Different Types of Alcohol Rehab: Which One is Right for You?

Admitting you have a problem with alcohol takes an enormous amount of strength and courage, and is the first step to recovery. The second step is getting help for your addiction and treating the physical and mental consequences of your abuse. There are literally thousands of alcohol rehab centers available to choose from, all with different methods of treatment. With so many different types of alcohol rehab, how do you decide which one is right for you?

The Different Types of Alcohol Rehab Programs

Most alcohol rehab centers base their programs on the 12-step model, the most widely recognized model of success in recovery. The 12-step program uses a set of guided principles (the 12 steps) to help a person obtain and maintain sobriety. When combined with other forms of alcohol addiction treatment, the 12-step program increases the chances of long-term sobriety.

The main types of alcohol addiction treatment are:

* Residential treatment. Residential treatment varies from 30-90 days and involves living at a treatment facility in order to undergo intensive treatment.
* Detox. Detoxification takes place in a hospital and varies from 7-10 days. During detox, all traces of alcohol will be eliminated from your system while simultaneously controlling withdrawal symptoms.
* Counseling. Counseling can involve individual, group, couple or family therapy and is usually used in conjunction with other types of treatment or as follow-up support. In counseling youíll be able to identify the root cause of your alcohol addiction and learn how to make better decisions in your life.
* 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.

Alternatives to the 12-step program include holistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dual-diagnosis therapy.

* Holistic therapy: A holistic approach to alcohol rehab treats the entire individual, including their body, mind and spirit. Holistic therapy is gaining in popularity for its ability to help patients stay in recovery. It includes alternative treatments such as massage and yoga.
* Cognitive behavioral therapy. As part of an overall program of recovery, cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating alcoholism. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating alcohol dependence is to teach the person short-term coping skills for obtaining sobriety and long-term skills for maintaining sobriety.
* Dual-diagnosis therapy. Oftentimes a person with a co-occurring disorder such as depression or anxiety will become addicted to alcohol after trying to self-medicate their symptoms. Dual-diagnosis therapy treats the underlying disorder so that long-term sobriety is possible.

Choosing an Alcohol Rehab Center

There are many choices 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. Youíll want to decide if you need residential or out-patient 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 youíll need.

About the author

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.