Finding the Best Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
It can be very hard to admit that you need help for an alcohol use disorder, whether you have been abusing the substance for several months or several years. Once you have decided to attend rehab for an alcohol use disorder though, it is extremely important that you choose the right treatment program and/or facility in order to have the best possible chance at recovery.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Treatment techniques and tools to address alcohol use disorders… have multiplied over the last 30 years,” and finding the right program is a delicate matter that may take a considerable amount of time, especially because there are so many options available to you.
We can help you find treatment. Call 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) toll free anytime.
What Should I Do Before I Start My Search for an Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Program?
When looking for an alcohol rehab, make sure they offer an individualized treatment approach.
It is important that, before you even begin searching for a rehab program, you first decide what your needs are and how the program of your choice must be able to meet them. Some of your needs will be directly related to your alcohol abuse and may include the need for hospitalization (in the case that your substance abuse has caused physical problems) or other important factors that your treatment center must be able to provide. Other needs, however, may not be related to your substance use disorder but are still very important.
As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse.” Therefore, the right rehab center or program must be appropriate to your age, ethnicity, culture, gender, and beliefs. It must also address any other problems you are dealing with, be they social, legal, financial, or vocational.
Make sure you understand what your needs are and that you are ready to find the rehab program that not only understands them as well but also has the tools to meet them.
What are My Options When It Comes to Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment?
As previously stated, you have many more options now than what would have once available to you. Treatment programs for alcohol use disorders usually come in two types: inpatient and outpatient. If you are in a situation where you have friends and family members who are able to care for you during your recovery and your current condition is considerably stable, you may want to attend an outpatient program, which is generally less expensive than an inpatient program.
However, if you are experiencing issues with co-occurring mental disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.), if you do not have a strong social support system at home, or especially if you are experiencing (or have ever experienced) life-threatening withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, you may want to choose inpatient treatment. Here, you can receive 24-hour care in a controlled environment where you will be safe and also avoid the temptation of relapse. This option is usually best for those who have struggled with recovery before or who have extremely intense alcohol use disorders like alcoholism.
There are also a number of other options that you may want to consider as part of your treatment program. For example, holistic methods like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and others have been known to be extremely beneficial for patients going through substance abuse recovery. If you are religious, you may also choose a faith-based treatment program that could allow you to bring your spirituality into your recovery for alcohol abuse. While there are many types of treatments, it is always best that the program most beneficial to the patient is the one chosen. It is important that you feel comfortable and well cared for in your treatment center so you will be more likely to continue your treatment and be successful in your recovery.
Where Should I Look for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment?
There are a number of Internet directories where you can find listings for alcohol use disorder treatment programs. In our directory, you can find centers listed by state and receive information about the programs closest to you. You can also find therapists through our directory if you prefer a more one-on-one treatment experience.
Individuals in your community can also help you look for rehab centers and therapists nearby where you can receive the help you seek.
- Your personal physician can be extremely helpful, especially because they are aware of your medical history and will likely understand many of your treatment needs.
- Your friends and family members who support your decision to seek treatment may know someone to whom you can speak or can even just be helpful during your search for the right facility.
- Volunteers at your local community outreach center will likely have considerable knowledge about the treatment facilities and programs in your area.
- Doctors and nurses at your local hospital and free clinic will also have experience referring individuals to treatment facilities in the area. At free clinics especially, the healthcare professionals will know of the less expensive options nearby.
For help finding treatment call 888-647-0051 (Who Answers?) toll free anytime.
What Should I Ask Before I Decide to Attend Treatment?
Whether you are considering attending a treatment program in a rehab facility or with a therapist, it is important to ask a series of questions before you decide on a specific program. This way, you can ensure that you have found the best treatment for you. Here are the most important questions to ask the professionals at the program before you decide on a treatment type.
- What is your success rate?
- What is the cost of your program?
- Will you take my insurance?
- Do you provide options to patients in need of financial assistance?
- What treatment types does your program provide?
- What is the average length of treatment for most of your patients?
- What, if any, aftercare options do you provide or suggest?
- What is your program’s philosophy on substance use disorders and alcohol abuse?
If you have any other questions, especially those pertaining to your comfort, it is important to ask these as well. Visiting the facility or the therapist before deciding to attend treatment can also be incredibly beneficial. When you are trying to find the best treatment for your alcohol use disorder, it is important to know your needs and to search until you find the program that is most able to meet them.
