The Importance Of Alcohol Rehab Centers

Alcohol dependence affects more than 15 million Americans, with a surprising half a million people between the ages of 9 and 12. Alcohol and alcohol-related problems contribute to at least $ 100 million in annual health care costs and lost productivity. Almost a quarter of those admitted to hospitals have some type of problem with alcohol or are diagnosed with consequences related to alcohol. With statistics at crisis levels, it is important to examine the role that alcohol rehab centers can play in solving these problems.

There are three main approaches to alcoholism rehabilitation: behavioral therapies, 12-step programs, and drug treatment. Most inpatient rehabilitation centers use a combination of approaches to provide more comprehensive treatment. choose a trusted recovery Arizona drug rehab center.

Advantages of outpatient treatment include lower treatment costs, shorter treatment schedules, and the ability to maintain external relationships and activities during treatment.

Inpatient alcohol rehab typically lasts 28 days. However, with rising health care costs, this number is decreasing. Studies conducted in the mid-1990s found that hospital treatment is especially helpful for patients with additional medical and/or psychiatric conditions (also known as dual-diagnosis patients) or for those whose environments do not support rehabilitation.

In addition to the 28-day rehab program, some alcohol rehab centers offer long-stay treatments. These programs allow a patient to enter a therapeutic community for six to twelve months, providing time for both detoxification and counseling and social and occupational therapies that can help them function better once they return to society. These programs are ideal for patients with a long history of addiction, impaired social functioning, or involvement in serious criminal activity. Alcohol rehab programs that treat teens and children also provide continuing education, such as high school and college courses during the hospital stay. The longer treatment plan allows for the slow re-socialization of patients towards a drug-free, crime-free life.

One of the cornerstones of successful alcohol rehab is detoxification. The symptoms associated with cessation of alcohol use are collectively known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome. These can include insomnia, irritability, tremors, seizures, delirium tremens, and hallucinations. As a result of the dangers of these sometimes life-threatening symptoms, many alcohol rehab programs require an initial period of detoxification. Even if an alcoholic will receive outpatient treatment, she may first require an inpatient detox. However, some detox programs are administered on an outpatient basis, when the alcohol withdrawal syndrome is less severe.

A successful alcohol rehab center will have a trained professional staff that ensures quality individual support for patients while maintaining an alcohol and drug-free environment. Provide comprehensive counseling, education, and referrals to community resources for continued recovery after treatment. He will offer alcohol and drug education to his patients while conducting outreach activities to reduce the stigma of addiction and alcoholism in the surrounding community. Most importantly, a quality alcohol rehab center will have a documented history of patient rehab success rate and the ability to demonstrate the longevity of their patient's recovery.

The ultimate goal of alcohol rehab is a sober, productive life for the alcoholic once he completes treatment. The ability of a rehab program to provide the addict with usable treatment and skills to help him abstain from alcohol (or consume in controlled moderation) is its true measure of success.