An Introduction to Alcohol Rehabilitation

The stigma surrounding alcoholism could be on it’s way down, which will inevitably help alcoholics in seeking treatment. It’s much easier to seek help when the personal shame in admitting a problem is not as big a factor, but that doesn’t mean alcoholics or their family members know what to expect from rehabilitation, despite popular television shows such as “Intervention” and Freedom Network’s “Recovery Road” painting a dramaticized picture of alcoholism and the effects on an individual and their loved ones. There are numerous factors, details and concerns when someone makes a decision to seek professional help to treat their alcohol addiction, and preparedness is an invaluable “tool” to arm oneself with before beginning their journey towards recovery and a healthier, happier life.

Preliminary Treatment Plans & Assessment

For an individual entering a residential rehabilitation program, an intake procedure is often the first step. A clinical team member, trained and skilled in conducting this procedure, will assess the individual’s medical needs, address their goals for rehabilitation and ultimately tailor an individualized treatment program that will yield the desired results for the person in question. Factors such as mental health, physical health problems, emotional illnesses and family history of alcoholism or abuse are all considered and used to determine the right course of action, whether it be a carefully supervised detox procedure or professional counselling with a trained addiction specialist.

Alcohol Detox Help & Procedure

After a thorough initial assessment, it will be determined whether a client will be in need of medication to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms to aid in ceasing their alcohol abuse. This is commonly known as “detoxing” and could be essential to saving someone’s life and ensuring their success in continued treatment. Specific health problems are always the top priority when someone will be undergoing a detox procedure from alcohol.

Support & Counselling For Alcoholism in Rehab

Following the detox procedure for alcohol abuse, clients will receive support from others participating in the rehabilitation program that are present at the residence as well as from trained team members and addiction specialists. Alcoholics in recovery are taught coping skills and are offered a variety of counselling options to prepare them for the early stresses of an alcohol free life, which is vital in preventing relapse.

Residential Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment Compared to Outpatient Treatment

There is no one size fits all approach to treating alcoholism, or helping the mothers, fathers, daughters and sons affected by this gut wrenching and debilitating disease. Any counselling or treatment is helpful when the alternative is to remain on the path of self-destruction, but less intense, “part-time” approaches are often not successful. According to statistics concerning recovery, a 30 day or longer treatment plan at a residential alcohol treatment facility are the most effective ways of combating alcoholism, as they allow the individual to leave outside concerns at the door and focus on the most important things which are sobriety and recovery. While statistics are helpful in informing us that a residential treatment program is the best option, it is important to note that the decision to enter into this form of treatment requires a great deal of courage. Making the commitment to gain self control, deal with underlying psychological issues and harness emotions is no easy task, and requires a distraction free setting engineered specifically for an individual’s success. Residential treatment plans offer a setting that makes true personal change possible, and prepares clients for outpatient options such as 12-step programs, sober living arrangements and outside counselling as well as a life with more happiness, meaning and fulfillment without the burden of alcoholism and addiction looming over one’s head.