Not a lot is known about the addiction treatment process by people who have had no exposure to it either directly or through loved ones. There are representations of the process on TV and in the movies, but it’s hard to determine what really rings true. Because of the unknown quantities, it leaves a lot of people wary and sometimes intimidated about the drug and alcohol addiction process.
When it comes to addiction sufferers who are in need of treatment, the idea some of them might be too wary about treatment to pursue it is a big problem. It leaves these people without a viable way to deal with their addictions. Where do these people go for treatment? Nowhere. It leaves them stuck in the cycle of addiction with no way out.
It’s for this reason that we feel it’s necessary to educate people about the addiction treatment process. In many cases, the treatment process starts with a detox program. Detox programs are available for addiction treatment clients who are facing the real possibility of encountering significant withdrawal symptoms. That’s especially true for people who are suffering from alcoholism.
After months and years of heavy drinking, an individual’s body will usually build up a big dependence on the booze. Anytime their body is denied access to the alcohol it needs, it’s going to react adversely to prompt the individual to give it what it craves. The longer the body goes without alcohol, the more aggressively it reacts. These reactions are what the medical profession refers to as withdrawal symptoms. To better understand the potential severity of alcohol withdrawal, take a look st these common withdrawal symptoms:
- Body convulsions and hallucinations
- Delirium Tremens (DTs)
- Profuse sweating and vision problems
- Shaky hands
- Nausea and vomiting
Detox programs are prescribed to help protect clients from the pain and discomfort that comes from these types of withdrawal symptoms. This is the detox process. What follows?
What Are the Next Treatment Steps After an Alcoholism Detox?
After a successful detox program, clients are mentally and physically better able to deal with therapy, which is the next step in the treatment process. Throughout counseling, it’s incumbent on the client to be honest with their therapist at all times.
There are in fact three forms a therapy session can take. There’s individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy. During individual therapy, clients will work on the personal aspects of their addiction. This is where they will go in search of the root causes behind their desire to harm themselves with substances. Once they identify the root causes of their addiction, the client then has the ability to start developing the coping skills they will need to avoid relapses. The most useful coping skills will be directed at the client’s personal triggers and any other temptations that may be calling them to drink.
In group therapy, the client will get the opportunity to interact with other clients that suffer from a similar illness. While working in groups, clients will get an opportunity to build new friendships and develop support resources they an call upon after treatment has concluded.
Family therapy exists for the benefit of the client and any family members who have a vested interest in their love one’s recovery. This is the time and place where strained family relationships can be mended and collateral damage gets fixed.
After treatment has concluded, the client is sent out into the world to test their sober wings, which leads to the final step in the treatment process, aftercare. Every person in recovery will eventually have their sobriety tested. Aftercare programs are available for people who want that extra level of protection against possible relapses. The most common aftercare options include additional outpatient counseling, participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and two or three months living in a sober living environment. By the way, sober living is ideally suited for people who feel they need a bridge between rehab and taking on responsibility for their own welfare.
We hope you will find this information very useful. If you have concerns about the addiction treatment process beyond detox, we hope your mind is at ease. Now is the time you need to make a decision about getting treatment. It’s something we would be happy to offer you. If you need more information about our facility or addiction treatment services, you can call us 24/7 at the following number 833-846-5669.