The two primary types of alcohol treatment center are residential and outpatient. With a residential alcohol treatment center, the individual temporarily puts their life on hold so that they can move into a facility and receive care and treatment around the clock. These programs are a good choice for individuals who:
• Are a danger to themselves or others
• Face too many distractions or temptations in their home environment
• Need the care of medical and counseling professionals around the clock
The other form of rehab comes through outpatient alcohol treatment. With outpatient care, the individual will attend detox and counseling during the day, but is free to return home in the evening following treatment. Outpatient care is best suited to those who:
• Do not have a condition severe enough to require 24 hour care
• Need the strength and support of their families during rehab
• Have family, work or school responsibilities that must be attended to during treatment
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms during Alcohol Treatment?
When an individual undergoes alcohol detox during rehabilitation, it is likely that they will experience a series of withdrawal symptoms. While the severity of these withdrawal symptoms will vary according to the individual and the intensity and depth of their addiction, there are several common conditions found in most recovering alcoholics, including:
• Shakiness or seizures
• Irritability
• Anxiety and depression
• Mood swings
• Cravings for alcohol
• Hallucinations or seizures (only in extreme cases)
During detox these symptoms will last between a few days or weeks depending upon the severity of the individual's alcoholism. They are not life threatening per se, but can cause high enough levels of discomfort that many will relapse into drinking as a result of withdrawal.
What Happens When a Recovering Addict Leaves the Alcohol Treatment Center?
One of the most difficult transitions for a recovering alcoholic is not entering into treatment, but rather leaving rehab and re-entering the world. This transition is difficult for many reasons, including:
• Old friends. Sometimes, it is very difficult for recovering alcoholics to return to old social circles after they complete treatment. These individuals may be well-meaning, but might not be able to relate to the new "alcohol-free" version of their friend. They may also be unwilling to stop drinking in that person's presence, making their continued sobriety more difficult.
• Old habits. Many recovering alcoholics find it difficult to enjoy their favorite pursuits or activities without alcohol. It is important then to find things to replace alcohol in their lives. Many will turn to exercise or holistic practices such as
• Return to work or school. Alcoholism can bring about poor performance at work or school. That means when the individual leaves alcohol rehab, they may be behind in their classes, or forced to find a new job. The pressure to play "catch up" can be dangerous, as it will lead many individuals to relapse. For many people, sober living homes are ideal solution to this problem. In sober living, the individual can make a more gradual re-entry into society, living among other recovering addicts as they rebuild their confidence.
In order to help aid in these transitions, there are aftercare programs. Aftercare includes events such as 12-step meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous) and follow-up counseling. These programs provide the recovering addict with accountability and a place to work through challenges or concerns that may hamper their continued recovery.
About the Author
Scott Bernberg is author of this article on Alcohol Rehab.
Find more information about Alcohol Treatment Center here.
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