Taking ownership of your alcohol addiction and deciding to seek help for it is a huge step. And if you have no idea what you’re getting into, it can make the decision more challenging.
Keep reading to understand better what you or a loved one might experience while undergoing treatment services.
Alcohol Detoxification
The first part of rehab for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often to detox the substance from your body. The severity of your addiction will factor strongly into whether that is an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
Medical care may include administering medication, IV fluids, and supplements as part of the process, especially for inpatient rehab. Your vital signs may also be monitored.
You’ll undergo different assessments to determine your readiness for the next steps. Full detoxification can take several weeks, and you’ll need to attend multiple appointments during that time.
Follow-Up Inpatient Or Outpatient Treatment
Once you’ve detoxed, you’ll enter inpatient or outpatient treatment. This can include multiple types of therapy, usually in a combination of individual and group settings.
You may take medicine that makes drinking less appealing, also known as medication-assisted treatment. Disulfiram makes you feel sick when you drink, while naltrexone and acamprosate reduce cravings. All three help you cope with alcohol withdrawal.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can happen in a one-on-one appointment with a mental healthcare provider, or it can be a group treatment. Part of your assessments will determine which kinds of behavioral therapy might work best for your unique situation.
Common types of behavioral therapy for substance abuse include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Marital and family therapy
Group Therapy
Sitting around in a group of people you don’t know and spilling your guts about your problems may seem daunting to you. But when you adjust that perspective to account for those strangers going through similar challenges, it’s not so bad suddenly.
Studies have shown that peer support increases the success of substance abuse treatment. Even if your family members are supportive, they sometimes can’t understand what addiction recovery is like.
Aftercare
As you develop tools and coping mechanisms, your time in treatment will decrease. However, it’s essential to continue with regular meetings and therapy sessions to stay in recovery. You’ll want to maintain that regimen with your healthcare provider if you’re on medication.
You may need additional help to change your lifestyle and living situation. Sober living communities can be a great way to break out of your old normal and start anew.