Alcohol Treatment 101

Many men and women are intimidated by the thought of entering into an alcohol treatment program.   To help ease fear and anxiety, here are a few choice peaces of information concerning what you need to know before you select an alcohol treatment program.

What are the Different Types of Alcoholism Treatment?

There are two main styles of alcohol treatment center in the United States:  inpatient and outpatient.   Inpatient alcohol rehab has the individual moving into the facility full time so that they may focus solely on their recovery.   These programs are staffed round-the-clock by treatment professionals who insure that the individual's every need is cared for, and they receive the proper support and counseling that will keep them from relapsing.   Outpatient alcohol treatment is designed to help those individuals who may have a less serious alcoholism problem, or are unable to put their lives on hold in order to receive care in a residential program.   These programs offer many of the same core processes as residential care, but have the individual attending treatment during the day - and then returning home or to a sober living facility at night.

Few Who Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment Actually Receive It

Research has found that only about 1 in 10 people who need alcohol rehab ever actually receive the professional help they so desperately need.  While there are a number of reasons for this low number, including lack of information, no support structure to help get the individual into treatment, financial reasons, etc., it is a sadder fact than ever.   Those individuals who enter into an alcohol rehab program - take part in counseling and detox there, stand a much better chance of achieving and maintaining sobriety than those who do not receive any professional help.

Need Help Paying for Alcohol Rehab?

One of the biggest obstacles to receiving proper alcohol treatment is the price of care.   Some of the most high-end residential alcohol rehab centers can cost upwards of several thousand dollars per week to attend.  Even standard outpatient care priced at much less may be out of the reach of families that have seen their finances thrown into chaos as a result of addiction.  To help, the individual may now turn to their health care insurance provided - many of whom now offer coverage for all or some of treatment under their mental health plans.   In addition, there are a number of outstanding alcohol rehab centers that are working with private lenders to help provide financing for those who qualify.   While this does not remove the cost of treatment, it spreads payment out over a longer period of time - until the family is back on its feet financially.

What Goes on During Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment?

There are three core components that make up the bulk of most alcohol rehab programs:  detox, counseling and aftercare.   Detox helps the individual address the physical component of addiction - giving them a chance to "dry out" and achieve sobriety for what is likely the first time in a long time.   Counseling comes next with sessions that help the individual understand why they are addicted to alcohol - and develop strategies to make better decisions moving forward.    Finally there is aftercare - programs that help the individual prepare for the transition back into their daily lives following treatment.