Inpatient alcohol treatment is a viable option for those suffering with alcoholism who have been unsuccessful with outpatient treatments. When alcohol starts to have a devastating impact on families, professional lives and relationships – it may be time to consider inpatient alcohol treatment.
If you struggle with alcohol, here are a few signs you may want to consider inpatient alcohol treatment.
- Performance at work or school is becoming difficult or suffering as a result of your drinking
- You are drinking at unconventional times, such as in the morning
- You find yourself drinking alone
- You find ways to avoid your friends and family in favor of drinking
- Your drinking leads to high-risk behaviors
Inpatient alcohol treatment is often the best option for people whose alcohol use has serious potential to place themselves or others in danger. If you find yourself driving under the influence, drinking at work, drinking around family members or acting out through dangerous or destructive behavior, inpatient alcohol treatment should be seriously considered.
Inpatient alcohol treatment centers offer the opportunity to address and treat alcoholism in a safe environment that will keep you and your loved ones out of danger during this difficult and trying period.
What to Expect During Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
Physical and psychological evaluation: upon admittance to an inpatient alcohol treatment program, patients receive a screening for any physical or psychological conditions to determine the type and level of treatment needed.
Detoxification period: during this phase, patients are forced to address and learn to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which are usually severe among patients with alcohol dependency. Inpatient alcohol treatment offers an advantage to the withdrawal phase because patients have no access to alcohol.
Another advantage is the support network offered to help patients overcome and manage painful and often debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Once these symptoms are under control, more in-depth inpatient substance abuse treatment can begin.
- Treatment through medication when needed
- Behavioral and psychotherapy
- Enrollment in Alcoholics Anonymous
Life After Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Staying clean following a period of inpatient alcohol treatment is a major challenge, one that many people don’t overcome right away. However, according to Alcoholics Anonymous, proper preparation can help ensure success.
There are a few things to keep in mind when leaving inpatient substance abuse treatment.
Recognition
The same problems and struggles will exist once a patient leaves an inpatient alcohol treatment program. This time, it’s going to take will power and determination to confront life’s many problems without turning to alcohol. In fact, reverting to alcohol will only compound problems, which is why patients end up in an inpatient alcohol treatment program in the first place.
No One Faces Alcoholism Alone
If you struggle with alcohol abuse, you are one of more than 2,000,000 people working to overcome alcohol addiction. Seek out support networks such as A.A. in your area and stick with the meetings, no matter how hard life may become.
How to Find an Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Center
If your drinking has gotten to the point where you feel you need an inpatient treatment program, the first appointment you make should be with your doctor or therapist. A medical professional can help you find an effective inpatient substance abuse program in your area.
Have a list of potential treatment centers and contact them directly to determine which program will best suit your needs. Programs fill up quickly and it may take a few tries to find a center that can accept you right away. And remember, your treatment may be covered, so talk to your insurance provider to determine whether inpatient alcohol treatment is covered under your policy.
If you are having financial difficulties as a result of your alcoholism, there may be public programs available in your state. Contact your local health department or substance abuse center to find out what inpatient substance abuse programs might be available for you.