A person suffering from alcoholism needs help. Alcoholism can destroy a family and can result in death for the alcoholic. Therefore, alcohol abuse treatment is of the utmost importance for a person suffering from alcoholism. An effective alcohol abuse treatment plan offers both individualized residential and outpatient treatment, as well as extended care. An alcohol abuse treatment plan consisting of residential treatment involves remaining in a confidential, secluded environment throughout a portion of the treatment. Intensive outpatient alcohol abuse treatment is another treatment option. Through this plan, individuals are still able to work and to remain at home with their families while receiving alcohol abuse treatment.
Extended care, also referred to as aftercare, is an extremely important component of an alcohol abuse treatment plan. Through aftercare, the alcohol abuse treatment center can monitor and ensure that the knowledge and lifestyle changes gained through the alcohol abuse treatment center are being used in daily life. A strong aftercare system helps prevent relapsing into alcoholism.
An alcohol abuse treatment center must also involve a medical evaluation and a psychological assessment. Through a thorough medical evaluation, the alcohol abuse treatment plan can address specific physical problems that may have resulted from the alcoholism. It also helps the alcohol abuse treatment center develop a holistic approach to improve the patient’s overall health. Likewise, a psychological assessment helps the alcohol abuse treatment team develop a plan to address psychological difficulties, such as depression, while helping the patient recover from alcoholism.
A successful alcohol abuse treatment center will also include a 24-hour medically supervised detoxification and withdrawal system. Individuals undergoing alcohol abuse treatment can experience extreme withdrawals, both mentally/emotionally and physically. Therefore, it is important to provide monitoring and assistance with withdrawal to someone involved in an alcohol abuse treatment plan.
An alcohol abuse treatment plan should also include both individual and group therapy. Often, those participating in an alcohol abuse treatment plan need the strength and support they gain by discussing their alcoholism with others who have shared their same struggles. On the other hand, one-on-one counseling and attention is important in working toward individual goals.
Since alcoholism rarely affects only the alcoholic, family therapy is another important component of an alcohol abuse treatment. In this way, the whole family can heal and become educated in ways to help the alcoholic recover.
