When someone has a problem with alcohol addiction, one of the first steps in the recovery process is seeking help and support. Alcohol rehabilitation comes in many different forms. Most are willing to suit the individual needs of the person based on the characteristics of the individual's lifestyle. Some alcoholics may need more support than others--such as medical treatment and around the clock support. Choosing the right rehab center will allow for the greatest chance of a complete recovery.
Inpatient
An inpatient alcohol treatment center is generally a location that houses the patient for an extended period of time--generally up to 30 days. The facility offers room and board and substantial daily support for those who struggle with addiction. Most inpatient alcohol treatment programs are beneficial for those who have a serious problem with alcohol addiction. They offer a structured environment that has behavioral therapy, daily program activities, healthy meals, medicinal support, medical staff assistance and peer group support. Everything is in a supervised environment so that progress can be monitored by staff.
Outpatient
Outpatient therapy centers offer a more relaxed approach to alcohol rehab. This type of treatment center allows patients a temporary course of treatment that they can use on an as needed basis. This may be a good option for someone with a busy lifestyle or a family where they need to be home every night or have an overbearing work schedule. Outpatient therapy centers also provide structured support on a one-on-one basis with a behavioral therapist or counselor that assists with making the right choices. It may also involve classroom sessions that offer recovery tools and professional assistance that the patient can use daily when they are faced with stress and tempted to drink.
Residential
Residential rehab centers are much like an inpatient center except they offer a more relaxed home-like setting. Many patients feel more comfortable with this type of treatment center because they feel like they are visiting a friend or family member at home. The relaxed setting helps patients open more among their peers and allows them to discuss some of the issues and demons they may face when dealing with their alcoholism. Some residential units also offer a spa atmosphere and gourmet cooking so that guests can relax and unwind while receiving treatment. Residential treatment centers generally offer private rooms but the patients are encouraged to stay and only have brief contact with friends and family for up to 30 days to fully complete their treatment.
12-Step Program
The 12-step alcohol rehab center is a common form of treatment found in almost every city across the United States. This center is much like Alcoholics Anonymous where groups and meetings are held at churches, townhalls or other similar venues for the public to attend. It focuses on a buddy system where there is a sponsor or other person who tries to make the alcoholic responsible for their actions relating to alcohol. There are also group settings where everyone is encouraged to talk and offer support to each other.
Detoxification
Detoxification centers are for those who are physically ill with alcoholism. This means their body is saturated with alcohol and they are addicted to drinking just to survive. If they were to quit on their own--cold turkey, they could face serious life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that could be fatal. This type of center is generally located in a hospital or clinic-like setting and offers medical support and around the clock care to assure the patient detoxes in a safe and effective manner.
