Inpatient and outpatient programs are available, and they can be the right first step for many people. Some focus on other evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and relapse prevention. If you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover without some form of addiction treatment. You may be able to detox at home and recover from alcoholism with the help of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Mutual support groups can be particularly helpful during this challenging time. These groups can vary widely, so it’s important recovery from addiction for people to try different ones to find a good fit. Outpatient programs are less intensive and have flexible scheduling.
In fact, an estimated one-third of people who receive treatment for alcohol issues are sober one year later, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important that you withdraw from alcohol at a medical facility that’s equipped to prevent and treat alcohol-related complications. Multiple factors can affect how long it may take you to withdraw from alcohol. A doctor will consider all these factors when estimating how long-lasting and how severe your symptoms may be. Doctors may prescribe other medications to treat withdrawal-related symptoms. One example is a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) to reduce high blood pressure.
It also provides an overview of the alcohol withdrawal timeline process and when to discuss your drinking with your healthcare provider. A self-detox involves detoxing from alcohol at home without medical support or supervision. It allows you to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the comfort of your own home with little cost. Ask friends or family to check on you throughout the detox process. Aside from providing emotional support, they can also call medical professionals if something goes wrong.
For someone people, an intensive inpatient program might be the right first step toward sobriety. For others, an outpatient program that allows flexibility can be a smart choice. Many people also begin treatment in an inpatient facility and continue their treatment with a longer outpatient program.
- Emotional exploration and personal fulfillment through art therapy techniques including drawing, collages, and hands-on crafts.
- “Furthermore, consistent use of alcohol to induce sleep only increases the need to use alcohol in the future to get to sleep,” he explains.
- Medical supervision, behavioral health treatment, and mutual-aid groups can help you through alcohol withdrawal and stay stopped.
- For people at low risk of complications, an office visit to your primary care provider, along with at-home monitoring and virtual office visits, may suffice.
- The brain also begins to repair some of the damage and shrinkage you may have experienced while drinking.
You might receive somewhere between 9 and 19 hours of structured services per week. You get to maintain more of your typical daily routine, whether that involves work or school, but you still benefit from regular, structured support. You can also receive quick referrals to psychiatric and medical services as needed. Depending on the severity of your addiction, residential treatment may last at least a month and up to several months. Whether you’re looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, this guide can help steer you through the available options and begin the journey of recovery.
Typical Day at Mountainside’s Detox Program
Some people avoid medically supervised rehab because they prefer natural remedies for alcohol withdrawal. Slowly tapering off alcohol is the safest way to naturally overcome alcohol withdrawal, and many at-home remedies can help you cope with mild withdrawal symptoms. However, medical treatment is necessary to treat major symptoms of withdrawal.
After Three Days
As more medications become available, people may be able to try multiple medications to find which they respond to best. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for treating alcohol dependence, and others are being tested to determine whether they are effective. States often have their own listings, toll-free hotlines, and information about accreditation. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Most IOP programs incorporate a psychoeducational group therapy component; however, some also include individual therapy.
Medications also can deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of relapse (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). For example, if you believe you have plenty of social support at home and a safe environment to practice addiction coping strategies, you may decide that an outpatient program is best. If you feel like you’re highly at risk of withdrawal symptoms or struggle with a severe co-occurring disorder, inpatient services might be more beneficial. Whether you’re looking for an inpatient or outpatient alcohol rehab center, finding the right treatment program is an important step on the road to recovery. Inpatient usually offers more services, but it tends to cost more. Outpatient is a less-expensive option that’s generally safe and effective for people with mild or moderate alcohol withdrawal.
Relapse Is Part of the Process
All approved medications are non-addictive and can be used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment. Individuals are advised to talk to their doctors about the best form of primary treatment. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what may work for one person may not be a good fit for someone else.
This is because alcohol can cause fatigue and decreased motivation, so when you stop drinking, you may find it easier to get things done. One of the most significant benefits of giving up alcohol is that you may increase your lifespan. Alcohol misuse can lead to serious health problems like liver disease and cancer.
One-on-one evaluation to assess the toll substance abuse has taken on your body and address your most imminent nutritional needs. By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. However, medical complications can occur during the acute phase of withdrawal. During the 12- to 24-hour time frame after the last drink, most people will begin to have noticeable symptoms.
Tips for Selecting Treatment
Use the following questions to further narrow down your search for the right alcohol treatment program. To get the answers to these questions, you’ll likely need drug addiction substance use disorder symptoms and causes to reach out and contact the facility or provider. Regardless of a program’s length in weeks or months, support and long-term follow-up are crucial to recovery.