Alcohol Rehab

Our Programs: Alcohol Rehab Services

There are many different types of facilities that offer help with alcohol use disorder. Some focus on medication or counseling alone, while others may include both medications and therapy. But no matter which type of addiction treatment you choose; they all have one thing in common: their goal is to recover from their physical and mental alcohol dependence.

This article will discuss everything about choosing an alcohol rehab center–the background history, the treatments offered, the length of stay, how long it takes to recover, and more. We will also look at some tips for successful rehabilitation and things to consider when selecting an alcohol rehab facility, whether you live nearby Icarus Behavioral Health in New Mexico or elsewhere in the US.

What Is an Alcohol Rehab Center?

An “alcohol rehab” can be defined basically as any place where people suffering from alcohol use disorder come together to receive mental and physical medical attention.

Alcohol addiction treatment centers range from short-term residential programs to outpatient clinics offering various levels of care. They usually provide information regarding the following topics:

• How addictive substances affect the body and brain (including withdrawal symptoms)
• The effects of addiction on family members and loved ones
• How to handle cravings and temptations
• How to reduce stress
• Motivation techniques
• Cognitive-behavioral strategies
• Group support

They often recommend ways to cope with daily life without using drugs or alcohol. Some programs even specialize in specific areas like dual diagnosis (addiction coexisting with another mental health condition), trauma healing, relapse prevention, etc.

To attend most alcohol rehabs you must make appointments directly through the facility itself. At Icarus, we are ready to answer your questions and provide a smooth path to Admissions at any time of day or night!

What are the Levels of Care in Alcohol Rehab Treatment?

Depending on the results of a client assessment, individuals will receive a recommendation for a level of treatment. The following section outlines these levels and what they entail.

Residential/Inpatient Treatment

Residential or inpatient treatment consists of clients establishing residency at the location for a period of 30, 60, or 90 days. During this time, clients receive access to daily sessions with substance abuse and mental health professionals. Depending on each client’s personalized treatment plan, various forms of treatment are administered. Additionally, clients also participate in group therapy sessions with other clients in the treatment center.

Day Treatment Programs

Day programs work similarly to residential rehabs, except they’re typically smaller. People attend multiple sessions during the day instead of staying overnight. Usually, patients return home afterward for lunch before going back again later in the evening.

Outpatient Programs

Although still considered detoxification services, these outpatient treatment programs differ largely from traditional drug treatment options. Instead of spending weeks or months in a program, individuals recovering from alcohol use disorders participate in activities such as individual and group therapy, education classes, exercise routines, and relaxation training.

Detox Facilities

Detoxing at our addiction medicine and behavioral health treatment facility involves controlled alcohol withdrawal symptoms, being made as comfortable as possible, and administering medicines designed to eliminate harmful toxins from the body when needed. Detox facilities give clients access to doctors and psychologists specializing in treating addictions.

Clients spend anywhere from two days to three weeks here, depending on the amount and frequency with which they have been drinking and their individual medical history.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Unlike residential rehabs and outpatient facilities, partial hospital programs combine elements of both worlds. Clients often attend 8 o 10 hours of programs that include sleeping at the facility, with daily life intermixed with nighttime programming that offers therapies similar to those used in residential rehabs.

A partial hospitalization program or PHP also offers a more structured stepdown from residential or inpatient care than traditional IOP offerings, which meet for fewer hours and do not provide as much support or accountability.

12 Step Facilitated Support Groups

Alumni associations and local chapters of AA in Albuquerque and across New Mexico and NA sponsor facilitated support groups made up entirely of former clients. Members meet regularly to talk about their successes and failures over the years.

Meetings sometimes happen outside the house since these organizations operate independently. Each meeting lasts 60 minutes and follows a set protocol. A typical session includes sharing stories, asking questions, listening respectfully, and providing feedback.

What Happens in Alcohol Rehab?

The first portion of alcohol rehab is normally the detoxification process from drinking, whether a client has been binge drinking or simply consuming alcohol daily. Alcohol detox often includes painful withdrawal symptoms, which are normally the number one cause of relapse.

Because alcohol withdrawals can potentially be deadly, even in contrast to drug abuse, certain medications are prescribed to decrease the discomfort associated with detox. These medications can potentially be lifesaving, especially in clients who have prior issues with things like blood pressure and anxiety.

Medications for Alcohol Detox

Medications prescribed for alcohol detox serve multiple purposes. The primary goal is to provide relief for nausea, high blood pressure, and anxiety, as well as eliminate the high risks associated with delirium tremens (DTs).

Some of these medications include:

• Acamprosate
• Clonidine
• Anticonvulsants
• Muscle relaxers
• Promethazine

The Importance of Medical Detox for Alcohol

Medically supervised detox is critical during the recovery process. The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal have the potential to be deadly.

Additionally, complications of alcohol addiction associated with dehydration and high blood pressure can pose significant dangers. Arguably, the medical detox process is the most important element of the rehab process.

After the detox period is over, clients transfer to one of the multiple levels of treatment. Depending on the client’s situation and counselors’ recommendations, the most effective course of action is chosen that gives clients the best odds of long-term recovery.

The Personalized Approach to Alcohol Treatment

Although the standard seven levels of care from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) exist for clients attending any alcohol rehab centers, many of the levels include some of the same elements. The first step of any program must include the process of crafting a personalized treatment plan.

A personalized treatment plan outlines the specifics of the client’s road to recovery. This includes a combination of meetings with substance abuse counselors and mental health professionals.

The goal of any alcohol rehab is to treat the underlying causes that drive alcohol abuse and alcoholism. In many cases, this can be one of many mental health disorders as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Mental health professionals will administer various types of talk therapies and behavioral health services. In addition, clients also participate in sessions with substance abuse counselors. These counselors will teach them different coping mechanisms and strategies to help avoid relapse once they graduate from the treatment program.

Daily group sessions also benefit clients, as they have the opportunity to engage with peers in similar situations. Group therapy normally takes place at different times throughout the day.

In inpatient rehab settings, clients are provided with nutritional programs and have meals prepared for them. Clients also have the chance to participate in physical and other therapeutic activities that promote recovery.

Finally, clients will work closely with our treatment teams at Icarus Behavioral to craft an aftercare plan as the end of treatment nears. Aftercare services are critical, as clients need a strong support system to remain successful as time goes on.

Our treatment methods are unique among rehabs in New Mexico, in that we offer a full array of trauma-informed programs, as well as individualized planning all the way through aftercare for each client at Icarus.

Treatment Options for Dual Diagnosis Clients

Dual diagnosis treatment is one of the most popular forms of therapy for alcohol use disorder. Currently, this is thought to be one of the most effective ways of treating many forms of alcohol and substance abuse.

A dual diagnosis is the presence of a substance abuse disorder in combination with one or more forms of mental health disorders. Some of the most common mental health challenges that exist with alcohol use disorder include:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• PTSD

Additional types of mental health disorders may be present, but these seem to be the most common. Additionally, it’s also possible for clients to receive a diagnosis of more than one mental health disorder at once.

The most common form of therapy during dual diagnosis treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy. During CBT, clients learn about negative behaviors associated with their disorders and substance abuse challenges.

Counselors help clients work to replace the negative behaviors associated with these disorders and replace them with healthier ways of reacting and coping with their feelings. These negative behaviors are replaced with healthier, more positive ways of coping.

Achieving the Goals of Alcohol Rehab Treatment

The goal of alcohol rehab treatment is to prepare each client for life after program graduation. It’s critical that each client receives the proper education regarding alcohol use disorder and the mental health therapy needed to re-enter society.

Behaviors associated with alcohol abuse and each client’s mental health disorder must be replaced with healthier coping mechanisms. Additionally, if possible, steps should be taken to repair family relationships through counseling sessions that include loved ones.

Finally, the proper aftercare services must be available for each client upon graduating treatment. The aftercare process is the most important when it comes to preventing relapse in the future.

Aftercare Services After Discharge

Many rehab centers offer ongoing aftercare services to ensure lasting success. Counselors keep tabs on client progress, helping them identify setbacks and improve upon strengths. These services may also be available at a client’s primary care counselor.

Clients must also find the appropriate sources for group recovery meetings. This may include 12-step programs or other similar meetings.

How to Choose an Alcohol Rehab Center

Choosing an alcohol use disorder counselor or therapist doesn’t guarantee positive results. Before committing yourself to any form of formalized treatment, try talking to friends and family. Ask them to describe their experience and advice.

Consider asking colleagues and acquaintances for recommendations too. Look online for reviews left by current and ex-patients. Also, ask previous attendees if they would head back to the same facility. Finally, you are free to speak to our counselors themselves. Make sure they understand your particular needs.

You’ll want to interview prospective professionals thoroughly. Ideally, you should ask about their educational backgrounds, licensing, certifications, professional affiliations, and references. Don’t feel shy about asking tough questions! Your future depends on it.

It’s important to remember that not everyone has had great experiences with treatment. Many users complain that programs lack structure or simply fail to address their unique problems adequately. Others claim that their issues weren’t properly diagnosed.

This is why it’s critical to find a professional provider with high levels of experience. So be wary of anyone pushing quick fixes or miracle solutions. Remember that nothing beats proven methods backed by solid research.

Finally, don’t let fear stop you from seeking a solution. Fear comes from insecurity, doubt, and worry. By overcoming fears, you build confidence and courage. With courage and persistence, you can conquer challenges and move forward with hope and optimism.

At Icarus Behavioral Health, we know making the choice for alcohol rehab can be tough, but our warm and expert Admissions team can help address any concerns and answer any questions you may have.

Long-term Sobriety is Possible with Alcohol Rehab at Icarus

Recovery may seem difficult. In some cases, it may even seem impossible. However, with the right team by your side and quality mental health and substance abuse professionals, long-term recovery is possible.

At Icarus Behavioral Health, we pride ourselves on providing the most compassionate treatment options needed to ensure client success. Our staff works closely with each person who walks through our doors to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits their unique situation.

If you’re reading this and struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a member of our Admissions team at Icarus to find out how we can get you started on the road to recovery: for yourself, your health, and to get your life back.