When you can't imagine your life without alcohol and you make plans based around the next time you can have a drink, you may need alcohol treatment for an alcohol addiction. Drinking alcohol is legal and this means you probably started out drinking without any regard for the potential of addiction. While going out with friends and having a few drinks is considered social drinking, when you consume alcohol to the point of intoxication on a regular basis you may have an alcohol abuse problem.

Start Your Addiction to Alcohol Treatment in Supervised Detox

Supervision is the safest way to withdraw from alcohol. If you have tried to quit on your own but found yourself reaching for a drink, this is because the side effects make it very hard to withdraw in a safe manner on your own. As the withdrawal effects get worse, the only way to stop them when you are by yourself is to reach for a drink. Many people try to detox at home, but this is not a safe or generally effective way to withdraw from alcohol. You will want to find a supervised detox for alcohol treatment in your area in order to get started on your journey of sobriety.

Programs in Your Area for Alcohol Treatment for Addiction

If you live in an urban area, you probably have a variety of programs for alcohol treatment in your area. For people who live in more rural settings, you may need to travel a bit to find the treatment you need. Programs range from supervised detox to withdraw safely from substances to sober living communities where you live with your peers and learn how to reintegrate back into the public. It can be hard to feel as if you belong back in the community after alcohol treatment, and a sober living program gives you the support you need to take it slow.

What an Intensive Outpatient Program Provides for Treatment

Intensive Outpatient Programs are available to people who feel comfortable returning home after time in detox or a short-term rehabilitation program. When you go to an IOP for treatment, you spend your day getting treatment for addiction. Your day is structured to help ease your anxiety. You will work with a counselor to address your specific treatment goals, and you will participate in group sessions to learn more about addiction. IOPs are day programs for people who have a safe home to return to after receiving treatment for addiction but still need a structured program during the day to build on their sobriety.

How to Develop Strong Relapse Prevention Strategies

Relapse prevention strategies are any activities that help you stay sober. You will hear plenty of ideas while in alcohol treatment about ways to reduce your risk of a relapse. Pay attention to the new activities that are introduced to you and don't be afraid to try them. While you may have never heard about mindfulness or yoga, you could get a lot of benefit out of trying the activities. A strong relapse prevention program includes a variety of activities that help you calm down, reduce your stress levels and feel better overall.

Finding an Alcohol Treatment Program That is Right For You

If you are searching for an alcohol treatment program, it helps to know what kind of program you want. For individuals still addicted to alcohol, you will need a detox program before you begin any other type of treatment. If you are no longer abusing alcohol but you need support to stay sober, a short-term rehabilitation program might be the right answer. You have choices when it comes to addiction treatment, and finding the right program may take a little bit of investigation. If you don't find a program in your area that you believe is the right fit for you, traveling to find the best treatment is generally recommended.

What is Dual-diagnosis Treatment?

Dual-diagnosis treatment allows individuals who are struggling with an addiction and also have a mental health diagnosis to receive treatment for both issues at the same time. For people with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, getting treatment for addiction does not have to mean putting mental health needs in the background. Dual-diagnosis treatment is common, as many people who struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol also have an underlying mental health issue. Once you begin to research programs for alcohol treatment, you will discover that many offer treatments for people who have a dual-diagnosis.

The Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Alcohol Treatment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a common type of therapy used in addiction treatment. The goal of CBT is to teach you healthier thought patterns in an effort to bring positive changes to your life. CBT looks at your thoughts and actions and works to teach you different ways to look at a problem. A negative thought such as "I will never get sober" would be discussed with to your therapist. A more productive thought is, "It's hard to get sober, but I'm worth it". Over time, you will discover that your thoughts are more useful and give you the power you need to make positive choices in your life. CBT is a highly useful therapy for those going through addiction treatment and is beneficial when used in the right way.

Are You Addicted to Alcohol?

If you are already wondering if you are addicted to alcohol, the chances are high that you are. An individual who is simply a social drinker usually doesn't think much about an addiction to alcohol. People who are abusing alcohol begin to realize that their drinking habits may be harmful and could be more than social drinking over time. Ask yourself the following questions to see if you may have a problem with drinking that isn't being addressed:

Does my partner get mad at me for my drinking? Have I missed work because of a hangover? Do I always look for ways to go out drinking? Do I get mad if plans to go out drinking change? Do I drink at home alone in order to relax?

When you can answer yes to any of the above questions, you are probably struggling with an addiction to alcohol. Take the time to think about your alcohol use and don't be afraid to admit if this is a problem for you. If you make the decision to seek treatment for your addiction, you will soon realize that there are many people just like yourself who are ready to take their life back from alcohol abuse.

The Treatment Process for Substance Abuse

The treatment process begins with a period of time spent in detox. You might go to an alcohol detox for a few days while you physically remove alcohol from your system, and then move on to a short-term rehabilitation program. It is always best to detox in a program under supervision, as it is not safe to be on your own through the withdrawal period. Symptoms from alcohol withdrawal can go from mild discomfort to life-threatening quickly, and you will want to be supervised throughout the process. After detox, your next step depends on your specific needs. Some people are able to return home and go to an Intensive Outpatient Program, while others don't feel safe returning home and go to a long-term residential treatment program.

When Your Level of Commitment Goes Low

It can be hard to stay motivated in your sobriety. When your level of commitment wanes, it's time to reach out to people who are in your support network. You aren't expected to be the only source of your motivation, but you should know that it's important to reach out to others when your commitment level is low. Relapse often occurs in individuals who are not able to talk to people in their support network and who no longer feel as though sobriety is worth fighting for. The people who understand you most are the ones you need when you are feeling down and weak in your recovery.

Get Ready to Start Your Life Today

If you are tired of living your life wondering where your next drink is going to come from, it's time to make positive changes. It can feel scary to ask for help, but a strong person is able to ask for help anyway. Your life is waiting for you, but you are the only person that can make the decision to seek treatment that will work for you. Once you decide to seek treatment, you will see a world that opens up to you.

Treatment for addiction begins when you are ready to get the help you deserve. From detox to long-term aftercare options, you will have support every step of the way if you ask for it. Once you are no longer in a residential program, you can find AA meetings in the community to continue the work you began in your early recovery. AA will help you stay connected with others who are struggling with addiction and provide you with a solid base of support.