Alcohol is a legal substance that is largely consumed on a global scale. It is a mind-altering substance that, when enters the bloodstream, give a 'feel good' sensation, commonly referred to as a 'buzz'. Alcohol is also a very addictive substance for those who cannot control their alcohol consumption. For those who have an alcohol abuse problem, help from an inpatient alcohol treatment center is essential.

Inpatient treatment involves the affected individual residing at the place of treatment for the duration of the recovery period. This can range anywhere from 21 days to 120 days depending on the severity of the alcohol addiction. For those who are struggling with a heavy alcohol abuse disorder, generally, a longer program would be more beneficial for them. The patients will go through intensive treatment modalities which will re-teach them how to function without the aid of alcohol.

Depending on the treatment center that the patient attends, a single room may be provided or a shared accommodation might be the only option.

What is Offered at Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Centers?

Many of these inpatient treatment centers offer a variety of amenities for patients to enjoy such as massage therapy, a gym, a pool, and even yoga and meditation classes. Depending on the treatment facility, meals may or may not be provided. If they are not provided, grocery store trips may be offered throughout the week so that you can plan your meals and prepare them in your rooms as well. There is always going to be an element of free time so that patients can relax in between their days of therapy.

During the typical day of inpatient treatment, patients will meet with therapists and counselors who will work with the patient in an effort to help them overcome their alcohol abuse and dependency issues. They will conduct various tests in order to determine any sort of underlying reasons for the addiction.

Inpatient alcohol treatment centers may also offer patients the chance to have family visitors after their first successful week of recovery. It is very important that during the treatment process that patients have contact with their loved ones as it will keep them motivated to continue on in their recovery. Typically, loved ones are allowed to send cards and letters of encouragement during their duration of treatment.

Mental Illness as it Relates to Alcohol Abuse

It comes as a surprise for many who realize that close to half of all alcohol-related illnesses are a result of mental illness. Many times, and all too often, truthfully, the mental illness goes undetected. Addiction can only be treated if the mental illness is treated first. Mental illness can be determined through various assessments and evaluations which are conducted by trained addiction advisors and addiction specialists. After determining whether or not a mental illness is present, the appropriate course of action for treatment will take place. Managing and treating the root cause of addiction is imperative to the success of the recovery program.

Some types of mental health illnesses that may be the reason for one's addiction are:

* Anxiety

* Clinical Depression

* Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

* Attention Deficit Disorder

* Bipolar Disorder

* Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are many different reasons as to why certain individuals are susceptible to addiction while others are not. Medical history and genetics play a major role in whether or not an individual will suffer from the disease of addiction. If alcoholism runs in your family, there is a 50 percent chance that you will also suffer from this disease. This is simply the nature of the disease of addiction.

Since every patient and their struggles are unique, every program should also be unique. This is why there are many different types of addiction treatment programs and therapies available for patients. Some of these includes:

* Group Therapy

* Individual Therapy

* Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

* Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

* Holistic Therapy

* Equine Therapy

* Art Therapy

* Medical Detox

* Aftercare Programs and Relapse Prevention

* Inpatient treatment

* Outpatient Treatment

When you meet with an addiction advisor, they will determine the best course of action for your addiction treatment.

Addiction treatment is a long-term process and recovery does not simply stop when your treatment program is over. It takes many years in order for you to properly manage your addiction and for some, recovery is a life-long struggle.

Difference Between Inpatient Treatment and Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse disorders requires that the patient lives at the center of recovery for the duration of treatment, as stated above. Conversely, outpatient treatment allows the patient to go home at the end of each treatment day and return the next day for further treatment. Outpatient treatment is not typically reserved for those who struggling with alcohol abuse as it is for those who have less intense addictions. Alcohol is a very dangerous substance to be addicted to and in most cases requires 24/7 care in order to ensure the safety of the individual.

Outpatient treatment is for those individuals who can manage their addiction at home even when there may be triggers around them. They may have a less severe addiction which they can manage on their own without the help of 24/7 care and monitoring.

The Medical Detox Phase

The first stage of most addiction programs for alcohol abuse is medical detox. This is where anti-craving and detox drugs are given to the patient in a controlled environment. The drugs will lessen the withdrawal symptoms while also allowing the body to wean itself off of the alcohol. This is a process that takes up to one week long and the patient will not be required to leave the detox environment for the duration. Since this is usually the hardest part of the recovery process, patients are encouraged to stay motivated and strong throughout this procedure. Failing to do so or quitting early can be life-threatening and sometimes even fatal.

Aftercare Programs and Trigger Management

During your time in an inpatient alcohol treatment center, you will learn the tools that will allow you to manage any sort of triggers that you may encounter after discharge. It is advised that you no longer associate yourself with the former friends that may have influenced you to use in the past. They may influence you to use again in the future so it is best that you simply stay clear of these individuals.

Advisors at various inpatient alcohol treatment centers advise that you attend Alcoholic Anonymous meetings weekly once you have been cleared to leave after treatment. These meetings will help you stay motivated while also teaching you important coping mechanisms that will allow for a successful life of sobriety.

Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

If you are worried that you may be showing signs of alcohol abuse or are worried that a friend or loved one is drinking too much, there are signs and symptoms to watch out for. Some of these are:

* Physical appearance is neglected Lacking responsibilities

* Borrowing money from friends and family

* Getting angry when plans revolving drinking get canceled

* Increased agitation and irritability Getting fired from their job

If any of these sounds like you or someone you know, it may be time to seek professional help from an inpatient alcohol treatment center. It's important not to ignore the warning signs of alcohol abuse as this progressive disease will only worsen the longer you ignore the problem. It must be acknowledged when it is first noticed as this will ensure that the disease of addiction does not go any further than it already has.

If you are a family member of a loved one who you suspect has an alcohol abuse problem, there are several ways to approach this scenario. Staging an intervention is a great way to get all of the individuals closest friends and family in one place so that they can open up about how much they want this person to get better. This will give the addict an idea of how much they are loved and cared about so that they can process how much their drinking has affected their entire family.

Get the Help You Need Today

If you are struggling with the ability to control your drinking, it's time to get in touch with an inpatient alcohol treatment center. These centers have addiction professionals, specialists, therapists, and counselors who will help you on your journey toward long-term sobriety of alcohol. You must get help now as addiction is a disease that will not go away by itself.

If you do not choose to get help now, your future and health are unknown. The lifestyle that addiction brings is a very dangerous one and one that can be life-threatening as well. You must get the courage to admit that you need help so that you can start living a happier life. You have friends and family that love you and want to see you get better. That time to get into an inpatient alcohol treatment center is right now.