Have you ever wondered what exactly an addiction treatment program (or rehab) does? Alcohol treatment recovery programs provide comprehensive support to help individuals overcome alcohol, drug, and behavioral addictions and maintain their sobriety goals.
Alcohol and treatment programs offer a range of specialized services to maximize healthy outcomes for their clients. Read on to learn about the main components and services they offer.
Treatment Models
The current best practice is the use of the biopsychosocial model of treatment. It combines elements of the following traditional models [1]:
- Medical model: Emphasizes the biological, genetic or physiological causes of addiction requiring treatment by a physician and the use of medication to relieve symptoms or change behavior.
- Psychological model: Focuses on the individual’s maladaptive motivational learning or emotional dysfunction. Includes psychotherapy or behavioral therapy conducted by a psychotherapist.
- Sociocultural model: Stresses deficiencies in the social or cultural milieu or upbringing process. Participation in self-help or therapy activities and with supportive social networks is key.
Detoxification
Most treatment programs begin with detoxification which helps individuals safely withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. This process usually occurs 6-24 hours after the last drink. It may involve medication to manage some symptoms. Detox can be conducted in inpatient or outpatient settings, depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s overall health [2].
Addictions Therapy and Counseling
Treatment programs offer various types of therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
These include:
- Individual counseling to develop coping strategies and skills to reduce or stop drinking. Behavioral healthcare for AUD includes cognitive-behavioral, motivational enhancement, mindfulness-based, contingency management, and 12-step facilitation.
- Group therapy sessions to share experiences and build support networks.
- Family or couples therapy to improve relationships and create a supportive home environment.
Medication
Some programs incorporate FDA-approved medications to help individuals stop drinking and avoid relapse. These non-addictive medications are prescribed by primary care clinicians or board-certified addiction doctors.
Education
Programs often include educational components to help individuals understand the nature of addiction, its effects on health, and strategies for maintaining sobriety.
Special Sessions
Some programs include sessions on specialized topics such as stress or anger management, grief, and trauma. Some have special groups for members of a certain occupation or profession such as fire fighters or first responders.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Treatment doesn’t stop at the end of the program. Aftercare services, such as 12-step programs, private therapy, and group counseling, are key for relapse prevention and long-term recovery.
Levels of Care
Treatment programs offer levels of care to meet individual needs:
- Intensive Inpatient: Medically-directed 24 hour service. Often includes withdrawal management.
- Outpatient care: Regular office visits for counseling and medication support.
- Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization: Coordinated care for more complex needs providing several hours per day of programming.
- Residential treatment: 24-hour care in a structured environment.
The ultimate goal of these programs is to help individuals develop, with respect to their alcohol use:
- Healthy values
- Attitudes
- Behaviors
- Decision-making skills
- Support community
To build a strong foundation for a life free from alcohol.
Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment in Anaheim
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one on the recovery from addiction and mental health issues. Our mission is all about saving lives.
We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and licensed counselors provide individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1997. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 24.) Chapter 5—Specialized Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.
[2] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery.
