Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States. While occasional alcohol use is fine, some people have a hard time controlling how much they consume. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 28.9 million people suffered from an alcohol use disorder in 2023.[1]
If you have a problem with alcohol, it might be time to consider your treatment options. When you pick a substance abuse treatment facility, you want to be sure you are picking the right one for you. While this process can be confusing, there are some ways to make it easier.
When choosing a drug and alcohol rehab, make sure they offer services like medical detox, individualized treatment plans, medication-assisted treatment, and co-occurring mental health support. You’ll also want to choose a facility with the right levels of care and length of program.
What to Consider When Choosing an Alcohol Rehab Program
Not all rehab facilities are created equally.
There are several factors to look for that can indicate whether an alcohol recovery center is right for you, including:
Medical Detox
Alcohol addiction treatment programs should always offer medical detox. Alcohol withdrawal can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe and even life-threatening. Since you can experience dangerous symptoms like seizures, you should always receive medical care to help you overcome withdrawal.
Medical detox services include health monitoring, treatments like IV fluids, and medications to lessen your withdrawal symptoms. This facet of alcohol addiction treatment makes it easier for you to overcome the barriers to early recovery.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Some addiction treatment centers use a one-size-fits-all approach. This means that everyone in the program will receive the exact same services. While sometimes this can work, it is not ideal for every client.
Individualized treatment planning means you will receive services based on your specific needs. An in-depth assessment will be completed to determine what you need to get out of your treatment services. Then, a treatment plan will be created that includes specialized treatments and services to ensure you get the care you need.
Levels of Care
There are a variety of levels of care when it comes to addiction treatment. For example, there are inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient requires you to live at the facility and offers 24/7 care, while outpatient allows you to live at home and commute to treatment sessions a few times per week.
When you are picking an alcohol rehab center, you need to consider what level of care is best for you. If you have a moderate to severe substance use disorder or suffer from co-occurring mental health conditions, you should opt for an inpatient. On the other hand, those who have a supportive home to live in and need to continue working while attending rehab should choose outpatient.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a type of recovery support that involves using medications to limit withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings. It is extremely helpful in preventing you from experiencing a relapse during early recovery.
While most people associate MAT with opioid addiction, it can also be used for alcoholism. Medications like naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate can prevent you from craving alcohol in the early days of recovery.[2]
Co-Occurring Mental Health Services
Another thing to consider is whether the alcohol rehab offers dual diagnosis services. It is common for people with substance use disorders to also have underlying mental health conditions. Oftentimes, alcohol abuse begins as a result of untreated symptoms of mental illness.
Because of this, it is important to choose a program that offers mental health treatment at the same time as services for alcohol addiction recovery.
Length of Program
Lastly, you should consider the length of the program. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness,”[3]
Choosing a program lasting at least 90 days provides you with ample time to develop the tools and skills you need to maintain recovery outside of a treatment program.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center
If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Alcohol rehab centers are a form of health care that helps you learn how to stay sober and live a balanced, healthy lifestyle. At Palm City Wellness, we offer a combination of evidence-based and individualized care to ensure you get the support you need to make a full recovery.
Contact us today for more information on our alcohol recovery center near you. We are here to help you reach your alcoholism recovery goals and begin a new way of life.
References:
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment