United States Alcohol Rehab Programs
The alcohol industry rakes in $90 billion annually, making it one of the most profitable industries in the country. That should come as no surprise, as alcohol is a substance that people interact with every single day in all corners of the United States. The majority of Americans who drink do so in a responsible manner, but there are millions of people who do not. It is not for a lack of willpower, rather because of the disease of alcoholism, thus requiring treatment from alcohol rehab.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that in 2017, 86.3% of Americans ages 18 and older reported drinking at some point in their lifetime. 55.9% reported that they drank within the past month. In that same year, 14.1 million adults struggled with alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Out of that 14.1 million, only about 6.5% received professional treatment for their alcoholism.
In today’s world, it is rare to come across an adult who has never drunk alcohol. In fact, it is more common to find people who are alcoholics than people who don’t drink at all. Similar to other diseases like cancer or diabetes, a large majority of people today know someone who has the disease of alcoholism. Although alcohol use disorder is a debilitating disease, our alcohol rehab in the United States can help.
Signs That You Need Alcohol Rehab
Alcoholism, like any other type of substance use disorder, is so powerful that both the alcoholic and those around him or her can fall into a state of denial. As a result, they do not believe that alcohol addiction is occurring. Instead, hey might find every way to excuse their behaviors. However, when someone is experiencing alcohol addiction, the signs become noticeable at one point or another.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) uses 11 symptoms to diagnose alcohol addiction.
These symptoms include:
- Alcohol is consumed in larger amounts than intended.
- There is a desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down/control alcohol use.
- Much time is spent trying to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
- The person experiences cravings to drink alcohol.
- Recurrent alcohol use that results in failure to fulfill responsibilities.
- Continued alcohol use despite recurrent interpersonal problems.
- Social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up because of drinking.
- Recurrent alcohol use even when it is physically hazardous.
- Recurrent alcohol use despite knowledge of having physical or psychological problems that are exacerbated by drinking.
- Tolerance, meaning that a person must continually increase how much alcohol he or she drinks or experiences and/or does not experience the same effects when drinking the same amount of alcohol.
- Going into a state of withdrawal/needing to consume alcohol to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
A mild AUD is diagnosed when a person experiences 2-3 of the above-listed symptoms. Furthermore, moderate AUD is diagnosed when 4-5 symptoms are occurring. When 6 or more of these symptoms are occurring, a severe AUD is diagnosed. Even if you only relate to 2-3 of these symptoms, you can benefit from seeking treatment from an alcohol rehab near you.
Dangers of Alcoholism and Heavy Drinking
Continuing on with alcohol addiction often leads people down a path of consequence and danger. Not only is alcohol hazardous to one’s health when heavily consumed, but it is also dangerous on a psychological level, too. Instead, people suffering from alcoholism should seek help from a local alcohol rehab facility.
- Liver disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Multiple types of cancer
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Memory loss
- Cognitive damage
In addition to physical and psychological consequences, long term alcohol abuse also causes interpersonal problems such as divorce, estrangement, and loss of child custody as well as professional consequences ranging from being written up to being terminated from a job. Although these consequences are painful, many people continue abusing alcohol because they don’t have the tools needed to stay sober. Oftentimes, even though addiction treatment is a last resort for many, it is what ultimately saves a person’s life.
Types of Alcohol Rehab in the United States
Alcohol treatment centers offer the following stages of treatment:
Alcohol Detox
A major aspect of alcohol addiction is withdrawal. When a patient enters into a specific type of rehab program, it is imperative to determine if he or she requires a detox program before beginning inpatient rehab. After all, people who are dependent on alcohol can suffer fatal withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop drinking. Consequently, it is recommended that all individuals dependent on alcohol go through detox. During detox, they will be monitored by clinicians and provided with medications that will ease their symptoms. The most important things healthcare professionals need to monitor during alcohol detox are high blood pressure, fever, and seizures. Alcohol rehab helps patients deal with these symptoms in a safe and comfortable manner.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Inpatient alcohol rehabilitation is an ideal option for individuals who have moderate to severe alcohol addiction or have complexities to their condition that require a complete focus on treatment. Patients of an inpatient program reside at the treatment center and participate in several different evidence-based therapies throughout their 30, 60, or 90-day stay. It is common for those patients with more severe cases to complete their inpatient treatment plan and then step down to a lower level of treatment, such as an intensive outpatient program.
Intensive Outpatient Programming
An intensive outpatient program, or an IOP, does not require patients to live at the facility. Instead, they require patients to attend sessions regularly. Most often, an IOP has patients scheduled for therapy either every day or several days per week. Patients must be able to go to and from the center and prepare to spend the majority of their day there. Similar to inpatient treatment, patients utilize the majority of their time in therapy sessions, such as individual counseling and group therapy. Patients can begin their treatment at an IOP level or transition down from an inpatient program.
Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Outpatient treatment shares similarities to an IOP. For example, patients continue to reside at home for the duration of their treatment. However, unlike an IOP, they do not spend as much time at the alcohol rehab facility. Instead, patients go to the center a few times per week for a couple of hours at a time. They also engage in therapies similar to those offered at an IOP or an inpatient program. Outpatient treatment is beneficial for patients with a mild alcohol addiction or those who have already completed a higher level of treatment. This type of treatment program is usually combined with support groups, help for family members, and relapse prevention.
Get Help for Alcoholism Today
At A Forever Recovery, our United States drug and alcohol addiction specialists know just how challenging and heartbreaking alcohol addiction is. We understand that simply just not drinking anymore is not enough for treating alcohol use disorder. Our team of dedicated and experienced behavioral health professionals can help you or a loved one overcome active alcoholism. We’ll help you every step of the way to uncover underlying issues, heal from the wreckage of alcohol and drug abuse, and apply healthy coping skills that promote long-term sobriety.
Do not wait another moment more. Call us right now.