Alcohol is a problem in our society, more so for some than others. The CDC estimates that a small percentage of adults account for over half of the 35 billion drinks consumed in the US each year. These same studies concluded that 1 in 6 US adults binge drinks, making alcohol one of the most heavily abused drugs in the country.
However, just because something is common doesn’t mean that it is safe or sustainable. If you believe you or a loved one is suffering from substance use disorder (SUD), then finding help is critical. Let’s talk about what to expect from alcohol rehab and what San Diego rehab centers can do for you!
When Is It Time to Find Treatment?
Alcohol can come with some blurred lines. It’s a legal substance that’s very popular in our culture, which can trick our brains into forgetting the consequences of excessive drinking.
In many cases, it’s easy to convince ourselves that drinking excessively is normal or that we are “social drinkers”, even long after that point. Understanding the signs of alcoholism is essential, especially if you have:
- Tried to quit or slow your drinking but couldn’t
- Often end up drinking more than intended
- Spend a lot of time drinking
- Constantly feeling the aftereffects of drinking
- Experienced strong urges or cravings to drink
- Continued drinking when it’s causing problems with family or work
- Continued drinking after it causes mental health problems (anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Been drinking much more to feel the intended effects than before
If you notice a pattern with some of these signs in yourself or a loved one, then alcoholism is more than likely. If you believe you are an alcoholic, then there is no time to waste. Treatment is essential, and it’s important to find the right treatment plan for your needs.
Types of Alcohol Rehab
Keep in mind that different programs will offer different treatment plans. No two programs are identical, but they do follow some common structures. Here are the most common types of rehab for alcohol addiction.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is what you probably think of when you hear the phrase “rehab.” These are residential facilities where patients live for 30, 60, or 90 days with direct access to treatment resources and services. These services may include:
- Medical detox
- Medication assistance
- Therapy
- Group therapy or support groups
- Sobriety education
- Family therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment (mental illness and SUD)
- Recreational activities and amenities
The list goes on, and different programs may offer different services and amenities. Because patients live in these facilities, they will have their days occupied with these services and programs. All of these work to help patients integrate back into life and prepare for sober living on their own.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatments may include all of the same programs and services as an inpatient program. However, you will still live at home while receiving this treatment. Attending AA meetings, therapy sessions, and doctor appointments are good examples of this.
Generally, these treatments are beneficial to those trying to maintain abstinence or for patients who cannot commit to a long stay in an inpatient facility. However, outpatient treatment is certainly better than no treatment at all!
Also, there are intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) available to those in need. These seek to replicate the effectiveness of inpatient programs in the comfort of your home. However, these tend to be the most expensive, and insurance plans don’t always cover IOP treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
PHPs offer the best of both worlds. Patients can still go to work or attend important personal obligations, and they will self-report to a treatment facility at night. This will help keep patients away from temptation or situations that may cause relapse.
However, it’s essential to find a partial hospitalization program that meets your needs. If you require dual diagnosis treatment or any special needs, verify with the program ahead of time that those needs will be met.
How to Determine Your Treatment Needs
In the early days of recovery, especially for the first time, inpatient treatment is the best solution. Having around-the-clock access to medical care and professional help is undoubtedly the safest option, especially during detox. It will also keep patients in a controlled, substance-free environment, away from temptation.
During the detox stage, our bodies can face serious complications. This could push new patients to give up or face serious health consequences. For these reasons, having medical oversight during this period is critical.
However, any treatment is better than no treatment. Partial hospitalization programs are very beneficial if you cannot take time off of work. If entirely necessary, outpatient programs are better than nothing.
Plenty of people have recovered successfully using outpatient treatment plans, but that doesn’t mean they are right for everyone. If you or a loved one are considering treatment but can’t make the commitment to an inpatient program, it’s okay to start with an outpatient plan. However, if it doesn’t work, finding inpatient rehab centers in San Diego is crucial.
Reach Out to Alcohol Treatment Centers in San Diego Today
Now that you know what inpatient alcohol rehab can do for you, there’s no time to waste. Alcohol addiction is a ticking timebomb that can cause lasting health conditions or premature deaths if left untreated. Finding help should be a top priority for you or your loved one.
Stay up to date with our latest recovery tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our San Diego alcohol rehabilitation programs.