What to Expect When going to an Alcohol Treatment Center

Alcohol addictions can be just as tough to overcome as drug addictions. Not only is it difficult to deal with the withdrawal symptoms, it's also hard to change your life from what you're used to. Fortunately there are alcohol treatment centers out there that can help you with this change. They can walk you through the process of getting treatment to make sure you have everything you need to succeed.

First Stage: Detox

Most treatment centers start you out by detoxing you, which is something that will take a few days to complete. This will clean all the alcohol out of your body and ensure that your mind is fresh and not under the influence of anything. During the detox you will start to feel withdrawal, especially if you have been addicted to alcohol for quite some time. You will have people there to help you through, but it can be very hard for anyone to face.

Under no circumstances can you have alcohol or drugs during this time. You will be closely monitored and your bags will be checked when you walk through the door. This will ensure that there are no temptations that can lead to drinking once again. The facility's goal is to make sure all of their patients can successfully get through treatment without outside influences.

Second Stage: Education

Education is a huge part of treatment, especially because most people who are addicted don't understand how it truly affects their body. They will learn what the alcohol does to the internal organs, how it affects judgment and what the consequences are for prolonged use. All of this information can really awaken alcoholics to what they could face in the future if they do not stop drinking.

Third Stage: Counseling and Therapy

One of the most important parts of recovery is going through therapy. This happens in two different ways: individually and with a group. The individual therapy is where patients work one on one with counselors to find out the reasons why they started drinking. This can bring out a lot of emotions and be difficult to go through, but it can be extremely healing.

The group therapy is a time when patients have the chance to meet other people who have gone through the same struggles as them. This can open up their eyes to things they could face, but it could also make them realize that they are not alone. A lot of bonds are forged during group counseling, many of which turn into friendships that last for many years to come.

Both of these will also teach you skills that are necessary to getting through regular life without drinking. You will learn how to avoid circumstances that can cause you problems, cope with emotions without drinking and overcome situations where you're faced with challenges. All of these things are important to learn for anyone who wants to live a regular life without being in a treatment center all the time.

Fourth Stage: Family Contact

Many alcohol treatment centers will have their patients cut off family contact during the first few weeks that they are there. This is because sometimes family can get in the way of treatment and cause emotions that make the patient want to start drinking again. But, after they go through education and therapy, they will be able to start contacting their family once again.

During family meetings the patient and the loved ones will be able to speak openly about their addiction to alcohol. This can bring each person closer together and give closure on the subject so that they can move on. This will also give the family some insight as to what the treatment was like and what the patient has learned.

Fifth Stage: Transitioning into Normal Life

Aftercare is a huge part of alcohol treatment centers and how they work. This generally consists of the patient finding out where meetings are in their area so that they can attend them as often as necessary. Many family members will also be asked to go to Al-Anon meetings so they can learn the tools necessary to support their loved ones.

There are also halfway houses and outpatient treatments available for those who need more intensive help for their addiction. In addition to this, many patients make friends with people from inside of the center, who are able to support them on the outside and link them to others who can help.