TREATMENT
Treatment plans offered by alcohol rehab programs fall into three main categories:
Inpatient Rehab:
In this model, the patient is housed in an alcohol rehab facility for a period of 30-60 days (sometimes longer). He or she participates in one-on-one and group therapy, family counseling (if appropriate), attends workshops that teach relapse avoidance and stress management techniques, and is introduced to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The supportive environment of the rehab facility, its staff and other patients—as well as the “break” this provides from the patient’s day-to-day life (where many people, places and things still retain the power to trigger a relapse)— make Inpatient Rehab the most effective form of recovery for most people struggling with alcohol abuse issues.
Outpatient Rehab:
This approach is similar to the Inpatient model, and differs only in that the patient continues to live at home and maintains his or her work (or school) schedule. The patient visits the rehab facility on a regular schedule—usually 3-5 times each week for 2-3 hours.
The program of treatment follows the same course (therapy, workshops and 12 Step meetings) offered to Inpatient clients. The difference is chiefly cost (the added expense of room and board at the rehab facility isn’t necessary) and convenience (the patient can continue with his or her regular routine).
12 Step Programs:
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are considered the “gold standard” of recovery. Virtually all alcohol rehab programs introduce patients to the 12 Steps, and strongly urge them to get involved in local meetings immediately after release from rehab.
Meetings can be found in virtually every city in the country—and in more than 100 foreign countries, as well. This simple, practical program has succeeded in helping millions and millions of alcoholics maintain life long sobriety.
The Steps offer a suggested program of recovery, based on an acceptance of the alcoholic’s inability to control his or her own drinking. More information about Alcoholics Anonymous, including meeting times and locations, can be found at their website, www.aa.org