Alcohol Addiction Treatment: Where to Start?

Alcohol addiction is a complex issue that affects millions of people from various backgrounds around the world. With the rate it causes long-term illnesses and leads to loss of life, confronting this hidden epidemic is important. Nonetheless, the journey to recovery is not a walk in the park; it rolls out lots of challenges that prove difficult to handle alone. Fortunately, alcohol rehab programs offer help to anyone struggling to break free from alcohol addiction. Most professional alcohol rehab services in New Jersey offer different types of treatment to aid recovery, manage withdrawal symptoms, and curb alcohol cravings.

Read on to learn about various alcohol addiction treatments, so you can know where to start your path to recovery.

Categories Of Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment MAT:

Medication-assisted treatment is an extensive approach that integrates medications into alcohol addiction treatment. MAT utilizes FDA-approved medications to help reduce cravings and manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These medications, when used in conjunction with therapy, offer a more holistic and successful path to recovery. MAT not only aids individuals in overcoming physical dependence but also addresses the underlying psychological aspects of addiction.

Talk Therapy / Psychological Counseling:

Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is an essential component of alcohol addiction treatment. Different branches of therapy can be found in talk therapy; for example: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. The therapies play significant roles in alcohol addiction treatment as they are used to tackle the underlying psychological aspects of alcohol addiction. Talk therapy is employed during individual counseling sessions, group counseling, and family counseling. Psychotherapy helps people rediscover themselves, develop coping skills, and set achievable goals for long-term sobriety.

Holistic Therapies:

Holistic therapies take a mind-body-spirit approach to alcohol addiction treatment. These therapies, such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and mindfulness practices, focus on healing the whole person rather than solely addressing the addiction. This treatment approach promotes relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, which all work together to contribute to a more balanced and centered recovery journey.

12-Step Programs:

The 12-step program, famously known as Alcoholics Anonymous, is a structured approach that encourages self-reflection, acceptance, and personal responsibility. Participants work through a series of steps aimed at addressing character flaws, making amends, and embracing a higher power or spirituality. This spiritual component can be empowering for individuals seeking meaning and purpose beyond their addiction.

Types Of Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

The afore-discussed alcohol addiction treatment categories are offered in well-structured rehab programs. Let us explore the most prominent alcohol addiction treatment programs:

Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (Residential Treatment):

Inpatient rehabilitation involves residing at a specialized treatment facility for a predetermined period. Designed to be intensive in a structured environment and away from external distractions. These programs offer around-the-clock support to patients, hence, it is ideal for individuals with severe addiction or those who may struggle to maintain sobriety in their usual environment. Also, inpatient rehab programs offer detoxification, individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. In some cases, they offer skill-building classes to equip patients with the tools needed for lasting recovery.

Partial Hospitalization Program

The Partial Hospitalization Program PHP is an intermediate level of care that bridges the gap between inpatient and outpatient treatment. It offers a structured and comprehensive treatment approach for individuals seeking intensive support while still maintaining some level of independence. In a PHP, individuals attend treatment sessions during the day at a specialized facility but return home or to a supportive living environment in the evenings. This arrangement allows patients to apply the skills learned in treatment to real-life situations while still benefiting from the guidance of medical professionals and therapists.

The PHP typically includes a combination of individual and group therapy sessions, educational workshops, and various evidence-based treatments. The program focuses on detoxification, if necessary, relapse prevention, coping strategies, and building a strong support system.

Outpatient Programs:

Outpatient programs provide flexibility for individuals who wish to continue their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment. As opposed to inpatient rehab programs that house patients for the treatment period, outpatient programs allow patients to keep going to work and other daily activities. Outpatient programs can be categorized into intensive and regular outpatient programs. The difference between these two is in the number of hours required for each program. Intensive outpatient programs require more hours, while regular outpatient programs require fewer hours.

Both categories of outpatient care allow patients to attend scheduled therapy sessions, counseling, and support group meetings during the day, evening, or weekend. Outpatient treatment is suitable for those with a stable and supportive home environment and a less severe addiction. It allows individuals to apply learned coping mechanisms in real-life situations.

Aftercare and Continuing Support:

After completing a formal treatment inpatient or outpatient rehab program, the journey to recovery continues with aftercare and ongoing support. Aftercare may involve outpatient follow-up, regular check-ins with a counselor, or participation in alumni support groups. This aspect of alcohol addiction treatment helps individuals maintain their sobriety and share their ongoing experience with their therapist or like-minded people in their support groups. Aftercare support also helps prevent relapse and improves the chances of achieving long-term sobriety.