If there is one decision you’ll live to be proud of is the choice of getting help for alcoholism. However, before enrolling to any alcohol abuse treatment program, you should first understand the types of aids and services each program entails. While some alcohol treatment programs focus on the actual drinking problem only, other programs are designed to deliver a holistic approach towards comprehensive treatment.
It is estimated that more than 7% of the adult population in the U.S. have drinking problems and almost half of that percentage suffer from alcoholism. In fact, research studies suggest that this is not only a national problem, but a global one for that matter. Now, back to the treatment programs, studies have shown that these alcohol abuse treatment programs are categorized into various modalities. Perhaps it’s because not one treatment approach can fully treat and get a victim off the chains of alcoholism.
While there is a thin line that distinguishes between problem drinking and alcoholism, treatment approaches can vary from one individual to another. However, the first stage in most of these programs starts with detoxification. In this stage, the victim’s body tries to clear itself of drugs gradually, without causing serious physiological effects brought by sudden alcohol withdrawal. But as mentioned earlier, no single treatment plan can be depended upon. That’s why alongside detoxification, other treatment options must be tried. By doing this, you are able to address not only psychological concerns, but also behavioral and social problems caused by addiction.
In substance abuse treatment programs, there are various options for people with drug abuse and drinking problems. These options include.
Inpatient Rehab
This is an addiction treatment center with structured treatment programs for those struggling with alcohol addiction. If you, your friend or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism and is in need of constant treatment care, this is the right option. Such centers a have robust and comprehensive alcohol abuse treatment program that involves on-site monitoring and counseling, which can range between 6 and 12 months. Many of this rehabs even offer employment training among other support services. The services are geared to help patients overcome destructive life patterns and embrace new ways of channeling stress, instead of drinking.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Depending on the services offered, these centers differ from one to the other. Unlike inpatient rehab, this one is relatively cheap and most convenient for busy patients who may want the treatment but they lack time to visit the centers. However, you should note that there is one outpatient treatment model that is similar to residential programs in service approach delivery.
Counselling
This can either take the form of individual drug counseling or group counseling. But whichever type of counseling you or your doctor chooses, the idea is to address both social and behavioral patterns that affect you. For instance, personal counseling will help you develop coping strategies and the ability to control addiction urges. Group counseling, on the other hand, will try and re-pattern you socializing skills and improve on contingency management. Studies show that when these two form of counseling are combined, positive results are achieved and the victim can enjoy a drug-free lifestyle.
