“Recovery has given me something so much greater than just the tangible stuff. It has given me freedom. I don’t have to worry when I travel—will I have enough… booze? I no longer have to plan everything out. I have the true freedom to go anyplace where any normal person walks freely without being a prisoner to my disease.” – Michael’s House Alumni
How can an alcoholic find this kind of freedom? Alcohol rehab is generally considered the most effective way to break the cycle of addiction to alcohol and open the door to wholeness and happiness. Find out at an alcohol addiction treatment program in Palm Springs. Call 760.548.4032 to ask about the substance abuse treatment programs at Michael’s House.
The Basic Elements of Alcohol Rehab
At its core, alcohol rehab is a treatment program dedicated to the process of helping individuals overcome their physical and psychological addictions to alcohol. In many cases, it’s also called an alcohol addiction treatment program. During this process, patients typically experience four phases of service and participation:
- Diagnostics and evaluation
- Detox
- Counseling
- Aftercare
In some cases, therapeutic medication is also necessary to help stabilize the patient during alcohol detox or to address any co-occurring disorder. As part of a comprehensive treatment package, the social dimension of addiction is addressed, as well as the physical and psychological aspects.
Alcohol rehab is much more than just a “bandage” solution to what ails the patient. If conducted properly, these healing programs get to the heart of why an individual has sought out alcohol in the first place. They pursue, confront and treat these veiled issues—the wellspring for disease.
At Michael’s House, we offer a holistic alcohol rehab experience designed to meet each patient’s individual needs on a personal level. An alcohol rehab center in Palm Springs should be a place for healing, healthier living, and emotional and therapeutic support. The treatment programs that have enjoyed the most success in helping their patients heal after alcohol addiction contain a variety of evidence-based strategies to enrich the individual’s mind, body, and soul.
A Closer Look at Each Step of an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program
Assessment and Evaluation
Treatment typically begins with a complete physical and psychological assessment to establish which rehabilitation method should be used—both physicians and treatment counselors complete this evaluation. Medical and mental health records are pored over. Family and alcohol-use histories are also reviewed. This process helps to chart the best course of action. Often, follow-up reviews are necessary to update or adjust treatment measures. Every aspect of care is based on a personalized treatment plan.
Therapeutic Medication
In most cases of long-term alcohol addiction, detox must occur before formal treatment. This part of the healing process involves stopping the consumption of alcohol and all other drugs. The detox process gives the body time to cleanse all harmful toxins. Withdrawal symptoms such as depression and anxiety, mood swings, sweats, chills, and irritability may be an issue. They all depend upon the specifics of the addiction. Physical and mental health care and support are provided as needed.
Alcohol Detox
In most cases of long-term alcohol addiction, detox must occur before formal treatment. This part of the healing process involves stopping the consumption of alcohol and all other drugs. The detox process gives the body time to cleanse all harmful toxins. Withdrawal symptoms such as depression and anxiety, mood swings, sweats, chills, and irritability may be an issue. They all depend upon the specifics of the addiction. Physical and mental health care and support are provided as needed.
Therapeutic Medication
The need for therapeutic medication depends on the individual patient’s needs, experiences, and circumstances. Therapeutic medication should be medically managed by a physician.
Individual Counseling Sessions
These are one-on-one meetings with an addiction treatment counselor. Issues and events that may have contributed to alcoholism are explored. Patients learn about alcoholism as a disease. They also learn what can trigger addictive thinking and behavior, practice vital coping skills, and develop healthy routines. Patients come to understand that an alcohol-free lifestyle takes discipline and dedication.
Group Counseling Sessions
These involve meeting with other recovering addicts in the program. They provide an opportunity for sharing life experiences and lessons learned. In so doing, a peer support network develops. Erroneous thinking and walls of isolation are exposed and addressed.
Aftercare
When individuals “graduate” from formal alcohol rehab, they return to the outside world. Often, it isn’t easy to make this switch. Treatment-energized hope may fade away over time. Day-to-day stresses can take their toll. Ongoing support through 12-Step meetings, personal and group therapies, holistic treatments, and other supports are vital. They help to maintain what was learned and practiced in formal treatment.
Deciding Between Residential and Outpatient Modes of Treatment
Alcohol rehab programs are available in two basic formats: outpatient care and residential treatment. While both offer similar services, there are some critical differences in how each operates.
Residential Alcohol Rehab
In a dorm-like setting, patients reside in private or semi-private rooms and:
- Addiction and medical specialists monitor activity daily
- Round-the-clock care is provided
- Stays often last a few months
These facilities allow patients to focus solely on their body, mind, and spirit healing.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
Patients attend alcohol addiction treatment sessions during the day. Patients return to their homes or sober living facilities at night and:
- Return to their life obligations, especially if they are the heads of their households or have work or school responsibilities
- Benefit from outpatient alcohol rehab if they simply need a treatment refresher
Since medical care is generally not included in this setting, these centers do not work well for those with severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. It’s essential to take the time to weigh personal needs and preferences against the services and accommodations of any facilities before commitment. Much time and money are on the line, not to mention physical and psychological health.
Signs that Alcohol Rehab Is Needed
Alcoholics, when confronted, will often deny excess consumption of alcohol. Nor will they admit to any dependence upon it. Red flags that signal alcoholism include:
- Often found seeking drink or intoxicated
- Difficulty getting an adequate amount of sleep
- Frequent falls, blackouts, and resulting bruises
- Chronic depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Poor weight and personal hygiene maintenance
- Repeated tardiness, poor grades, or loss of employment
- Trouble maintaining good personal or working relationships
- Late in meeting financial obligations and maintaining a budget
People struggling with alcohol addiction may also violate DUI laws and be involved in motor vehicle accidents.
If Alcoholism Is Suspected, Seek Professional Help Immediately
An alcohol rehab treatment center is a place for healing, learning a healthy lifestyle, and receiving support. Today’s proven, evidence-based approach to treating co-occurring disorders is to integrate the services of addiction counselors and medical professionals. Through unified goals and coordinated efforts, the whole person is treated. Tools for maintaining abstinence and physical and mental stability are provided.