Alcohol Treatment Types
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
For many, taking the first step in seeking help for alcoholism can feel exceedingly overwhelming, especially if you are already feeling alone in your struggle. But the good news is, even at its most severe—with professional treatment and ongoing recovery efforts—this disease may be effectively managed.1 Research has even shown that 1 year later, about 1/3 of people who have completed alcohol addiction treatment have no further symptoms and fewer alcohol-related problems.(1)
In the U.S., approximately 14.8 million people aged 12 or older had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2018.2 This accounts for 5.4% of the population or about 1 in 19 people.2 Yet, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), only around 6.5% of adults with AUD actually seek treatment.3
Whether it’s for you or someone you love, choosing where to seek alcohol treatment, what type of care you need, and what daily life will look like post-treatment can make the process seem even more challenging. However, there are a number of alcohol treatment options available for those in need, ranging from medical detox to residential inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and standard outpatient treatment programs.
AUD may be somewhat different for everyone, and for that reason, a variety of treatment approaches are available to better speak to each person’s individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and often, understanding the different options can facilitate the choice. Read on to find out more on each of the different types of treatment for alcoholism and how to get help.
Types of Treatment for Alcoholism
The type of alcoholism rehab that will be most suitable for you may be determined by several individual factors such as your current alcohol use and corresponding level of physical alcohol dependence, any additional substance use, any previous attempts to quit, and any co-occurring medical and/or mental health conditions. However, regardless of your level of alcohol abuse, seeking the guidance of medical and mental health professionals can promote a better understanding of this chronic disease and help inform the course of treatment that you ultimately select.
Behavioral Therapies Used to Treat Alcohol Addiction
Since addiction is usually accompanied by pathological changes in thoughts and actions, treatment plans include behavioral therapies to modify maladaptive behaviors and attitudes related to alcohol abuse. Over the course of alcohol addiction programs, these therapies may be administered though several group and individual counseling sessions. With these types of behavioral interventions, patients learn to better handle triggers and situations that may lead to alcohol use.7
Alcoholism Aftercare Programs
Aftercare is an important part of the recovery process that begins once an alcohol addiction treatment program has been successfully completed. Once you leave a rehabilitation program, you may face challenges and temptations that can lead to relapse. Aftercare programs are designed to give individuals ongoing assistance and continued support to maintain long-term sobriety.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 84% of treatment facilities offer aftercare services.13 Those that don’t, however, can typically work with you to devise a plan using other outlets prior to program completion.
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