Alcohol Treatment

Alcohol treatment is the process of overcoming both physical and psychological addiction to alcohol. Upon entering an alcohol treatment center (or “alcohol rehab center”) the individual will first engage in the detox process.

ALCOHOL TREATMENT AND DETOX

Alcohol detox is a challenging process as the individual will stop drinking entirely. Depending upon how long the individual has been habitually using alcohol, this can be a very difficult process as their body must adjust to lack of this depressant drug in their system. For many, detox results in temporary withdrawal symptoms (see below) that may cause physical discomfort or psychological concerns such as depression, anxiety or anger.

Once alcohol detox is complete (and it must be completed) the individual will begin counseling. Individual counseling includes private one-on-one meetings with a counselor to help assess the reasons why the individual abuses alcohol. These sessions are the key to helping the individual come to terms with the reasons why they abuse alcohol and determine the appropriate steps that need to be taken in order to get them to stop.

Group counseling sessions include meeting with a counselor AND a group of other recovering alcoholics in the program. Group sessions are a good way for the individual to see that they are not alone in their suffering, and that others are going through the same circumstances. These meetings provide real breakthroughs for individuals who have long suffered in silence with their condition.

The two primary types of alcohol treatment are residential and outpatient rehab. With a residential program, the individual temporarily puts their life on hold so that they can move into a facility and receive care and treatment around the clock. These programs are a good choice for individuals who:

• Are a danger to themselves or others
• Face too many distractions or temptations in their home environment
• Need the care of medical and counseling professionals around the clock

The other form of treatment comes through outpatient alcohol treatment. With outpatient care, the individual will attend detox and counseling during the day, but is free to return home in the evening following treatment. Outpatient care is best suited to those who:

• Do not have a condition severe enough to require 24 hour care
• Need the strength and support of their families during rehab
• Have family, work or school responsibilities that must be attended to during treatment

WHAT ARE THE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS DURING ALCOHOL TREATMENT?

When an individual undergoes alcohol detox during treatment, it is likely that they will experience a series of withdrawal symptoms. While the severity of these withdrawal symptoms will vary according to the individual and the intensity and depth of their addiction, there are several common conditions found in most recovering alcoholics, including:

• Shakiness or seizures
• Irritability
• Anxiety and depression
• Mood swings
• Cravings for alcohol
• Hallucinations or seizures (only in extreme cases)

During detox these symptoms will last between a few days or weeks depending upon the severity of the individual’s alcoholism. They are not life threatening per se, but can cause high enough levels of discomfort that many will relapse into drinking as a result of withdrawal.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ALCOHOL TREATMENT IS OVER?

One of the most difficult transitions for a recovering alcoholic is not entering into treatment, but rather leaving rehab and re-entering the world. This transition is difficult for many reasons, including:

• Old friends. Sometimes, it is very difficult for recovering alcoholics to return to old social circles after they complete treatment. These individuals may be well-meaning, but might not be able to relate to the new “alcohol-free” version of their friend. They may also be unwilling to stop drinking in that person’s presence, making their continued sobriety more difficult.
• Old habits. Many recovering alcoholics find it difficult to enjoy their favorite pursuits or activities without alcohol. It is important then to find things to replace alcohol in their lives. Many will turn to exercise or holistic practices such as.
• Return to work or school. Alcoholism can bring about poor performance at work or school. That means when the individual leaves alcohol rehab, they may be behind in their classes, or forced to find a new job. The pressure to play “catch up” can be dangerous, as it will lead many individuals to relapse. For many people, sober living homes are ideal solution to this problem. In sober living, the individual can make a more gradual re-entry into society, living among other recovering addicts as they rebuild their confidence.

In order to help aid in these transitions, there are aftercare programs. Aftercare includes events such as 12-step meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous) and follow-up counseling. These programs provide the recovering addict with accountability and a place to work through challenges or concerns that may hamper their continued recovery.

TEEN ALCOHOL TREATMENT

One of the most unique, and important forms of alcohol treatment involves teenagers who have a drinking problem. Teens use alcohol more than any other drug, and as a result put their health and their future at risk.

Teen alcohol treatment resembles adult rehab in many ways, but there are some key differences which are designed to aid the recovery of young people. These differences include:

• A focus on teen issues. Teenagers drink for different reasons that adults, and therefore their counseling must address these core issues in order for the program to succeed. Some of the most common reasons why teens abuse alcohol include:

1. Problems at home. Divorce or parental conflict leads many teens to alcohol as a means of escaping personal pain.
2. Self-image issues. Teens who feel inadequate because of their looks may also escape into alcohol or drug abuse.
3. Peer pressure. It is a story as old as time. Kids will drink as a way to fit in with their peers.

• A safe environment. By creating a program that is open only to teens, the rehab facility is creating a safer environment where teens can feel more comfortable (and thus be more likely to open up and share their concerns and experiences).
• A family approach. Teen alcohol treatment programs involve the entire family in the treatment plan. Family members are urged to come in for treatment and will get essential advice on how to help the addicted family member stay sober and live a more fulfilling life.

Seasons Recovery Centers offers alcohol treatment from its luxury rehab facility in Malibu, California. The individualized care and personal attention from Seasons makes it one of the finest facilities in California for those seeking a luxury experience coupled with the most effective addiction treatment available. For more information, contact Seasons today.