Choosing Alcohol Addiction Treatment

You realize you need help, you want to get sober, but where do you begin? What steps should you take in choosing the right alcohol addiction treatment program? These questions are natural when you initiate the plan to get sober, and studies show that the longer and more intense your treatment, the greater your chances of successful recovery from alcoholism.

Finding and choosing the best treatment for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with addiction can be challenging at best. Long-term support, educational counseling and therapy, and medical care are just a few of the on-going needs that will come as a result of your decision to get sober. If you’re ready to find help, call our helpline at 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) for immediate assistance.

What to Look for in a Treatment Program

Your first step in finding and choosing an alcohol addiction treatment program is to determine what programs of care are available to you and what factors in treatment will be more important to your recovery needs. While it may seem great to have amenities such as a spa and gourmet meal services, these aren’t necessarily the “must-haves” of treatment that should be defined on your list of current needs.

Look for an alcohol treatment program that:

An effective alcohol addiction treatment program should provide aftercare options.

• Has proper accreditation and licensing. Keep in mind that residential and outpatient programs should be state / nationally certified to provide proper treatment and care.
• Has an effective treatment program with proven results. Keep in mind that addiction is a disease characterized by chronic relapse, so ask questions about success rates that are measurable.
• Provides the tools you need to stay sober. Aftercare, relapse prevention and ongoing support are necessary elements of any effective treatment plan.

How Long is Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

In choosing an alcohol treatment program, you must consider the amount of time that will be required for optimal healing and recovery. Most people require a minimum of 90-days of rehab in order to overcome withdrawal symptoms associated with long term drinking. Various programs are available to provide a continuum of care that is ideal for just about any stage of alcohol abuse or addiction.

Programs include:

• Residential treatment which involves around-the-clock care and generally lasts 30-90 days.
• Intensive outpatient programs which do not require the patient to live in treatment but do provide long days of care generally 8-10 hours per day, 3 days or more per week.
• Outpatient treatment programs which generally offer counseling, therapy and support on an as-needed, weekly scheduled basis.
• Sober living homes which provide a transitional option for those in the early stages of recovery from alcohol addiction.

If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol and needs help, call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) to speak with a support specialist. Our treatment programs are designed with your recovery and long-term healing in mind. Call today so you can take back control of your life.

A Quick Look at the Pros and Cons of Various Types of Alcohol Addiction Treatment