If you are thinking of checking into a rehab facility you can choose between two main options; outpatient and inpatient alcohol rehab. In an inpatient program, you are required to reside in the facility for the duration of the program, while in an outpatient program you only need to get treatment a few hours a week and you are free to go back home.
The outpatient program has its benefits. It is suitable for parents and individuals who have commitments that they cannot attend to when they are in an inpatient facility. However, the inpatient program is worth considering as it has numerous benefits and can help prevent a relapse.
Detoxification and Monitoring
Through an inpatient program available the addict gets 24/7 support from counselors and staff at the facility. Withdrawal symptoms for alcohol addicts can be very severe especially if the addict is a regular heavy drinker.
Delirium tremens is one of the most severe withdrawal symptoms of alcohol. It is characterized by effects such as shivering, shaking, sweating and hallucinations. In some instances, it can lead to death. For this reason, alcohol is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs to withdraw from cold turkey.
Residential alcoholic rehab centers take alcohol withdrawal very seriously. The addict goes through alcohol detox to remove toxins from the body. Additionally, the recovering alcoholic is monitored 24 hours a day to ensure that any health complications are addressed.
Avoid A Relapse
An inpatient program is considered to be more intensive in the treatment of alcohol addiction. Since the addict is required to check into a facility, he removed from the environment that may be enabling his addiction.
In an outpatient program, the addict gets back to his normal life and can be influenced by his circle of friends who may be alcoholics. In a residential program, the alcoholic has very little chance of getting his hands on alcohol or other illicit substances. This makes it easier to overcome temptation since he is not relying solely on his will power.
Therapy Options and Activities
Residential alcoholic rehab
These activities are important in helping the addict to avoid thinking about alcohol during their free time. The addict is kept busy by taking part in fulfilling activities that take their minds off alcohol during the duration of their stay at the facility.
An inpatient program gives the patient time to take part in these activities which are also beneficial in the recovery process. These activities are not just meant for recreation and fun. Music and art therapy are used as forms of expression.
Many people struggling with alcohol addiction find it hard to express their feelings and this may be an obstacle when undergoing conventional forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis, and group therapy. Through art and music therapy – conducted by qualified professionals in the residential facilities – the addict can begin to examine their inner thoughts and emotions through different forms of expressions and activities that they enjoy. These activities have been proven to be instrumental in getting addicts to accept that they have a problem and subsequently seek treatment.
New Friends
Alcohol is often consumed in a social setting. Many addicts may have a circle of friends that may be enabling consumption of alcohol through their actions either intentionally or unintentionally. A residential facility allows you to break away from this circle of friends and form new friendships with people that have a common purpose.
