People who abuse alcohol often require residential alcohol addiction treatment centers to recover from their addiction. Effective alcohol rehab programs don’t only treat alcohol abuse. They also focus on the underlying reasons for your relationship with alcohol.

There are different treatment options that can address these root causes. For example, you may need the structure and support of inpatient alcohol treatment to stay sober. Or if your addiction is less severe and you have a strong support system at home, you may not need to stay at an inpatient facility. In that case, you can choose an outpatient program.

Let’s explore why alcohol rehab is important and the range of treatments available to you.

What Alcohol Abuse Looks Like

Alcohol abuse is a serious and common issue in America. Because it’s socially acceptable to consume, some people forget that alcohol is a drug with a high risk of abuse, addiction, and harm. Alcohol can affect your mood, motor skills, and decision-making. Addicts develop a tolerance to alcohol. This means they have to drink more to achieve the desired level of intoxication. Increased blood-alcohol levels raise the physical and psychological risks of alcohol.

It may be difficult to know if you have a drinking problem. This is because drinking is legal and socially acceptable. You may also be a high-functioning alcoholic. This means you can function in your daily life while still abusing alcohol. Even if you’re a high-functioning alcoholic, alcohol abuse can take a serious toll on your well-being and lead you to need an alcohol addiction treatment program.

Why People Abuse Alcohol

There are many reasons your relationship with alcohol might change from enjoying a drink to alcoholism. Most research shows it’s a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. Many people who become alcoholics tend to have others in the family with a history of alcohol abuse. Specific genes can increase your tendency for drug and alcohol abuse. And certain life experiences, including your upbringing or environment, may add to this risk.

People suffering from mental health issues may abuse alcohol to deal with their pain. Many people who join alcohol rehab programs suffer from depression, anxiety or trauma and PTSD. They drink as a way to numb their pain.

Alcohol is a social lubricant. Drinking lowers your inhibitions and makes it easier to interact with others. This can be a problem if you suffer from social anxiety. You may find that your symptoms disappear for a while when you drink, so drinking becomes a crutch. If alcohol is the only thing someone with social anxiety uses to cope in social situations, alcohol abuse or addiction can follow.

Alcohol can be addictive due to its effects, especially the feeling of relaxation. Alcohol abusers also commonly combine alcohol with other drugs to boost the pleasurable effects. This is known as polysubstance abuse. To increase the feeling of euphoria, people may combine alcohol with drugs like:

• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine
• Barbiturates
• Opiates
• Marijuana

These combinations can be dangerous and sometimes fatal.

Why Go to Residential Alcohol Treatment Centers

There are several reasons alcohol rehab might be necessary including:

• Out-of-control drinking – You may have tried to quit on your own but found it extremely challenging. Any rules surrounding drinking (e.g., only on weekends or on certain occasions) are routinely broken.
• Negative life consequences – Alcohol abuse can impact your life in all sorts of ways. You may get caught drunk driving, resulting in a DUI. Alcoholism can lead to relationship issues, especially if alcohol causes you to be mean or aggressive. Drinking may mean you miss days at work or fail to fulfill your other responsibilities.
• Worsening physical and mental health – Alcohol abuse can severely affect your physical health and lead to low mood and increased anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems.

Turning to an alcohol addiction treatment program could be a life-saving decision. Residential alcohol treatment can give you the resources and environment that support long-term recovery.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options

Promises Behavioral Health offers a range of treatment programs for alcohol addiction. These include:

• Alcohol detox – Medical drug and alcohol detox is often crucial for withdrawal from alcohol. Going cold turkey without support can be dangerous or even life-threatening. When you detox at a treatment facility, you’re monitored by medical professionals throughout withdrawal symptoms. They will give you the medication and treatment you need to manage any pain you have.
• Residential alcohol treatment – Inpatient programs may be necessary for people struggling with more severe forms of alcohol abuse. Call us at 844.875.5609, and we can help you determine whether that’s you. When you join inpatient rehab, you will stay at a treatment facility for 24 hours a day. Promises Behavioral Health residential rehab centers are designed for comfort, peace, and contemplation. Our staff is made up of trained, experienced addiction professionals.
• Outpatient alcohol treatment – Several of our treatment facilities offer this option. It’s convenient if you require treatment but need to be able to go home afterward and still attend work or school.

Depending on your individual needs, treatment for alcohol addiction may feature:

• Individual therapy to address your mental health
• Family or group therapy
• Alcohol counseling
• Education on substance abuse
• Fitness classes
• Yoga and meditation
• 12 step support groups

What Happens After Treatment

After completing your alcohol addiction treatment program, we will help you get the aftercare you need. We can connect you with relevant support groups, counselors and other forms of treatment near your home. This will help you maintain the coping mechanisms you’ve developed and maintain sobriety in the long term.

We also encourage you to keep in touch with your treatment facility about your progress. We’re here to offer you additional support if you need it.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism shouldn’t be taken any less seriously than addiction to illegal substances. They can wreak havoc on your life, causing pain for family members, friends, partners, and colleagues. The good news is, alcoholism is treatable. Promises Behavioral Health aims to create a tailored, effective plan just for you, so you can achieve recovery and stay sober. Call us at 844.875.5609 for more information about our addiction treatment centers.