If you struggle with alcoholism, then you probably feel guilty about your drinking. You’ve heard that others had alcohol rehab success when they participated in a formal program. At this point, you have nothing to lose but the use disorder. Here’s how treatment for alcoholism can help you end your addiction.
Detoxification Helps Your Body Overcome the Need for Alcohol
Right now, your hands probably shake when you don’t have a drink in a while. You may also get headaches. Detoxification is the first step on the road to sobriety. Medical professionals monitor you as you withdraw from the habit.
You probably tried to quit drinking before. This treatment for alcoholism acknowledges that you can’t just stop. Therefore, therapists may use medications that help make discomfort and cravings more manageable. After three to ten days, your body no longer believes that it needs alcohol to survive.
The Second Step is Rehab
At an alcoholism treatment center, therapists customize a care protocol for you. Now is the time to end the psychological addiction. This step takes a little longer. High-quality facilities typically offer 30, 60, and 90-day programs and finding the right Pennsylvania alcohol rehab ca be tricky.
Some centers also allow for 120-day stays. In general, therapists want to ensure that you heal at your own pace. There’s no point in rushing recovery. Most importantly, only you know when you’re ready for the next step.
How Treatment for Alcoholism Works
To achieve and maintain sobriety, you need to understand your triggers. What causes you to reach for a drink? Does the alcohol scratch an itch? In fact, you might have an underlying condition that you’re medicating with the drug.
Therapists call this a dual diagnosis or co-occurring condition. It might involve depression, anxiety, or something similar. Besides that, you might have a traumatic experience in the past that you’re trying to forget. Some people try to use alcohol for that.
As you work with therapists at an alcohol rehab center, you explore these possibilities. You might do so against the backdrop of a variety of therapeutic interventions. Examples include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which provides you opportunities to exchanging dysfunctional patterns with healthy ones
- Group therapy that encourages peer interactions, accountability, encouragement, and learning
- Individual counseling that lets you explore specific situations and relationships for potential triggers
- Holistic care that might include acupuncture, massage, meditation, or yoga for stress management
- Nutritional counseling that helps you chart a new course toward a healthier lifestyle after program graduation
- Life skills training that enables you to navigate social situations better
- Coping skills development for stress management
Many facilities also offer experiential therapies. Examples include boating, skiing, sports, or hiking. The goal is to find new hobbies while interacting with peers. You relearn how to have fun while being sober.
Make the Change for a Sober Life Today
Undeniably, an alcohol use disorder doesn’t go away by itself. Check into treatment for alcoholism today to turn things around.
