Different Treatments for Alcoholism

When you enter treatment for alcoholism and alcohol use disorder (AUD), it is essential to find the right program to suit your needs. You might consider different types of treatments for alcoholism depending on what you seek from treatment and where you are in your recovery. 

Is Treatment for Alcoholism Effective?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Research shows that about one-third of people who are treated for alcohol problems have no further symptoms 1 year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.”

Whether your goal is complete sobriety or reducing your risk from alcoholism, treatment for alcoholism and AUD has been proven effective. You can find the best program to help you by considering your options, researching facilities, talking to peers in recovery, consulting with your physician or psychiatrist, or calling facilities directly.

Deciding Between the Different Treatments for Alcoholism

When choosing between the different types of treatments for alcoholism, consider the following:

• How severe is your alcohol addiction?
• Have you ever been in treatment before? If so, what was helpful in the past?
• Do you have underlying conditions at the root of your alcoholism? Some examples include:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chronic pain
  • Trauma
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Are you seeing a therapist or psychiatrist currently?
• Is it difficult to manage triggers in your home environment?

By keeping these questions in mind, you can make the best decision when seeking treatment for alcoholism. Not all treatment types will be helpful for everyone. You might need more or less intensive treatment than another person in recovery.

Treatment Options for Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder

Treatment options for alcoholism vary based on how much support you might need. The following types of treatment for alcoholism options will progress through the usual stages of recovery that most people go through. You do not necessarily need to start your treatment at any particular level. Where you go for treatment depends on your needs.

Detox Services

If you have been drinking heavily for a long time or have never tried to stop in the past, you might need to enter detox first. In addition, if you have relapsed and need to get back into treatment, detox might be your first step.

• Pros:
  • Safely manage withdrawal symptoms
  • Supervised by medical staff
• Cons:
  • Does not address underlying issues of alcoholism
  • Short-term inpatient services (usually about a week)

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help you stay sober during early recovery, especially when you have withdrawal symptoms during medical detox. MAT is combined with other types of alcohol treatment, like therapy and group support meetings.

• Pros:
  • Helps during alcohol withdrawal both during and after detox
  • Keeps you focused on your treatment plan during early recovery
• Cons:
  • Some medications might have unpleasant side effects
  • You might be vulnerable to relapse if you cannot get a prescription filled or miss a dose

Residential Rehab

Residential rehab is one of the most intensive types of treatment programs for alcoholism. To complete most residential programs, you might need to live in a treatment facility for about 30 to 90 days. 

• Pros:
  • You can transition from detox to residential rehab at most treatment facilities
  • You have access to medical care and emotional support 24/7
  • Keeps you safe from triggers at home to prevent relapse during early sobriety
• Cons:
  • Most restrictive type of program, meaning that you will not be able to leave the facility until you complete your treatment program
  • Residential rehab can be expensive; however, many insurance plans help cover some or all of the costs

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes can help you transition from residential rehab back to your home. You might feel ready to leave active treatment yet are uncomfortable returning home. In a sober living home, you live with peers in recovery who share similar goals.

• Pros:
  • Help you stay accountable to your sobriety and recovery 
  • Allow for some flexibility to return to work or school
  • Can continue aftercare services in a safe environment
• Cons:
  • You will still have some restrictions and might only be allowed out of the home for a limited amount of time per day
  • Need to share living space with others

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient alcohol treatment means that you get services while still living at home. This level of treatment can range from seeing a counselor once a week to intensive outpatient programs (IOP), which meet for a few hours each day for three to five days per week.

• Pros:
  • Flexible and can work with your schedule
  • A wide array of options from minimal to intensive
  • Can be part of your aftercare plan after leaving detox or residential rehab
• Cons:
  • Can be challenging if you struggle to keep appointments, which can be common during early recovery 
  • You might have triggers in your home environment that cause you to relapse

Treating Alcoholism in Nashville, TN

Treating alcoholism and alcohol use disorder can be challenging without the proper support. Brentwood Springs Detox of Nashville, TN, is here to help you through every step of addiction recovery from alcoholism and alcohol use disorder. We offer support for all stages of recovery, from detox to aftercare services. Call us today at (615) 560-7545.