Alcohol has the highest addiction and abuse rates among all addictive substances, with the exception of tobacco. Approximately one out of every twelve adults is addicted to alcohol. More than 50% of youth under age 20 self-report experimenting with alcohol, and 95,000 people die every year from alcohol-related causes. However, effective treatment is available. In fact, there is likely an alcohol detox center near you where you or a loved one can begin the road to recovery.
Because alcohol is legal, it is culturally accepted as a recreational substance. It is served on holidays, family meals, and celebrations. The normalcy of alcohol consumption affects the normalization of overconsumption. In other words, people often fail to recognize when casual use has morphed into substance abuse and then addiction.
How Do You Know if You Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Purchasing heroin from a dealer stands out to most people as risky behavior, but buying wine at the grocery store does not. It is easier to believe that your drinking is under control because of the prevalence and social acceptance of alcohol. Below are a few signs of alcohol addiction. If you or someone you love exhibits any of these, it may be a good idea to seek help.
- Drinking to intoxication all or nearly all the time
- Drinking to excess daily
- Damaged relationships as a result of drinking-related issues
- Excessive and unexplained truancy or work absences
- Inappropriate alcohol use, such as before work, when driving, at school, etc.
- Secretiveness or defensiveness, especially around various activities
- Excessive spending on alcohol
- Recycling bins chronically overflowing with alcohol bottles or beer cans
- Hiding bottles or cans
- Physical symptoms that are always linked to either intoxication, hangovers, or withdrawal
What to Expect in an Alcohol Addiction Rehab Program
When you receive alcohol addiction treatment in a reputable rehab facility, you are in the safest place you can be to begin recovery. An inpatient addiction treatment program offers you the best possible long-term outcomes.
Some of the things you can expect:
- Alcohol detox program – Medical detox provides safety under the medical supervision of professionals. Your withdrawal symptoms will be eased by medications, and any underlying issues such as a co-occurring medical or mental health disorder will be addressed.
- Education – Learning how alcohol affects your body and mind, coping skills to recognize triggers and avoid relapse, and underlying reasons for alcohol addiction will empower and enable you on your recovery journey.
- Peer support – Proven to be a powerful piece of alcohol recovery, the support of peers with similar lived experiences is a key element in alcohol rehab.
- Personal attention – In a professional rehab setting, you will be seen as the individual that you are. Furthermore, your unique risk factors, psychology, life history, and mental and physical health will inform your treatment plan.
- Therapeutic options – There is never just one treatment that addresses alcohol addiction. In alcohol treatment, you will have access to a range of modalities. These treatments will wrap you up in care that gives you the best possible start to your journey towards wellness.
- Aftercare – Once you leave treatment, you’ll most likely have the opportunity to receive ongoing care in a program. This plan is specifically designed as a bridge between rehab and post-rehab life. It can include ongoing therapy, continued peer support groups, sober activities, and social opportunities, and access to professional advice and expertise.
Find an Alcohol Addiction Rehab Program near You
If you are concerned about your drinking, worried about someone else’s alcohol consumption, or simply want to know more, reach out to a Pennsylvania addiction rehab program near you. They will have knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions about addiction treatment options, the differences between inpatient vs. outpatient care, how to access help, and what the first steps might be.
