Alcohol Treatment | How Alcohol Rehab Works

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 14 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction.

AUD affects everyone differently, which means recovery programs should be comprehensive and tailored to your individual needs.

Both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs address the mental and behavioral challenges of addiction. An accredited alcohol rehab center will offer a wide range of evidence-based treatment options, which may include behavioral therapy, 12-step groups, and medication.

Assessment & Detox

A treatment provider will evaluate you to determine your needs and create a personalized treatment plan. With the help of your treatment team, you can determine the level of care that is best for you.

Both inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities offer a wide range of treatment services that focus on addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Detoxification is typically the first stage of substance abuse treatment if you have an alcohol dependency.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and a medical detox program provides constant support and supervision to help you recover safely. Doctors, nurses, and clinicians will monitor you and may provide medical care or medication for severe symptoms.

Inpatient Rehab

An inpatient rehab program offers a healthy environment to recover from alcohol addiction.

Inpatient rehab, also known as residential treatment, provides structure and support with 24/7 supervision. Inpatient treatment allows you to remove yourself from the stresses of your daily life and focus on recovery.

The following professionals may be involved with your care during inpatient rehab:

• doctors
• nurses
• alcohol counselor
• psychiatrists
• therapists
• social worker
• case manager

Structured Daily Schedule

At an inpatient treatment facility, you will have a structured daily schedule of comprehensive services that fit your treatment needs. Each day, you will have time to interact with peers, relax, and engage in healthy activities.

Your daily schedule may include:

• behavioral therapy
• individual counseling 
• group therapy
• dual diagnosis treatment (for co-occurring disorders)
• 12-step facilitation
• holistic activities like yoga or meditation
• nature walks
• medication management

Inpatient rehab is an effective treatment option for anyone struggling with alcohol addiction. It may be a more effective treatment option for those who have attempted other forms of treatment, have a co-occurring mental health condition, or have a severe substance use disorder.

Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient rehab programs are a flexible alternative to residential treatment. Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home while traveling to scheduled treatment sessions. If outpatient rehab is right for you, it can offer many of the same benefits as inpatient treatment.

Most outpatient programs offer the following services:

• individual counseling
• group therapy
• behavioral therapy
• family therapy
• addiction education
• support groups

Day Treatment/Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A PHP, also known as day treatment, is the most structured form of outpatient rehab. A PHP requires you to attend treatment sessions around 5 days each week and up to 6 hours each day.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An IOP is more flexible than a PHP and requires at least 3 days of treatment sessions each week for an average of 9 treatment hours each week. Some people choose to attend an IOP after completing a detox and PHP program.

Types Of Alcohol Treatment Services

To meet each person’s individual needs, alcohol rehab programs provide a wide range of treatment services.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is one of the most common and supported ways to heal from alcohol addiction. There are several types of behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management.

These types of therapies help you learn to recognize and change behaviors associated with alcohol use.

Support Groups

Peer support groups help you connect with others and share similar experiences in a safe environment.

Many alcohol rehab programs incorporate 12-step therapy, which is based on the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. 12-step groups can be effective and increase the chance of you joining a community-based support group after rehab ends.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for alcohol use disorder treatment. These medications can help reduce alcohol use and prevent relapse, especially when combined with counseling.

FDA-approved medications for alcohol addiction include:

• disulfiram (Antabuse)
• naltrexone
• acamprosate (Campral)

Aftercare

Once you complete an inpatient or outpatient rehab program, your case manager will likely connect you with aftercare services. Learning to maintain abstinence and healthy well-being can be difficult without the constant support of specialists.

Aftercare services help you safely transition out of treatment and promote long-term recovery. Aftercare services may include sober living options, job assistance, support groups, and counseling.

How To Find A Local Rehab Program

If your alcohol use is interfering with your daily life or causing you harm, you may benefit from an alcohol addiction treatment program.

The following tools may help you find a rehab program in your area:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Locator Tool
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Alcohol Treatment Navigator
• asking your primary healthcare provider
• contacting local addiction treatment centers

If you or a loved one would like to learn about our alcohol rehab program, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today to speak with a specialist.