The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 17.6 million, or one in 12 people in the U.S., abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent. Alcoholism is a chronic but treatable disease characterized by such things as physical and psychological dependence, and the inability to control drinking. Alcoholism centers work for many people, and the nature of treatment depends on the severity of each individual's problem.
Detoxification
Detoxification is usually the first step in alcoholism center treatments. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and the process of detoxification assists in safely removing alcohol from the body. Withdrawal symptoms may start within five hours of reducing alcohol and may cause harmful side effects. Medline Plus says that symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include anxiety, headache, sweating, rapid heartbeat, irritability, fatigue, fever and seizures. Treatment centers usually start detox with an examination, followed by inpatient or outpatient supervision. The length of detox can vary in treatment centers, but once alcohol safely removes from the body, the long-term recovery process can begin.
Medication
Treatment plans in some alcoholism centers also consist of the use of medication. Medications assist in detoxification and preventing withdrawal side effects when abstaining from alcohol. Medications can also assist in preventing an individual from returning to alcohol by reducing cravings and deterring individuals from drinking. The New York Times states that there are three drugs approved in the U.S. to treat alcohol dependence--naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. These drugs act as anti-craving medications and aversion drugs to assist in long-term treatment. Other medications assist in preventing depression and anxiety.
Therapy
Therapy is an essential part of alcoholism center treatment and recovery. Therapy acts as a form of psychological rehabilitation from alcoholism and raises awareness on alcohol abuse. Alcoholism treatment centers often provide various types of therapy and counseling as part of treatment plans. Types of therapy may include 12-step programs, cognitive therapy, family and group counseling or one-on-one meetings. Therapy sessions consist of learning to accept abstinence, finding treatment plans, learning coping skills and recognizing triggers for alcohol. These sessions also help manage emotions and treat any underlying psychological disorders. The goal of therapy is to support long-term sobriety and assist both the mental and physical healing process.
