Alcohol rehab is a treatment option that helps individuals struggling with an addiction to alcohol. It combines medical detox with psychological treatment to help patients understand their disease of addiction and learn vital coping skills.

This treatment can involve an intense level of therapy several times a week. It is best suited for those in long-term recovery who need ongoing counseling and life skills coaching.

Detoxification

Detoxification is an important first step in a successful alcohol rehab program. During detox, a patient is evaluated to determine the severity of their withdrawal symptoms and any medical or psychiatric conditions that may be contributing to their dependence.

Treatment professionals often prescribe medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and alleviate cravings and other negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse. These medications are commonly given along with clinical support, including nutrition, fluid management and counseling.

Regardless of where a patient undergoes detoxification, the goal is to restore their body’s balance and prepare them for ongoing addiction treatment. This involves a three-part process: evaluation, stabilization and fostering the patient’s entry into treatment.

Rehabilitation

A rehab program can help you overcome alcoholism by offering a wide range of treatment options. It can include medical detox, therapy sessions, family counseling and a number of support groups to strengthen your recovery.

The first step in a treatment plan is detoxification, which involves ridding the body of all alcohol. This can be done in an outpatient or residential medical setting.

Detoxification is often a painful and dangerous process, but it’s an essential part of recovering from alcoholism. It usually begins within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, but it can take longer in severe cases.

After detoxification, most reputable rehabs provide therapy. Typically, these sessions are one-on-one or in small group settings and focus on building coping skills and improving motivation. They also teach you about underlying mental health conditions and how they may affect your drinking habits.

Aftercare

Once a patient leaves a residential or inpatient rehab program, they are required to undergo ongoing care that helps them maintain their sobriety. These programs may include outpatient therapy, support groups and family counseling.

Case managers are invaluable in aftercare, helping clients re-enter the world outside of the treatment facility. They can help with housing, employment and legal issues.

They can also assist with finding services and resources within their community. Developing a comprehensive aftercare plan will involve input from all involved in the individual’s care, including therapists and medical staff.

Aftercare is a vital part of the recovery process and has been shown to lower relapse rates. This is due to the fact that relapse can be caused by a number of triggers and stressors.

Support groups

Support groups are a key part of an alcohol rehab program. They help people maintain sobriety after they leave treatment, and they can also be useful for individuals who are recovering from a co-occurring mental health disorder.

Self-help groups such as 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous, provide a safe environment for individuals to share their experiences. They can help people get feedback from other group members and identify potential triggers that could cause them to relapse.

SMART Recovery, for example, identifies the most effective strategies for addiction recovery based on research from mental health and medical providers. It also continually updates its programs to meet the needs of its members.

While these types of groups may not be suitable for every person, they are a vital part of the recovery process. They can help you stay motivated, learn coping skills and develop a positive support system. The best groups are free of charge and offer a variety of resources.