Addiction to alcohol is commonly referred to as alcoholism. Alcoholism is a serious issue that, if left untreated, can lead to a lifetime of negative physical, mental, and social symptoms. According to alcohol abuse statistics, as of 2020, over 10% of people over the age of 12 are living with alcohol abuse disorder or alcoholism. This life-threatening disease takes over lives and can even lead to death in those who don’t get help. Fortunately, treatment for alcoholism is available and can help people learn vital techniques, utilize helpful information, and lean on supportive communities in order to obtain lasting recovery. But, it can be challenging to make the decision to get help for a person struggling with alcoholism. So, it can be helpful to understand what to expect during treatment for alcoholism in order for these people to feel more confident in getting the help they need and taking the first steps to healing.
Some things you can expect from an alcohol treatment program may include:
What is Treatment for Alcoholism?
Treatment for alcoholism is often called other terms including alcohol rehab, alcohol rehabilitation, alcohol treatment, etc. All these terms refer to the treatment of alcohol addiction or alcoholism. The consumption of alcohol can lead to physical dependence which means the body begins to require the consumption of alcohol in order to function properly. This results in a person’s need to consume alcohol in order to avoid the consequences of withdrawal which can include nausea, cold sweats, vomiting, headaches, tremors, and even seizures.
Treatment for alcoholism can help people who have developed an addiction to alcohol get the help they need to become sober and relieve their dependence on alcohol. This way, individuals who struggle with alcoholism don’t have to experience the debilitating and life-altering effects of alcoholism any longer.
There are many forms of alcohol addiction treatment. First, depending on the severity of the addiction, it may be suggested that a person utilize detoxification services and residential treatment. After residential treatment, step-down methods like PHPs, IOPs, and outpatient treatment can help to improve the outcomes of treatment.
Who Should Consider Using Alcoholism Treatment?
People who are living with an addiction to alcohol can benefit from an alcoholism addiction program. Some signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction can include:
- drinking even though you have noticed and experienced negative consequences of drinking
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not drinking
- drinking more than the average person to experience wanted results
- experiencing negative emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, shame, and guilt
- spending much of your time thinking about, getting, and consuming alcohol
What Can I Expect When I First Get Help?
When you first get help for alcohol addiction, you can expect:
Evaluation: An initial assessment will help your addiction specialists and a team of doctors gain the information they need about your symptoms, previous history with addiction, and family history in order to make an informed decision about your care.
Treatment Planning: Once an initial assessment is concluded, you and your mental health advisors will determine the best course of action for your treatment which can include which programs you should utilize, the time you’ll spend in treatment, and any medications you may be suggested to use.
Treatment Management: After treatment planning, your treatment can begin. This can include a number of different types of traditional and holistic therapies such as prescription medications, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and holistic therapies like yoga and meditation.
Get Help for Alcohol Addiction at Delray Center for Recovery
Ready to take the first step to take your life back from alcoholism? Delray Center for Recovery is here for you. Find out more about what you can expect from our alcoholism treatment program at our Delray Beach facility on our website and reach out today.