It is understandable that some people with an alcohol abuse disorder can question does alcohol rehab work? They may have seen others go through an alcohol addiction treatment program only to relapse into their former drinking habits within a few months of completing the program.
Even if you are at the point where you have acknowledged you have a drinking problem, you may be skeptical about entering a rehab program. Many people have the misconception that it is easy to get help for a drinking problem because there is a quick fix – Just stop drinking.
However, overcoming a drinking problem is rarely that easy. There are many underlying issues and factors to consider. To further complicate the matter, each person often has their own reasons for drinking.
As such, these reasons must be addressed as part of an effective alcohol rehab program. Fortunately, if you are willing to admit you have a problem, complete the program, and stick to your after-care, your life can have meaningful and profound changes.
What Is Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol rehab is participating in a treatment program to help you overcome your dependence on alcohol. Many people often think of AA meetings or residential rehab programs. These are just two different options available.
There is a wide range of program options to fit each person’s specific needs and requirements. As a result, alcohol rehab programs today are custom-tailored for each individual. Furthermore, many recovering alcoholics will use various treatment methods as they advance on the road to recovery. At Buckhead Behavioral Health, we offer alcohol rehab in Atlanta.
No matter which treatment methods and program you decide upon, the first and most important step to sobriety is undergoing detox.
What Is Alcohol Detox?
Your brain and body have undergone all sorts of changes from continued, long-term alcohol use. The brain has adjusted how it releases different chemicals to attempt to compensate for the effects of alcohol. Therefore, all alcohol must be flushed from the body to promote healing and stop the chemical changes from continuing.
Detox is the process to get you sober. The process can be very challenging and uncomfortable as you experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the symptoms are directly related to your level of alcohol dependence and addiction, which could include:
- Uncontrollable Shakes
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Body Aches
- Insomnia
- Delirium Tremens (DTs)
- Cramping
This is why you should never attempt to go “cold turkey” or attempt to detox without supervision. When the withdrawal symptoms are excruciating, you will simply return to drinking to alleviate them. However, with the right supervision, you can get through detox and start the path to sobriety.
What Happens After Detox?
After completing detox, you begin your treatment program. The level of care, counseling, and therapy involved will depend on the type of program, what options you selected, and other factors.
For example, residential treatment programs will require you to live in a residential treatment facility. You receive around-the-clock services with an established schedule that outlines your therapy sessions, group sessions, counseling sessions, etc.
A residential treatment program can transition into a long-term program where you gradually move to an outpatient program while continuing to reside in a sober living facility or residential treatment facility. From there, you will begin the transition to return home, return to work, and so on.
It is essential to remember this is just one potential program path you could take to achieve sobriety. In addition, as you near the end of your treatment program, to help aid in your transition to the next stage, you will create an after-care program plan.
After-care programs include attending group meetings, one-on-one counseling sessions, and other things to help you maintain your sobriety. After-care programs are just as customizable as your initial alcohol addiction treatment program.
Will Sobriety Stick?
For sobriety to stick, you must be willing to admit you have a drinking problem and a desire to quit. If you do not and are just going through a program to please your family or friends, sobriety often does not last.
People who get sober for others soon realize that it is much easier to give into triggers that lead right back to drinking because they were not committed. However, if you are committed and stick with your program plan, treatment can be effective and help you achieve long-term sobriety.
Alcohol Rehab Programs That Work in Atlanta
You may still be asking yourself does alcohol rehab work? There is only one way to find out what treatment is best for you to overcome your alcohol addiction. Taking the first steps can cause you to feel overwhelmed with a sense of uncertainty for the future. This is entirely understandable, and you are not alone. However, if you are serious about overcoming your alcohol abuse, you will be in a good position to get sober.
If you are ready to take the first steps to sobriety, contact Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta to complete our intake interview and learn more about our treatment programs. We offer customizable alcohol rehab program plans using multidisciplinary approaches to help you achieve sobriety now and in the future.
We have alcohol rehab programs at our luxury addiction rehab facility for teens, young adults, men, and women of all ages. For further details or questions about our different treatment options, please feel free to contact us at 908-489-5564 today!
