Estimates suggest that nearly three quarters of a million Americans are receiving alcohol treatment of some kind on any given day. Alcohol rehab is clearly an important issue in modern society. Alcohol treatment has been greatly improved in the last 50 years. Specialised alcohol rehabs are relatively new developments and alcoholics were relegated to the terrible conditions in general psychiatric hospitals until the 1950’s. People in alcohol rehab today benefit from decades of research (like this) and have a much improved chance of attaining lasting sobriety.
Alcohol treatment programs
Alcohol treatment centers use a mixture of counselling, medications and ancillary therapeutic activities to help people to stop drinking. With the support of the staff and community in the alcohol rehab people are able to stop drinking and live healthy lives.
Alcohol treatment programs are effective for many people but not for everybody. Some people complete alcohol treatment and manage to stay sober for the rest of their lives. Others leave alcohol rehab and maintain sobriety while having occasional bouts of relapse. Yet others relapse nearly immediately after leaving alcohol rehab. A good general observation is that the longer a person stays in alcohol rehab and subsequently abstains from alcoholism the longer he/she will be able to stay sober.
Types of alcohol treatment
There are varying types of alcohol treatment that can be offered. A treatment method will be chosen based on your physical health, resources available and severity of your alcohol abuse. Alcohol treatment usually starts with detoxification which is performed under medical supervision in a detox center. This process removes the traces of alcohol from your body and prepares you for alcohol treatment proper.
Subsequent alcohol treatment is usually performed within the paradigm of an identifiable psychological theory. Some types of counselling are based on a cognitive-behavioural outlook and seek to help the alcoholic identify the situations that place him/her at risk of wanting to drink. By finding ways to avoid those situations and thought patterns the alcoholic faces less risk of relapse. These programs also teach the alcoholic new ways of dealing with stress.
The family of an alcoholic are often traumatized by the experience of watching an alcoholic cycle into destruction. They may not know how to deal with an alcoholic or what emotions to expect from the alcoholic. They are often frightened, nervous, angry and frustrated with the alcoholic. While the alcoholic is in alcohol rehab it is common for the family to be invited in for family counselling sessions. Marital therapy is also offered as an opportunity to mend bruised relationships. The family will become an important support for the alcoholic.
Alcohol treatment has been under constant evaluation for the last two decades. This has allowed alcohol rehab centers to refine their therapies and develop new methods of alcohol treatment. Studies have shown that motivation enhancement therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy and 12-step facilitation therapy are all effective in reducing alcohol abuse for at least a year after treatment is received.
Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings is typically encouraged by South African alcohol rehab centers. Studies have shown that receiving professional alcohol treatment in an alcohol rehab center followed by referral to AA has better results than just attending AA. This could be because alcohol treatment gives patients a “head start” in the program by addressing denial and starting the process of self-examination.
Clients who actively participate in 12-step programs after completing alcohol treatment in an alcohol rehab center in South Africa achieve longer periods of abstinence than those who don’t. Not only do they stay sober for longer but they also appear to enjoy a more fulfilled and productive life.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy is directed towards helping the client learn new coping skills and to change harmful behaviour patterns that sustain the disease of alcoholism. This form of therapy is often used in alcohol rehab centers to help clients develop relapse prevention plans.
Professionals working within the field of alcohol abuse are able to combine these types of alcohol treatment methodologies into highly effective alcohol treatment programs.
Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and supporting individuals in recovery world wide.