Alcohol addiction is a pervasive problem in society and can be a crippling disease for those who suffer from it. It has long-lasting effects on one’s physical and mental health, as well as the capacity to do lasting damage to an addict’s relationships.
If you or your loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, the best course of action is to seek a treatment program that specializes in alcohol addiction, and in this article, we will break down what to expect from such a program.
Detox In an Inpatient Center
If you are looking to get treatment for alcohol addiction, the most effective option is an inpatient treatment program. Inpatient facilities offer a more comprehensive treatment approach with twenty-four-hour surveillance of your progress. The most notable benefit of this intensive care is the use of medically assisted detox. Detox is the process of flushing the drugs out of your system by abstaining from them so your body can return to its base state, and it is often the most challenging aspect of getting sober. For those struggling with alcohol addiction, the detoxing process will produce withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, fever, trembling, and more. In some cases, the withdrawal symptoms can be fatal. In an inpatient treatment center, your detox is monitored by doctors, and your withdrawal symptoms are managed through the use of medicine.
Outpatient Treatment is Also an Alternative
Outpatient treatment is a rehab program where the patient stays at home and visits the treatment center for scheduled appointments. Where they will discuss their addiction and seek therapy, outpatient treatment offers more flexibility as patients can still work and operate normally while seeking treatment. Additionally, the cost of an outpatient treatment for alcohol addiction is significantly lower than an inpatient one. The downside is that it is not as intensive a program, which could lead to a higher chance of relapse. However, some outpatient programs have the ability to send live-in nurses to monitor your detox process.
Working On Your Mind and Body
Unfortunately, once the detox portion of your treatment for alcohol addiction is over, there is still a long way to go. As we study the underlying causes of addiction, we see how mental health is often the root cause of addiction, so for a treatment for alcohol addiction program to work, we need to address the underlying causes that cause people to seek alcohol or other drugs as a coping mechanism.
The best treatment programs do this by having a holistic approach that targets both your mental and physical health. So that means eating right and getting physically active. Exercises such as yoga and meditation not only center the mind but also the body and have proven to be very beneficial in treating addiction. In terms of mental health, alcohol addiction treatment programs will often utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle the underlying issues of your addiction.
Alcohol Addiction Can Be Treated
For those in the throes of alcohol addiction, it can be hard to believe that you will get out of it, but with the right treatment program, it can be done. Look for a program that offers a holistic approach to treating your addiction and weigh the pros and cons of choosing an inpatient or outpatient program. With the right help, you can be well on your way to living a sober life.
