12 Step Alcohol Addiction Rehabilitation Programs in California
The 12 step alcohol addiction rehabilitation philosophy was originally pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous and is incorporated into most of the alcohol addiction rehab programs in California. The 12-step movement has been a force of good for many alcoholics. The basic premise is to help one another achieve and maintain sobriety from alcoholism. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous have helped millions of people achieve sobriety and stay sober. 12 step alcohol rehab centers in California include residential and outpatient programs. Recovering alcoholics benefit from on-going support through formal program meetings and alcohol addiction recovery groups. These treatment centers are an excellent option to consider when struggling with alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Addiction Detox and Residential or Outpatient 12-Step Alcohol Rehab in California
The first step for someone struggling with alcohol addiction is alcohol detox. Someone who develops alcohol dependence after a period of heavy and prolonged drinking does experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. The extent of symptoms varies from one person to the next, but acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome requires a medically supervised detox. Alcohol addiction detox programs in California offer this option. When someone with significant alcohol dependence stops drinking, the brain and nervous system become hyperexcitable. Some of the initial withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, irritability, upset stomach, nausea, seizures, and tremors.
Alcohol detox should not be considered the only approach to treating alcohol addiction. Following a successful detox, the next step should involve attending a 12-step inpatient or outpatient alcohol rehab program. Usually, the severity and extent of alcohol addiction determine what options are the best approach. Most alcoholics require lengthy rehabilitation and benefit from residential alcohol rehab. However, some alcoholics only require outpatient 12-step treatment. Many alcoholics still function and maintain employment and family life. Outpatient alcohol rehab is an excellent option to consider, and an assessment can help determine the right fit.
Additionally, it is important to consider aftercare support like on-going 12-step meetings and or Alcoholics Anonymous. Sober living homes are also excellent resources to consider because they provide sober and stable environments for recovering alcoholics. Alcohol addiction is often a life-long problem for many people, and it requires extensive well-round rehabilitation. Aftercare support plays an important part in the recovery process. Having on-going support helps with re-building life like getting a job, going back to school, or improving relationships with family and friends. Well-rounded rehabilitation for alcohol addiction involves proper detox, residential alcohol rehab, and aftercare support.
Alcohol Addiction Family Intervention in California
Alcohol addiction causes significant changes in a person, and the addiction completely takes over. Most people struggling with alcohol addiction are unwilling to accept help or admit they have an alcohol addiction. Family intervention for alcoholism is an excellent resource because it convinces an alcoholic they need help and should go to alcohol rehab. Hiring a professional interventionist is the best option, especially for an alcoholic family member. An interventionist has special training to manage difficult situations and convince an alcoholic they need help. Moreover, they are important third-party mitigator to keep the family intervention on track.
Additionally, professional interventionists work extensively with the family to help them regain control and save the alcohol-addicted family member. A family intervention presents an alcoholic with two options. There is a choice to attend an alcohol rehab center or face the consequences, which is a tough-love approach. Alcohol intervention also helps the family work through old arguments and resolve issues that could have contributed to the on-going problem. Overall, family intervention for alcoholism is the best option for a family.
Recommended reading: in-depth article on staging an intervention for drug and alcohol addiction
How to Locate and be Admitted to a 12-Step Alcohol Addiction Rehab Program in California
There are a few different ways to locate and be admitted to a 12-step alcohol rehab program in California. Initially, if the family is working with a professional interventionist, they would help find the best possible residential outpatient alcohol addiction. Professional interventionists are familiar with different twelve-step alcohol rehab and treatment options across the country. Another method is through an addiction assessment, and this could be done through the state, local, or private health authorities. The purpose of an addiction assessment is to determine the extent and severity of the alcohol addiction and what alcohol treatment options are available in California.
Additionally, most families in California have health insurance, and this does cover some aspects of alcohol rehabilitation. Whether it is Medicaid, Medicare, or private health insurance, most plans cover substance use disorders like alcohol addiction. The first step should involve contacting the insurance company and finding out what coverage is available and what in-network providers are available. Also, most alcohol rehabilitation centers in California know what types of health insurance are accepted. Finding the right alcohol rehab is important because, without help, an alcohol addiction becomes progressively worse.
Group counseling session: 12 step alcohol addiction rehabilitation
Alcohol Addiction and Substance Abuse Trends in California
According to the California Health Care Almanac and its substance use in California report, alcohol use disorder was more prevalent than any other type of substance use disorder in the state. Approximately 6% of California residents reported meeting the criteria for dependence on alcohol. Alcohol addiction also accounted for more nonfatal emergency department visits than all other drug diagnoses combined. Unfortunately, alcohol addiction begins in adolescents, and by 11th grade, more than half of California students have used alcohol. According to the California Behavioral Health Barometer, among young adults aged 18 to 25 in California, the annual average prevalence of past month binge alcohol use was 35.2%. Between 2014 and 2017, the annual average prevalence of past-year alcohol use disorder in California in this age group was 10.9%.
Sources-
California Health Care Foundation. California Health Care Almanac. “Substance Use in California: A Look at Addiction and Treatment”. October 2018. https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SubstanceUseDisorderAlmanac2018.pdf
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Behavioral Health Barometer: California, Volume 5: Indicators as measured through the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. HHS Publication No. SMA-19-Baro-17-CA. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019 https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/California-BH-BarometerVolume5.pdf
