Alcoholism is a disease that affects every aspect of a person’s life. That’s why the most effective alcohol rehabs take a three-pronged approach to treatment by addressing the body, mind and spirit. If any of these areas are out of balance, a person’s sobriety is at risk. An effective alcohol rehab will work to bring all three of these areas into harmony through education, therapy and a combination of holistic therapies.
There are many alcohol rehab options to choose from, but the most effective alcohol rehabs offer a combination of the following treatments:
* 12-step programs. The majority of alcohol rehabs are based on the traditional 12-step model, which is the most widely recognized model of success in recovery. The 12-step program uses group support and a set of guided principles (the 12 steps) to help a person obtain and maintain sobriety. People who combine the 12-step recovery process with other types of alcohol treatment have the highest success of long-term sobriety.
* Educational counseling. Most alcohol rehabs will provide educational counseling to teach the individual all the ways that alcohol damages a person’s body, mind and spirit. This educational counseling can include nutritional counseling, alcohol education and more.
* Therapy. Therapy is the core of any effective alcohol rehab and can involve individual, group, couple or family therapy. Through therapy you’ll be able to identify the root cause of your alcohol addiction and learn how to make better decisions in your life.
* Dual diagnosis. Co-occurring mood and personality disorders are often present among people with addictions and require great care and special attention during the addiction recovery process. Dual diagnosis treatment can include antidepressants, mood stabilizers and other medications combined with therapy. Alternative holistic dual diagnosis treatments are also gaining popularity over strictly pharmaceutical methods because they treat all the issues related to the addiction as one.
* Holistic treatments. Addiction affects all aspects of an individual and can be a symptom of underlying physical, mental and emotional issues. Holistic treatments for alcohol and other addictions encompass a variety of methods, including massage (for an additional cost)therapy, acupuncture, yoga, spiritual counseling, Chinese medicine (the use of herbs), equine therapy, music and art therapy, and recreational therapies such as gardening and sports.
* Aftercare. Relapse is, unfortunately, a major part of recovery. When choosing an alcohol rehab, choose one that offers aftercare programs to help you work through the difficult first months of sobriety and maintain your sobriety. Effective aftercare can include continuing outpatient therapy and sober living. A sober living home is a group of recovering alcoholics who live together in order to support each other and provide an environment free of alcohol and drugs. Sober living is recommended for people who have just completed residential treatment and are at risk for relapsing if they return home.
Choosing an Effective Alcohol Rehab
There are many options when it comes to alcohol rehab centers. When deciding, you should focus on which types of treatment they offer, staff credentials, if they have the proper licensing, and what types of aftercare programs they offer to prevent relapse. You’ll want to decide if you need residential or outpatient rehab, assisted detox, and treatment for a dual diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder. Talking to a medical doctor about your symptoms can help you determine which type of treatment you’ll need.
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