Inpatient Alcohol Rehab in California

There are two primary types of alcohol rehabilitation centers in California:  inpatient and outpatient.   While outpatient alcohol rehab has worked effectively for countless individuals suffering from alcoholism, there is something powerful about inpatient care that makes it the treatment style of choice for thousands and thousands of Californians each year.   The following is a look at inpatient alcohol rehab in California - and why it is the preferred method of treatment for so many.

What Happens During Inpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

There are three major components that make up the bulk of most inpatient alcohol rehab programs in the state of California:  detox, counseling and aftercare.

Alcohol detox is the "drying out" period in which the individual ceases the intake of alcohol so that their body has a chance to detoxify.   When an individual goes through detox, they may experience a number of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms (aching joints, sleeplessness, restlessness, depression, etc.).   While none of these symptoms are life threatening per se, they often lead to relapse if not closely monitored.

Next comes counseling - a chance to address the psychological addiction to alcohol.   Counseling and therapy are vital parts of the process because they address the issue of alcoholism at the core - with the individual learning how to make better decisions and cope with the life stressors that in the past have led to problem drinking.  There are three different core types of alcohol counseling:  individual (one-on-one private meetings with a therapist), group (sharing experiences with other recovering addicts in the program) and family (where loved ones can share their feelings about the individual's alcoholism).

Finally, there is alcohol rehab aftercare.   Aftercare programs help the individual make a transition back into their daily lives following treatment.   These programs are encompassed by a wide variety of disciplines and activities, including: 12-step groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), follow-up counseling and sober living homes where the individual can spend weeks or months to get back on their feet.

Who Needs Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?

Loved ones who are concerned that their family member may have a drinking problem need to know whether or not the time has come to consider alcohol rehab.  The following is a list of classic signs and symptoms that

• Drinking throughout the day. Alcoholics will drink at non-socially acceptable signs of the day, including the morning or at work.
• Poor performance at work or school. Individuals with a drink problem may experience a sudden drop off in their performance on the job or in the classroom as a result of being intoxicated or hung-over.
• Lack of interest in friends and activities. When an individual falls under the control of alcohol, they lose interest in friends and family - and the activities they once held dear and found compelling.
• Dangerous behavior. An alcoholic may put themselves or others at risk as a result of their drinking. Most commonly, this occurs when the individual drives or operates heavy machinery while under the influence of alcohol.