Alcoholism is one of the most common addictions in the world. It’s no surprise why addiction is so prevalent. We don't know for sure when the first alcoholic beverage was invented. Alcoholic drinks have been around since before the dawn of modern history. In fact, for centuries, men and women have created low alcohol drinks to drink as it was safer than simply drinking water from local rivers and lakes. Unfortunately, as much as alcohol consumption is part of the human experience - so is alcoholism.
Alcohol is, in many ways, a part of human evolution. It is a part of human civilization. It is also poison, a highly addictive poison. There is no shame in becoming addicted to alcohol. It is extremely easy to become dependent upon this drug. So, if you need help to stop drinking, below is everything you need to know before entering rehab for alcohol.
You Should Be Supervised During Detox
Alcohol is one of the most powerful drugs that is widely used. When you are physically dependent on it, quitting is hard. It’s difficult because you can get sick. Not only will you have physical responses when you stop drinking, you will have emotional ones. That’s why it is generally accepted that when you are going to stop drinking you should be supervised during detox. When you stop drinking, you might have withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable and even dangerous. You will want so badly to drink to make it go away. You should be supervised to prevent relapse and ensure you are safe during this period.
You Might Be Tested for Alcohol in the Blood
Since alcohol is easy to get, you might be tested during your stay at a rehab for alcohol. Depending on the facility, you could be asked to do an alcohol blood test that will tell the staff how much alcohol is in your blood. You might even be tested when you get to detox, even before you’ve gone into withdrawal. It’s good for staff to know how much alcohol you have in your blood when you arrive. That will give them an idea how much you’ve been drinking, how addicted you are to it, and how severe your withdrawals might be.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment
Another thing that you should know about before you enter alcohol rehab is the difference between inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient treatment is probably what you are used to seeing in movies and TV shows. It is the cliché but effective 30-day treatment in a facility where you stay with other people going through the process of withdrawal and recovery. Here you detox, go through the initial counseling, start group meetings, and begin the process of recovery. Outpatient, on the other hand, is essentially the same treatment but you get to go home every night. This is designed for highly functional people dealing with addiction who also may need to go to work or take care of their families.
Importance of Dual Diagnosis
Both inpatient and outpatient treatment should include dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis mental health treatment is essential to anyone recovering from addiction. Dual diagnosis approaches treatment in the way that the addiction is also a symptom of larger mental health issues. People drink and do drugs often because they are treating depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if there is no mental health issue, dual diagnosis approaches recovery as treating the whole person—not just the addiction.
The 12-Step Program
Lastly, most rehabs for alcohol emphasize the 12-step program. You will begin Alcoholics Anonymous group meetings at the facility. You will listen to others’ stories and be asked to share your own. You will get a sponsor and work through the steps. Eventually, as a part of your own recovery you are asked to sponsor someone else. Giving back to people struggling to stay sober is one way to deepen your recovery and find new inspiring things to do in your life.
Alcohol is not easy to quit. It’s a powerfully addictive drug that is common and socially accepted. However, when you need to quit drinking and can’t do it on your own there is no shame in seeking help. Alcohol is so addictive; it is difficult for anyone to quit when they are dependent on it physically. The withdrawal process isn’t the end of recovery, though, it’s necessary to look at the underlying problems that led you there in the first place
