Alcohol Rehabilitation Center

An alcohol rehabilitation center is a live-in health care facility that provides therapy for people suffering from alcoholism. Rehabilitation centers are often used to treat drug addictions, mental illnesses, and behavioral problems. Often, a rehab facility is seen as the last resort for an addict after all other methods of therapy have been tried. The path towards becoming a success story for alcohol addiction is a challenge and often involves set backs that can include not remaining sober. Consequently, the best rehabilitation centers are designed to treat patients at varying treatment phases including: detoxification, intervention services, extended care, relapse prevention, and more.

When a person is choosing a rehab facility there are many important characteristics to consider. First, it is crucial that the facility have received accreditation by the appropriate oversight agencies. The best rehab facilities are the ones that are recommended by the state and by alcohol addiction programs. Furthermore, the advice and counsel of former patients or alcoholics should be a large part of the decision process. Former patients will be able to offer firsthand knowledge and insight to the strengths and weaknesses of each center. Second, the rehab center should have 24/7 nursing and medical care available on site. Furthermore the staff members should have extensive experience in addiction treatment. Prior to arriving, check the credentials of the doctors, nurses, and administrators working at the facility to confirm that they offer the experience and knowledge necessary to treat an alcohol addiction. Lastly, a quality rehabilitation facility will include support for patients even after they have left the center. Often, patients will relapse back to alcohol once faced with the temptations of their former life. Consequently, it is imperative that a rehab facility offers advice, guidance, and treatment for patients even after they leave.

Alcohol addicts have the option of choosing between three types of rehabilitation facilities: inpatient, outpatient, and extended care/long term rehab. Recent studies have included that inpatient rehab centers represent the best way to treat addiction. The first phase of the rehab process is detoxification. Often, the addict arrives at the center in a state of panic or anger having been dragged there by a friend, family member, or ordered by the court system. It is rare for an addict to make the conscious decision to check themselves into a rehab center. As a result, the patient must be slowly weaned off of alcohol. The patient's body has become accustomed to having alcohol so the absence of the substance can cause withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, having a well-trained medical staff is crucial for the detox stage to ensure the medical well being of the patient. After detox the next stage in treating alcoholism is to tackle the psychological side of the addiction. At this point, patients will be subject to a variety of medical, psychological, and peer support. Often, the patient will attend individual therapy sessions in an effort to accept the addiction and begin the recovery process. The length of stay at a facility is dependent on the patient; however, the longer a person stays at the center the less likely they are to relapse once released.

In addition to inpatient rehab, recovering alcoholics can also opt for an outpatient treatment facility. In an outpatient center, the patient will meet with a counselor prior to choosing a facility. The counselor will choose the best facility depending on the person's health, severity of addiction, and their lifestyle. Outpatient rehab centers vary in length and may involve anywhere from two to eight hours of commitment per day. Treatment at outpatient facilities includes individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops. Many facilities require that patients submit to a blood test on a periodic basis to ensure that they are not relapsing after leaving the facility at the end of each day. Outpatient programs are not advised for anyone who has attended previous rehab centers or has multiple addictions.

The final type of rehab facility is an extended care center. These centers are designed for individuals who have already completed a rehabilitation program, but need continued support and monitoring before returning to their former lives. While in the facility the patient will live with other recovering addicts and have responsibilities that include chores and possibly a job. The length of stay is entirely dependent on the patient's recovery progress and can range from one month to one year. Program administrators will work with the patient to advise him or her on when they are ready to return to their normal lives.

The costs of an alcohol rehabilitation center depend on the quality of the services provided and the type of facility chosen. The average price is between $15000 and $30000 per month; however, centers can be found for as low as $5000/month and as high as $100,000/month. Many insurance companies will cover all or a portion of the cost to attend a rehab center.