What Does Effective Treatment for Alcoholism Entail?
There are roughly 15 million people in this country diagnosed with alcoholism. Of these 15 million
people, only 7 percent received treatment for alcoholism in the past year.
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, read further. You’ll find more on how to find out what effective treatment for alcoholism entails. Finding the right treatment may save the one you love the most.
Finding Treatment for Alcoholism
Are you or someone you love looking for treatment for alcohol addiction? Here are a few factors to
consider when you begin your search.
Alcoholism Treatment Facility Models
When it comes to alcohol addiction treatment, there are different treatment facility options. Here are
some examples of effective alcoholism treatment facility models.
Inpatient Treatment Program
An inpatient treatment program is in a hospital. These facilities watch patients 24 hours a day to
stabilize their addiction symptoms.
Outpatient Treatment Program
An outpatient treatment center provides tests and medical services. Patients receive these services
patients without having them stay overnight. A patient continues to stay with their home and job and
return at scheduled times for treatments.
Residential Treatment Center
Residential treatment centers are home-like health care facilities. They offer short interventions, only lasting a few days or weeks.
They also provide longer-term treatment lasting many months. The Ohana Hawaii is one such
example. They are a residential recovery center that’s dedicated to effective alcoholism treatment.
Therapeutic Community
A therapeutic community is another alcoholism treatment model. At these facilities, both patients and treatment providers live onsite. This therapeutic community approach teaches patients how to make lifestyle changes.
Alcoholism Treatment Plans
Effective alcoholism treatment plans have some common characteristics. These characteristics
include the following:
Detoxification/ Withdrawal
Treatment begins with a managed detoxification. This process takes place under a doctor’s care.
Detox programs take place at hospitals or inpatient treatment centers. These stays last between two and seven days.
Behavioral Counseling
This counseling level also starts at inpatient treatment centers. Patients set goals, use self-help
resources and habit-change techniques. Counseling can help patients harness the positive energy
they need for their recovery.
Psychological Counseling
Alcoholism is usually a symptom of another mental health condition. Counseling will help patients
better understand their drinking problem. Patients will also learn how it could reflect other mental
health disorders. These other disorders could include anxiety or depression.
Medication
Another component of treatment for alcohol addiction includes dispensing medications. Medical
practitioners dispense medications such as Naltrexone and Acamprosate.
These drugs block cravings once you stop consuming. Medical professionals will also administer
Vivitrol injections once a month. Vivitrol blocks the good feelings caused by alcohol.
Ongoing Support
Support groups and aftercare programs help patients continue their hard work to recover. This means helping patients work through relapses and make necessary lifestyle changes. This support may include medical or psychological care or attending a support group.
What Are Your Next Steps for Recovery?
Ask your doctor for their input on the best facilities near you for treatment for alcoholism. Verify your
other professional and personal commitments. See if an outpatient or residential treatment provider
would work best for you.
You’ll also find more self-care help on our website. Check out our best self-care apps. You’ll find
information there on addiction recovery and other self-care routines. Let us help put you back on the road to good health in no time.