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Alcoholism Addiction Treatment
The first step to breaking the addiction is to seek the counsel of a healthcare provider and/or addiction therapy specialist who has the expertise to make an evaluation and design a treatment program, based on individual needs. Like all addictions, treating alcohol dependence is complex and there is no one-size-fits-all formula to facilitate recovery. Depending on circumstances, treatment may involve one or more of the following: intervention, residential or outpatient program, counseling, medication, nutrition management, and/or ongoing support program participation. To successfully recover from an addiction, external treatment is usually necessary and often includes different alcoholism addiction treatment approaches to achieve positive outcomes and sustain long-term management of the disease. Following is a summary of alcohol addiction treatment options. Interventions Brief interventions may be utilized when alcohol consumption is abusive or dangerous to the drinker -- or those around him or her. Goals typically include:
Interventions usually consist of one to four counseling sessions by a trained interventionist who may be a doctor, psychologist, or social worker. Strategies such as motivational interviewing are used to persuade resistant individuals who do not believe their drinking is harmful or hazardous. Residential Programs Residential or inpatient alcoholism addiction treatment programs provide medical detoxification, in-depth therapy, and education to help rehabilitate alcohol-dependent individuals. Program duration varies from one week to months, according to the needs of the individual. The environment is highly structured and medical professionals are available around the clock. Inpatient treatment most often benefits alcoholics who have not succeeded in outpatient programs, lack healthy social networks and/or suffer from serious physical or mental health conditions from consumption. Outpatient Programs Outpatient alcoholism addiction treatment programs enable individuals to receive treatment without staying overnight in a rehabilitation facility. An outpatient approach may be recommended in place of residential options or designed to serve as maintenance therapy after inpatient treatment is completed. For this reason, the duration, intensity and type of outpatient programs vary significantly. Some feature daily 8-hour treatment sessions; while, others may have individuals attend for a few hours three or more days or evenings a week. Treatment typically includes a combination of drug and behavioral education, individual and group counseling, and educational support for caregivers. Peer-Support Peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, SOS, Women for Sobriety and others help alcoholics discuss and address their addiction in a non-threatening community that provides encouragement, support and a social outlet. In addition, there are online support groups for alcoholism addiction treatment that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each self-help organization offers a slightly different philosophy and approach – yet all focus on abstinence-based recovery and a well-defined set of principles for peer support. Involvement is voluntary and meetings take place on a regular basis. Participation in addiction support groups may follow residential or out-patient treatment and is often used in conjunction with different types of therapy and/or medication.
To seek help for yourself or a family member, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or counselor to discuss signs, symptoms and treatment options. There are also resource organizations that provide referrals and assistance in seeking treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence.
Sources: (1)National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2) Alcoholanswers.org, Evidence-Based Treatment and Support (3) Moyer, A., and Finney, J.W. Brief interventions for alcohol problems: Factors that facilitate implementation. Alcohol Research & Health 28 :44–50, 2004/2005.(4) Moyer, A.; Finney, J.W.; Swearingen, C.E.; and Vergun, P. Brief interventions for alcohol problems: A meta-analytic review of controlled investigations in treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking populations. Addiction 97:279–292, 2002. (5) Miller, W.R., and Rollnick, S. Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change. New York: Guilford Press, 2002. Related InformationAlcoholism Treatment Centers - A Holistic ApproachTypes of Alcoholism Therapy Questions When Considering an Alcoholism Treatment Center Alcoholism Treatments and Rehab Center Selection Alcoholism Drug Treatment Center Locator Alcoholism Treatment Program - Family Involvement Free Alcoholism Treatment Centers More About Alcoholism, It's Effects, and Treatment AA - 12 Steps in Alcoholism Recovery How to Select an Alcoholism Rehab Center Medication and Alcoholism Recovery Orthomolecular Alcoholism Treatment ResourcesOrchid Recovery CenterIf you or someone you know needs help and are looking for womens alcohol rehab or womens drug rehab, Orchid Recovery Center can help.
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