TYPES OF TREATMENT
The word "alcoholism" didn't even exist until 1892, when it was first used to describe the "disease of alcohol dependence." In that era, excessive drinking was thought to be sinful, and evidence of a defective character.
Today, we understand enough about the root causes of addiction to recognize that alcoholism isn't a moral failing or mental weakness, but a disease. And, like any disease, treatment can't begin until a proper diagnosis is made.
Some alcoholics (a relatively small minority) are able to recognize the symptoms of addiction without professional help. People in this group can even take steps to deal with the problem, such as becoming involved with a 12 Step program like Alcoholics Anonymous. This approach has proven to be highly effective with those who attend meetings regularly, participate actively, and commit to long-term abstinence.
Treatment facilities generally provide services in three stages, each one leading to the next:
- Detoxification: safely removing toxic levels of alcohol from the patient, easing the process of withdrawal.
- Rehabilitation: teaching necessary skills to promote behavior change, modeling appropriate behavior, addressing potential problems that may hinder progress.
- Continuing Care (also called After Care): supporting healthy lifestyle choices, maintaining the desirable changed behaviors, monitoring potential relapse triggers.
Obviously, detoxification requires that the patient remain at the facility for several days. Rehabilitation can be offered on an inpatient basis (patient resides at the facility for several weeks or more) or outpatient basis (patient lives independently and makes daily visits to the facility over the course of treatment). Continuing Care may involve returning to the treatment center after discharge for support group or 12 Step meetings, maintaining contact with staff members, counselors or other patients from the facility, or attending 12 Step meetings near the patient's home.
Some patients find that remaining in a sober living environment (a "group home" or dormitory where all residents are involved in recovery) following treatment is an excellent way to support their continuing abstinence from alcohol.