Alcohol Rehab Programs
Most alcohol rehab programs are available in one of two forms: inpatient alcohol rehab and outpatient alcohol rehab. Both of these types of alcohol rehab provide similar services including detox, counseling, therapy and aftercare but on a significantly different level and continuum of care from one another. Inpatient alcohol rehab provides around-the-clock care while outpatient alcohol rehab provides limited care.
Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
During inpatient alcohol rehab that patient lives in a rehab center that is set up similar to a dorm or community living facility. Patients usually share a room but private rooms are sometimes available depending on the rehab center. Most of the time, patients will share living quarters such as the living room, meeting rooms, dining areas and sometimes bathrooms.
Inpatient alcohol rehab provides care and monitoring 24/7. Treatment is offered throughout the day and night which is especially recommended for those suffering from severe alcohol addiction. Inpatient alcohol rehab reduces the risk of relapse while allowing the recovering addict to immerse themselves in the addiction treatment process focusing heavily on recovery rather than outside triggers and other forces.
Inpatient alcohol rehab is the ideal choice for those who have already tried to quit drinking in the past and have failed or for those who have failed at a previous addiction treatment program. This type of alcohol rehab is also recommended for those who do not have a strong support system at home or for those who have been addicted to alcohol for a prolonged period of time.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
Outpatient alcohol rehab allows the patient to attend various types of treatment and rehab programs during the day and then return home at night to continue maintaining their own sobriety. These programs do not provide housing or meals. Outpatient alcohol rehab is provided on a daily or weekly basis and does not include around-the-clock care.
During outpatient alcohol rehab, individuals are able to get help for many different aspects of their addiction to alcohol while remaining independent and with minimal interruption of their daily routines. This type of rehab is ideal for the patient who is not heavily addicted to alcohol, does not suffer from a life threatening physical dependence on alcohol, has a strong support system at home and has stable living.
Because medical care is not provided during outpatient alcohol rehab, it’s important that individuals take special precaution when they stop drinking to ensure that they are safe. If strong withdrawal symptoms are present when alcohol drinking is stopped, it may be necessary to seek inpatient alcohol treatment. However, for those who have not been long time alcoholics or those who do not have a severe physical dependence on alcohol, then outpatient alcohol rehab is ideal.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Alcohol Rehab
The bottom line is that there is no single method of treatment that works for everyone. If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol, consider these factors before making the decision to enter into an inpatient alcohol rehab program or an outpatient alcohol rehab program:
- Length of time that the alcohol addiction has been present. Those who have been addicted for a long time should seek inpatient alcohol rehab.
- Dual Diagnosis. If other conditions such as addiction to drugs or mental health disorders such as depression are present, inpatient alcohol rehab is the ideal choice to provide proper care.
- Medical disorders or conditions that make treatment dangerous. If there are medical conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or other chronic conditions in addition to the addiction to alcohol then treatment in an inpatient alcohol rehab centers may be a safe choice where medical care is available around-the-clock.
- Stability at home and ability to avoid relapse. If the patient cannot safely live at home away from alcohol, if other family members drink or if there are many potential triggers that could cause relapse then an inpatient alcohol rehab program may be the most effective solution.
- Home, work, school and family responsibilities. If the individual cares for a family, is the sole provider in the home, has a job that will not allow for medical leave or a temporary absence that would ensure time for inpatient treatment than an outpatient alcohol rehab program may be a more suitable choice.