Inpatient Alcohol Rehab in the United States
While there are many treatment options out there for alcoholism, inpatient alcohol rehab continues to prove the most effective form of care for people looking to maintain long term sobriety. However, many people still don’t receive the help they need.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 14.1 million Americans ages 18 and older had alcohol use disorder in 2017, but only a small fraction of those people attended a drug or alcohol treatment facility.
There is no doubt that alcohol abuse is a major public health concern, especially considering that 88,000 Americans die annually from alcohol-related causes. In addition, alcohol remains the third leading preventable cause of death across the country. As a result, it’s crucial that people suffering from alcohol abuse get the inpatient rehab services they need.
Why is Inpatient Rehab Important for Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism do not always end in death. However, they can cause serious physical, emotional, and psychological problems. Someone who drinks alcohol to the extent where they are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder is bound to experience physical consequences. These consequences range from frequent hangovers and minor withdrawal symptoms to brain damage and liver failure.
On top of that, alcoholism has been proven to increase one’s chances of suffering from mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The continued abuse of alcohol also has the potential to cause interpersonal problems that impact one’s personal relationships and career.
Despite alcoholism being as prevalent as it is, only about 6.5 percent of adults suffering from alcoholism obtained professional treatment in 2017. Rates of inpatient alcohol rehab admissions still remain low today, even though more and more people are in need of help in the United States area.
Do I Need Inpatient Alcohol Rehab?
One of the biggest barriers to treatment for alcohol addiction is that many individuals don’t believe that their drinking patterns are consistent with alcohol abuse or the disease of addiction. Some people simply may not know what constitutes alcoholism. Others experience denial over their drinking or feel that they can control their drinking on their own.
All of this is common. However, when people struggling with alcoholism continue to foster these beliefs and ignore the need for treatment, they put themselves at risk for suffering serious and potentially deadly consequences.
Many individuals who deny the severity of their condition can benefit most from checking into an inpatient alcohol rehab facility.
Signs of Alcoholism
There are several different signs and symptoms that indicate problematic drinking. Many of which are so blatantly obvious that they are overlooked by both the drinker and their loved ones.
- Drinking in excess despite telling yourself you weren’t going to drink much.
- Feeling like you cannot function without alcohol.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to drink.
- Spending a great deal of time thinking about using or acquiring alcohol.
- Neglecting responsibilities due to preoccupation with alcohol.
- Experiencing problems at work, home, or school because of alcohol.
These are just some of the many signs of alcoholism. If you are experiencing any of these, contacting a professional can help you determine just how serious your condition is. For example, some people have extremely mild drinking problems, so those people may be a better fit for outpatient treatment. However, your alcohol use disorder is moderate or severe or you require medical care, inpatient alcohol rehab is your best option for treatment.
- Require detox services due to physical dependence.
- Are unable to manage their everyday lives because of their drinking.
- Experience a dual diagnosis.
- Have made many attempts to get sober but have been unsuccessful.
- Have tried other treatment programs but have not completed them.
- Are looking for real solutions to long-term sobriety.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or are wondering whether or not you are a good fit for a residential addiction treatment program, we suggest you speak to an addiction specialist as soon as possible.
What Can I Expect at an Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Program?
If you determine that an inpatient alcohol rehab program is the best choice for you, then you should start the process quickly. After all, most people in need of inpatient treatment need services immediately. Chances are if you have a serious drinking problem, you need it as soon as possible, as well.
The speed at which your program begins depends on how you are introduced to the facility. For example, if you have been a part of an intervention, you will be brought to the facility quickly and immediately admitted. If you are getting treatment but do not require an intervention, you will probably receive an admission date in the near future.
During your admission, you will be asked several questions about your alcohol use. Admissions specialists are going to want to gather information about how much alcohol you are consuming, if you are abusing any other substances, and if you have a mental health condition. This allows them to pass this information on to those who can structure your treatment plan.
All treatment plans include therapy and aftercare services. Patients will participate in individual therapy and group counseling. In addition, they are also provided an aftercare plan for when they are discharged. Depending on your needs, you may spend time in a detox program as well.
Alcohol Withdrawal Management and Inpatient Detox
Most addictive substances do not trigger deadly withdrawal symptoms, however, alcohol can. If you are physically dependent on alcohol and stop drinking, you are going to experience withdrawal symptoms. Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms include high blood pressure and fever. Both of these symptoms can increase in severity and trigger fatal consequences, such as a stroke or heart attack.
If you are dependent on alcohol you will need to detox in the care of professionals before you can fully immerse yourself in therapy. This is the first stage of most inpatient alcohol treatment programs.
Behavioral Therapy and Counseling
Your therapeutic plan will include individual therapy and group counseling. However, your plan is also going to include therapies that can help address your specific needs.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Contingency management
- Experiential therapy
The time you spend in an inpatient alcohol rehab program for alcoholism will be filled with therapeutic sessions. As you make progress in your recovery, your need for certain therapies may wax and wane. The mental health professionals you are working with will make adjustments to your plan as needed.
Aftercare
Prior to completing your inpatient program, you and your primary therapist will work to determine what your next steps will be. The staff will help you develop a plan, which may include returning home with minimal therapeutic needs or transitioning down into another level of addiction treatment (such as an intensive outpatient program). The goal of aftercare is to provide you with the security and support you need in the very beginning days of your recovery.
After leaving treatment, many people participate in recovery support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), to help sustain long-term recovery.
Benefits of Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
Attending alcohol rehab can save your life. When you put forth the effort and remain dedicated to your recovery, you can make significant changes that support a lifetime of sobriety and healthy living.
- Prevention of further physical and psychological damage.
- A safe, substance-free environment.
- The opportunity to focus solely on your recovery without distraction from everyday life.
- Support provided by addiction specialists and others in recovery.
- Evidence-based treatments that can provoke positive, lasting healing.
- The development of relapse prevention and coping skills.
The benefits that you obtain while participating in an inpatient program are a direct reflection of your own personal efforts.
Do You Need Help? Contact Our Residential Alcohol Treatment Program in the United States Today.
If you are struggling with alcoholism, you are not alone. You do not need to keep drinking your life away. Reaching out for help can give you a second chance to do it right.
So, do not wait any longer. Our inpatient alcohol rehab in the United States is here to help.