Alcohol Rehabilitation in the United States
Alcoholism is a devastating problem affecting millions of Americans. Alcoholics struggle with an endless cycle of drinking, brief moments of sobriety, and relapse. According to a 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 86.4% of American adults aged 18 or older drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime. In that same survey, 26.9% of adults aged 18 or older reported they engaged in binge drinking in the past month. It is estimated that over 15 million adults in the United States have an alcohol use disorder. Broken down, these are 9.8 million men and 5.3 million women who are 18 years old or older. Unfortunately, only around 7% of adults received treatment for their alcoholism. Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 also struggle with alcohol addiction problems. Over 620,000 adolescents in the nation have an alcohol use disorder, and unfortunately; only 5% received treatment.
According to Treatment Episode Data for 2004 through 2014, in 2014 there were 1.6 million admissions aged 12 and older into treatment programs across the nation. In 2014, roughly 214 per 100,000 residents were admitted into drug rehab for alcohol addiction. However, alcohol treatment admissions were much higher in 2004 than they were in 2014. Alcoholism is a difficult addiction to treat, and the average alcoholic makes several attempts at sobriety before it sticks. The success of any alcohol treatment program depends on a variety of factors. For example, your medical history, support system, and personal motivation play a role in the success of your recovery. Most alcoholics are not willing to go for treatment and require intervention. Newman Interventions has performed countless interventions for alcohol addiction, helping the family get their loved one into the treatment they need.
Alcohol Detox Programs
Choosing the correct form of treatment for alcohol addiction is important. Whether this is the family selecting a program because of intervention or the addict choosing it, there are many options to consider. Alcohol detox would be the first step for any alcoholic and the detox process depends on the severity of the addiction. Severe alcoholism creates potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, delirium tremens, seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death. The safest options for this detox process are inpatient hospital treatment or a medically supervised detox. Either way, medical attention is required throughout the entirety of the detox. Medications are used to stabilize the patient, reduce withdrawal pain, and prevent seizures. The initial withdrawal symptoms are felt within 10 to 12 hours after you stop drinking. The most severe symptoms occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after your last drink.
Alcohol Residential Drug Rehab Programs
It is common for alcoholics not to want to commit to long-term rehab or even inpatient treatment. Every alcoholic firmly believes they have their drinking under control once they leave detox. The intervention process for alcohol addiction continues as the patient finish’s detox and transitions into treatment. The reality of alcohol addiction is that long-term inpatient treatment is the only successful treatment method. Alcoholics need recovery time; more importantly, they require lengthy counseling to address the underlying issues. All of this can only be done through residential inpatient treatment, which is available throughout the nation. Newman Interventions can help your family find the best possible treatment options, whether private or state-funded. The relapse rate is high for alcohol addiction because lengthy treatment is needed, along with a strong support network and aftercare.
Alcohol Addiction Aftercare Treatment
One of the most successful aftercare approaches for recovering alcoholics is peer support groups, such as 12-step meetings. Recovering alcoholics remain sober longer with a strong support network, whether this is family, friends, or a peer support group. Attending frequent meetings will ensure you can maintain your sobriety. Sober living homes are also effective and promote lengthy sobriety for a recovering alcoholic. When you choose a sober living home, you are living within a drug and alcohol-free environment surrounded by other sober people. During each day there is structure and routine which promote healthy living. Each day is filled with the things that are fulfilling to you while you stay connected to other sober people. Sober living homes are also an excellent transition point for a recovering alcoholic. Overcoming alcoholism is not easy and it takes time, but the time you invest now in your sobriety makes the rest of your life much easier.
Works cited – NIDA Alcohol Facts and Stats – Sept 21/19 – TEDS Report 2016 – Sept 21/19
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