Alcohol addiction affects millions of people across the globe and poses a serious threat to our physical and psychological health. Data shows that alcohol consumption was found to have a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions, including addiction. In addition, alcohol consumption does not only cause harm to the person consuming it but also to others.
While this condition is challenging to treat, there is a wide range of treatment options available and accessible for individuals who are grappling with this addiction. Different treatment facilities, such as Kembali, offer rehabilitation programmes to help these individuals break free from the cycle of compulsive alcohol misuse.
What is Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation?
Individuals with drug and alcohol addiction experience a pattern of problematic alcohol and drug use that causes significant impairment in various areas of functioning. While addiction is a chronic condition, with appropriate treatment and management, recovery is highly possible.
One of the main treatment programmes for individuals with drug and alcohol addiction is rehabilitation. It is designed to help individuals reduce symptoms, promote recovery, and prevent relapse by offering a range of interventions such as medication, counselling and support, and aftercare services.
Considering that no single treatment can be utilised for everyone, interventions are carefully designed according to each individual’s needs. In the treatment facility, interventions are supervised by a team of professionals, and the staff is always ready to provide support and assist the individuals 24/7.
It is important to note that recovery takes time, and commitment to treatment plays a crucial role. While you may feel that having an addiction appears to be a never-ending struggle, there are many treatments accessible nowadays to help you recover and get back to living a healthy and fulfilling life.
How Drug and Alcohol Addiction is Treated in Rehab
Treatment in rehab involves a series of comprehensive interventions that are supervised by a team of addiction and mental health experts. It begins with detoxification and follows with a combination of residential care or outpatient treatment; then, it continues with different aftercare efforts. Rather than reducing alcohol consumption alone, the treatment focuses on the person as a whole.
Alcohol Detox
Detoxification, or detox, is an essential part of the treatment programme, and it can also be the most challenging stage of the recovery process. In the detox process, treatment professionals thoroughly guide the individuals because they may experience extreme withdrawal symptoms after the first few days of quitting alcohol drinking.
Alcohol detox involves a variety of interventions that aim to help individuals manage their body’s response to alcohol intoxication, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. After the detox is done, the professionals evaluate the individual’s readiness to move forward to other forms of treatment and therapy.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehabilitation or residential treatment that provides a structured environment for helping individuals overcome alcohol misuse. As the name implies, inpatient rehab requires that individuals remain onsite or stay in the centre for days to months during the duration of the treatment, depending on their needs. This intervention provides around-the-clock or 24/7 care and support by trained staff.
Typically, residential rehabilitation is recommended for individuals who are having difficulties in managing recovery on their own, those who do not respond to an outpatient level of care, and those who reside in an environment with no adequate support. Generally, residential treatment prepares individuals for life after rehab, particularly how to deal effectively with triggers, the importance of sobriety programmes, and how to prevent potential relapse.
Outpatient Rehab
Unlike residential treatment, outpatient rehabilitation does not require individuals with alcohol addiction to stay in the treatment facility. They can live at home outside the prescribed treatment hours. Unlike inpatient rehabilitation, this intervention involves individual and group therapy, a holistic approach, and medication management.
Individual Therapy
Individuals with alcohol use disorder also receive regularly scheduled individual therapy from licensed mental health professionals. The primary goal of these therapies is to help individuals identify underlying issues that may trigger compulsive alcohol drinking, such as peer pressure, family problems, work conflicts, or other circumstances. In addition, it also teaches them some skills to better deal with urges and cravings for alcohol consumption. Some of the most common techniques employed to combat addiction include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).
Group Therapy
Considering that individuals with alcohol addiction often experience stigma and social withdrawal, they can also benefit from attending group sessions. This treatment creates a nurturing and accepting environment where they can share their experiences about their condition without being judged.
Group therapy sessions allow each participant to discuss their coping strategies in combating alcohol related problems so others can learn, too. Essentially, the primary objective of this therapy is to make each participant feel that they are not alone in their addiction journey.
How to Deal with Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal happens when the individual who may have alcohol dependence suddenly stops or significantly reduces alcohol intake after long-term use. Symptoms that individuals may experience may range from mild to severe form, known as delirium tremens – a potentially life-threatening condition.
In dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, medications are one of the first choices to relieve the symptoms. Healthcare providers may prescribe vitamins for nutrient deficiencies and anticonvulsants or anti-seizure medications. In some cases, benzodiazepines or barbituates are given to reduce the risk of seizure and delirium tremens. Once the withdrawal symptoms subside, doctors may prescribe other medications that curb alcohol cravings.
Signs You Need Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services
Recognising signs of alcohol and other drug addictions is essential in tailoring a specific treatment plan. Although some individuals do not initially acknowledge that they have drinking problems, family members or friends are the ones noticing it and expressing concerns about the individual’s excessive drinking patterns.
If you or someone you love is potentially suffering from alcohol addiction, early intervention increases the success rate of treatment. Some of the warning signs of alcohol misuse include:
- Excessive alcohol use
- Denial of alcohol use
- Changes in mood
- Poor performance at work or school
- Losing interest in other activities
- Neglecting responsibilities in the family, school, work, or relationship
Get Help from our Rehab Centre at Kembali
If you or someone you care about has compulsive or problematic alcohol use, today is the best time to seek help, get evaluated, and be treated. Alcohol use is a form of addiction that may persist for a long period if left untreated.
We understand that you might be struggling with when or where to begin, but do not hesitate to contact us. Here at Kembali, our compassionate staff and team of experts are ready to assist you anytime and provide you with the highest-quality care you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Better Coping Mechanism than Alcohol?
Individuals often use alcohol to cope with stress, but this is counterproductive. Instead, they can engage in physical activities like exercise or sports, mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, and other healthy hobbies for fulfilment.
Do Alcoholics Always Relapse?
Relapse in addiction can happen in some individuals. However, with appropriate treatment and commitment or adherence to intervention, relapse can be prevented.
Is Alcohol Addiction a Form of Substance Use Disorder?
Yes, alcohol addiction is a type of substance use disorder (SUD). Sometimes, it is called alcohol use disorder (AUD).
