Statistics from the World Health Organization claim that more than 140 million cases of alcohol dependence or alcoholism exist in the United States alone. The problem is severe, and it is not one that the nation can sweep under the rug.
People who are addicted to alcohol must secure treatment at a reputable alcohol abuse treatment center or rehab center to ensure that they have the best chance of getting better. The following is some information on what one can expect to experience in a rehab program:
1. Intake
The first few experiences with an addiction treatment center will deal with collecting information about the dependent person. The intake specialist will need to know how long the person has been drinking, how much drinking the person is used to doing and what types of alcoholic drinks the person used. Some beverages are more harmful than others are.
After the facility performs an intake, someone will invite the person to the facility for a walk-through. During the walk-through, the prospective client can gauge whether the facility is clean and quiet enough to meet his or her needs. The prospective client can also have some brief interaction with the staff members.
2. Detoxification
Detoxification begins as soon as the addicted person agrees to enter a recovery program. Detoxification is the process during which the addicted person runs all the alcohol out of his or her system. Alcohol detox has some unpleasant symptoms that occur, and it may take two weeks for the person to fully detox. Some of the most common symptoms that occur in alcohol detox are sweats, irritability, blood pressure changes, confusion and psychosis. The facility will have trained specialists who can tend to someone who shows severe withdrawal symptoms.
3. One-On-One Therapy
Therapy is something that a reputable rehab center will have. One-on-one therapy consists of sessions during which a specialist meets with the addicted person and tries to get to the heart of the problem. The therapist will use a specific strategy to try to uncover the information. Once the therapist and the patient reach a conclusion, then the two parties will try to find a solution that will prevent further alcohol abuse or relapse.
4. Group Counseling Sessions
Group counseling sessions are an amazing tool for people who are recovering from alcohol addiction because they can create bonds and long-lasting alliances between people who share the same plight and are struggling. A group counseling session is a meeting that involves several people of like minds and a counselor. The counselor brings up certain topics, and the participants share their experiences, strategies and so forth. They all take turns learning from each other and sharing with each other, as well.
Members often make friends during these counseling sessions, and the friends help to support them after they graduate from the recovery program. Many members offer to be sponsors for other members. Sponsors are people that other people can count on to deter them from getting back into the alcohol.
5. Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies consist of a heap of activities that are non-traditional. They are activities like hiking expeditions, music projects and artwork sessions that not every facility offers for the people who visit it. Hiking trips and expeditions are fun because they allow members to experience different environments. Artistic therapy helps people tap into their hidden talents. It also gives them a break from the walls of the recovery facility.
6. Aftercare Support
Aftercare support is one of the most important things that a rehabilitation center could ever offer. Ceasing alcohol abuse is only half the battle. Detoxing is only part of the journey. The person with the tendency has to keep fortifying himself or herself with the tools necessary to fight against relapse and the discouragement that may come after such an incident. Being surrounded by people who are supportive and available can give the person just enough strength to say no for many years to come.
A facility that has all the above mentioned features and services is one that should receive a phone call from an addicted person. Success rates increase with an abundance of services. An interested person can contact some local facilities and ask questions starting today.