to be the same and will be tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Rehabilitation is the bridge between detox and recovery that equips patients with the tools to cope with a life in sobriety. There are numerous therapy approaches and methodologies that are effective in addiction treatment including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Medical prescriptions
- Holistic Treatments including adventure therapy and acupuncture
- Mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation
- Individual and group therapy sessions
Individual and group therapy is an invaluable part of treatment for alcoholism for the following reasons:
- Counselors can guide patients through a process to achieve self-acceptance
- Group sessions provide an environment based on trust and understanding
- The bonds formed can provide a valuable support network for a life in sobriety
- Patients learn to communicate their thoughts and feelings more effectively
Ongoing Recovery
Once a patient has completed rehab and returned to their daily lives, they continue to be in recovery for many years to come. Successful alcohol rehabilitation arms patients with all the weapons they need to combat their issues in sobriety and that includes the self-confidence they need for successful recovery. For many people, rehab opens a window into their emotions that gives them a fresh perspective of their lives and a brighter outlook for the future.
Much of the benefit of rehab is the personal growth patients achieve from the moment they are admitted to when they are discharged. Specialist rehab is undoubtedly the most effective way of ensuring a long and healthy because it introduces patients to new experiences and challenges that can assist them in the future. Learning how to communicate when someone is dealing with strong urges to drink or is having difficulty processing an unpleasant situation is an important takeaway from group therapy sessions that can protect against relapse.