If you’ve made the crucial decision to seek treatment and break free from Alcohol Use Disorder, you may feel nervous, especially if this is your first time going into an alcohol rehabilitation program. However, what you learn there will ensure you have the skills to help you embrace a sober lifestyle.
Although each person experiences this process in their own unique way, you may be wondering what to expect from alcohol rehab. In this post, we’ll discuss what may happen during your time in alcohol rehab and what the experience is like for most people.
The Intake Process
A good alcohol rehabilitation program starts at check-in. Not everyone who struggles with an Alcohol Use Disorder is the same, so it’s important for the staff to get to know you and your individual needs. When you arrive, you should be given an Intake Assessment and Evaluation. This process enables the treatment team to understand how alcohol abuse has impacted your life. It also allows them to determine if you have an underlying co-occuring mental health problem.
The intake process is essential to designing an Individualized Plan of Care. Using the information they glean, our team can customize your program based on your specific physical and psychiatric needs.
Detoxification and Withdrawal
Detoxification may be needed at the beginning of your rehabilitation program and is often the first step to long-term Recovery. Withdrawal from alcohol can be very difficult both physically and psychologically, which is why a treatment center equipped for alcohol rehabilitation should provide medical supervision as patients go through detoxification and experience withdrawal symptoms.
The detoxification process can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During that time, your rehab program’s staff should ensure your safety and comfort as you go through this physical and emotional phase.
Therapy and Educational Support
Although detoxification allows patients to work through their physical dependence on alcohol, this treatment alone is never enough, as the underlying cause remains. Alcohol Use Disorder is often prompted by issues or trauma that motivates the behaviors in the first place. If you can understand your triggers, you can develop skills that help you cope in healthier ways.
Rehabilitation needs to include a combination of therapy and education so that you can recognize and manage triggers when they arise. Many types of therapy are utilized in reputable, research-based treatment programs. During intake, the staff will help you find the kind that’s right for you, which could include a combination of:
- Individual sessions with licensed addiction therapists
- Group therapy
- Family involvement or marriage counseling
- Psycho-educational groups
- Holistic services such as yoga groups, guided meditation, acupuncture and more
- Peer recovery support
Therapy sessions are designed to teach you the skills you’ll need to live your life without relying on alcohol. You’ll begin to recognize the situations that trigger your desire to drink and learn how to avoid them. You’ll also start to develop coping skills. As you participate in group meetings, you’ll see the value of gaining support from others who have gone through similar experiences and challenges.
Aftercare Services
A strong Aftercare Program is essential once you graduate from alcohol rehab. Your treatment center will want to maintain a connection with you to foster a continued support network, which will help you avoid a relapse.
During your time in rehabilitation, your counselors will get to know you well. Once you’re ready to leave, they should have suggestions for the next step of your Recovery journey. Your individualized Aftercare plan could include:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Halfway house
- 12-step program
- Continued group or individual therapy
- Weekly check-ins
- And more
Learn More About 7 Summit Pathways
Seeking treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder is the beginning of your journey toward a fulfilling and healthy life. At 7 Summit Pathways, we want to be a part of your Recovery by offering a personalized approach to alcohol rehab. From the moment you reach out to us, you can be sure we’ll address your individual concerns and challenges. Our experienced staff will work alongside you every step of the way as you overcome each obstacle and hurdle in your path.
We invite you to contact our Tampa area alcohol rehabilitation center today to learn more about our highly customized treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder.