Alcoholism Rehab
Alcoholism rehab is a must if you have a dependency to alcohol.
Alcoholism is a deadly addiction that is not only persistent, it’s destructive. Set in various stages, alcoholism begins with an increased tolerance to alcohol that over time results in the need to drink more and more in order to get the same effects. Overtime, alcoholism becomes visibly marked by a near constant need to drink, delusions, irrational behaviors and various physical conditions including liver and kidney problems, jaundice, respiratory infection and ultimately death. Luckily, there is alcoholism rehab which provide safe and effective treatment for individuals suffering from alcoholism to regain control of their lives and live free from alcohol addiction.
Who Needs Alcoholism Rehab?
Alcoholism affects 2.5 times more men than it does women. Although alcoholism does affect more men than it does women, this in no way means that women are spared of this deadly disease. Alcoholism progresses more rapidly in women than it does for men making alcoholism rehab crucial for both sexes. Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, alcoholism rehab can be a very beneficial step towards a life free from alcohol addiction.
Alcoholism rehab is necessary for anyone who is physically dependent on alcohol and who has tried to stop drinking but has failed. Men and women who drink regularly, have been in trouble as a result of their drinking, have suffered negative consequences such as troubles with family, work, school or the law as a result of drinking or who have tried to stop drinking but have relapsed are all candidates for alcoholism rehab.
Services Provided at Alcoholism Rehab
Alcoholism rehab centers provide a range of services that can help an alcoholic overcome the physical and psychological dependence that they have on alcohol. Most often, alcoholism rehab begins with alcohol detox and is then followed by a range of alcoholism counseling methods and other therapies. At the conclusion of an alcoholism rehab program the addict is provided with contact information and other resources for aftercare or follow up care.
Alcohol Detox at Alcoholism Rehab Centers
Alcohol detox is the very first step of any alcoholism rehab program. This is also the most dangerous part of the alcohol addiction treatment process because the withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol detox can not only become uncomfortable or even painful, they can be deadly. During the alcohol detox process, an individual suffering from alcoholism may experience the following withdrawal symptoms that will be closely monitored by the physician on staff at the alcoholism rehab center:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Chills
- Sweats
- Tremors
- DTs
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blackouts
- Convulsions
In most cases, alcohol detox will be complete and the individual will be completely free from the physical dependence on alcohol within a few days to at most two weeks. In some severe cases the alcohol detox process could take a bit longer.
Counseling at Alcoholism Rehab Centers
Once the individual is no longer physically dependent on alcohol treatment for the psychological aspect of alcoholism can begin. Alcoholism rehab programs usually offer a range of counseling services which include individual counseling, group counseling and family counseling. Counseling is the core component of any alcoholism rehab program. The addict will spend time with a counselor or therapist both on an individual basis as well as on a group basis where they will learn how to prevent relapse and recognize the triggers that result in their desire to drink.
Individual Counseling at Alcoholism Rehab Centers
Individual counseling is one-on-one therapy that is conducted between the counselor or therapist and the alcoholic. During individual counseling sessions at alcoholism rehab centers the addict receives therapy and educational support from a counselor in a private session where they can discuss individual concerns, life events and other conditions which may have lead to the individual becoming an alcoholic. Individual counseling provides the addict a safe place where they can talk about nearly anything and get some guidance and help with finding real world solutions to their alcoholism.
Group Counseling at Alcoholism Rehab Centers
Group counseling sessions are provided as a means of helping addicts to come together with their peers and discuss their addiction. Here, addicts are encouraged to share with the group in a positive and effective manner and finger pointing is strictly prohibited. Group counseling at alcoholism rehab centers provide addicts with peer support and an opportunity to share the triumphs and tribulations of alcoholism and their recovery process.
Family Counseling at Alcoholism Rehab Centers
Family counseling is not always provided at alcoholism rehab centers and is a relatively new addition to the alcoholism treatment program. During family counseling sessions, the families and loved ones of those attending an alcoholism rehab program are able to get some emotional support and educational guidance that will help them to better understand alcoholism and also to help them better support their loved on who is in the recovery process. Family counseling is provided because many alcoholism rehab centers recognize the fact that it’s not just the alcoholic who suffers from alcoholism, it’s everybody around the alcoholic as well.
Follow Up Care at Alcoholism Rehab Centers
Once an addict completes treatment at an alcoholism rehab center they can return home but this is not always a simple task. Once the individual returns to the real world they are faced with daily temptations and triggers that could potentially add up to relapse. Aftercare or follow up care is a way for alcoholism rehab centers to help addicts continue to receive the proper support and care that they need to continue to maintain their sobriety despite no longer being in an inpatient treatment program. Various types of counseling and other programs are offered to help individuals continue to live sober. The most common aftercare program tends to be the 12 step Alcoholics Anonymous program which offers group meetings throughout the country for those recovering from alcoholism.