Best Practices for Alcoholism Treatment
Many people may not realize that alcohol is a drug. Like prescription pain pills and illegal narcotics, alcohol is an addictive substance. People who develop a physical or psychological dependence on it suffer from a disease known as alcoholism. When they seek alcoholism treatment, they need to choose rehab clinics that use best practices.
Put Safety First in Alcoholism Treatment
Some people can stop drinking without medical assistance. However, most people who fall under the alcoholism categoryneed help to get through withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms depend on how long individuals have had an alcohol addiction and how much they were drinking during that time. Although the symptoms range from mild to severe, some of them include:
- Anxiety
- Elevated heart rate
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shaking
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
Getting through detox safely is one of the key practices that rehab staff should use during treatment. This might involve prescribing medicine to relieve the symptoms and offering therapy in case of psychological side effects.
Provide Various Behavioral Therapies
The core tenet of alcoholism treatment is therapy. Behavioral therapies are essential and involve identifying and changing the actions that lead to heavy drinking. Therapists should use a variety of techniques to address every need of each patient.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one technique that involves one-on-one or group sessions. It focuses on finding emotional and situational triggers that cause drinking. The goal of this technique is to change how the patient thinks and to develop coping skills for daily triggers.
Motivational enhancement therapy is another form of behavioral therapy. It focuses on showing patients the pros and cons of getting help. Then it helps them form a plan to make changes. This therapy also builds their confidence and teaches them how to maintain the plan.
Plan for Cravings and Triggers
Relapse is a common occurrence on the path to recovery. This is why it’s important for alcoholism treatment to include a plan for cravings and triggers. Aside from coping skills to deal with these issues, recovering alcoholics need a plan for how to deal with them.
They also need a plan for what to do if they relapse. Many alcoholics think that slipping up means that their recovery is over, but this isn’t the case. They can bounce back if they have a plan and follow it after a relapse. The plan may be as simple as asking a friend, family member or sponsor for help.
Build a Support System
Another practice that all treatment facilities should include for alcohol addiction is building a system of support. People with alcohol addictions should never try to stop drinking on their own. Even after they go through a rehab program, they shouldn’t be left to adjust to normal life without help. Building a support system makes the journey much easier.
Alcoholics can get comfort, encouragement and guidance from whoever they trust. This could be family, friends, health care providers, therapists, members of a support group or a sponsor. They should be able to lean on those individuals when they need help getting through cravings or bad situations. It’s also a good idea for alcoholics to attend support group meetings on a regular basis.
Alcoholism Treatment at 1st Step Behavioral Health
Offering an old-school approach to addiction treatment, the staff at 1st Step Behavioral Health doesn’t do the work for clients. As professionals, we help alcoholics deal with the issues that lead to their bouts of drinking. Along with using different behavioral therapy techniques, the staff uses:
- Art therapy
- Family therapies
- Holistic therapies
- Music therapy
Stop letting alcohol addiction get the best of you. You can stop drinking and enjoy a sober life with the help of rehab professionals at a rehab and alcohol detox center. Call (855) 425-4846 today to start a personalized treatment program.
Take the First Step Today
We can help you get better. Contact us today to find out which program might be right for you, or to begin the process of arranging for treatment.
