What Treatment Options Are Available to Alcoholics?

The problem of alcoholism is on the incline, and with thousands of new sufferers being admitted to rehabilitation centers every year, it’s never been more important for victims to understand the alcohol treatment options available to them. No two cases are the same, so treating a patient on an individual basis can be a top priority.

But what treatments are available to those in need, and how do they differ from one another?

Intensive Outpatient Programs

This program might feature the word intensive, but the reality is that it’s only called this because of the duration of the overall period of treatment. Most patients will be required to undergo a 30 day inpatient treatment plan, and although many will stay on after this period; some might not have the free time to do so. That’s where the outpatient program makes itself known, and it’s a three phase system with an initial four week period, followed by to separate periods of eight weeks to complete the entire recovery program.

Specialty Programs

These types of programs are a great way for a patient to undergo their recovery process, without needing to do so in a traditional manner. The program itself can be tailored to suit anyone’s requirements, whether they are facing difficulties due to mental illness, physical disabilities, or even their age. Each program can be personalized to suit the patient’s needs and it will typically involve a variety of treatments, such as counseling sessions and group discussions.

Experiential Therapy Programs

Some people may find themselves struggling to come to terms with a particular ailment, or address a specific emotional barrier that they may be facing. Experiential therapies can be ideal in these instances, as they are considered a much subtler way of tackling an addiction, with the demands and restrictions associated with other techniques and methods. The program will usually involve a range of mental-stimulating processes that can aid in recovery, including role playing sessions that can allow a patient to visualize themselves as an observing party, as well as guided imagery practices to promote mental health.

Detox Center Programs

These types of programs are considered the most effective, but they can be pretty strenuous on a patient. They will involve a variety of detoxing techniques that can help to rid the body of all toxins associated with alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the techniques will rely on weaning periods to help the patient to overcome their addiction – and this may require further support on an emotional level. Fortunately all clinics offering this service are required to provide qualified guidance in the form of experts, so an alcoholic taking part in this program can expect the highest level of care and support throughout their recovery.

Are All Alcoholic Rehabilitation Treatments the Same?

When it comes to the treatment of alcohol dependency, it’s not uncommon for most people to assume that the same types of therapies and solutions are available within rehabilitation centers. Alcohol treatment options may be similar in purpose (to help an addict to overcome their dependency), but there are almost a dozen unique methods and programs in which this aim is carried out.

When asking if all alcoholic rehab treatments are the same, the answer is a definitive no. The type of treatment that a sufferer should undertake will depend on the type of addiction that they are facing, as well as the variety of therapies that may suit them the most. Most clinics will prioritize evaluating a patient’s needs once they have been admitted to a center. But once there, what should a patient expect to face as far as their recovery programs are concerned?

Summit Detox Options

This type of detox is ideal for those suffering with dependency, as it can help to slowly remove the habit whilst allowing the patient to recover at a pace that suits them. Where other treatments might cater to large groups consisting of dozens of sufferers, this type specializes in smaller therapy sessions, with some clinics offering no more than 20 beds.

Outpatient Programs

Another common misconception about rehab centers is that the patients will need to remain on site throughout the duration of their recovery program. This isn’t the case with outpatient options – in fact some allow their patients to go home overnight and come back the following morning, or for specific meetings. This might seem a little unrestrictive, but the truth is that due to the complex nature of the phases associated with this program, it still boasts a very high rate of success.

Experiential Therapies

Some sufferers may find the main barrier to their recovery is their mental health, so experiential therapies can be much better suited than regular ones. This type of program relies on mental healing activities, such as role play and candid discussions. An expert will typically be on hand to help a patient to come to terms with the experiences in their life that may have led to them developing a dependency on alcohol, as well as allowing them the opportunity to identify factors that may be taking a toll in the present. The overall aim is to propose solutions to these issues that will allow an addict to overcome their dependency, and then stay sober for the rest of their life.

Traditional Solutions

The above options differ greatly from traditional methods of rehabilitation, and for those that might be a little confused about how these options work – the truth is that they can vary from clinic to clinic. In most cases, they will rely on a detox period of up to 30 days, followed by a further month of therapy and counseling, and then a final four weeks if the situation requires it.

Undergoing a recovery program via a clinic is often considered the most extreme form of rehabilitation, and with a variety of drug treatment options to choose from, it’s possible for an addict to pick one that will offer them the best chance of recovery. There are two types of clinic available – those that address general addictions, and those that could be deemed a little more personal in nature. Here’s a closer look at the latter type, including details of what their programs involve, and how they operate.

Individual Programs

These programs are usually holistic in nature and they are ideal for those that are interested in both emotional and spiritual healing. Addictions can affect people from all walks of life, so it’s not uncommon for many people to turn to religion in their bid to recover from their ailments. Individual programs are often tailored to suit the patients’ specific requirements, and factors such as their age, gender, sexuality, and level of addiction are taken into account. Furthermore, those that graduate from the program are offered additional sessions and services to help them to avoid relapsing.

Experiential Therapies

Not to be confused with experimental therapies, experiential programs can be very appealing to those that find a more hands-on approach to their recovery to be more beneficial. The program relies on a range of guided meditations, imagery associations, role playing techniques, and personalized counseling sessions to help an addict to come to terms with their condition. Once the condition has been properly evaluated and accepted, further treatment will be available in the form of support and guidance – with replacement therapies taking precedent over those that rely on chemical formulas to wean a patient off of their narcotic dependency.

Specialty Services

Although the majority of patients will require a general level of treatment, there are those that could stand to benefit from a more specialized service. These individuals may be suffering with emotional and mental illnesses, and could stand to benefit from an additional level of support. Specialty programs rely on cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough techniques to assist with the process of recovery. Patients will usually be required to provide information on their addiction during the evaluation phase, and with this information specialists present will be able to compile the most effective remedies and solutions for the individual patient, and their needs.

These are just a few of the most prominent treatments for addicts that function outside of the standard options. Depending on the clinic, the therapies associated with these programs might differ, but in a general sense – the goal will be to provide a personalized approach to treatment that will offer an addict the best opportunity of recovering

Programs include

Holistic Approach

Individualized Programs
Specialty Services
Our Premier Program
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP)
Life Skills
Summit Detox
Experimental Therapies