The pros and cons of alcohol rehabilitation
Alcohol rehabilitation is a process of treatment for alcohol dependence or abuse. It can be done through inpatient or outpatient care, depending on the severity of the addiction.
There are many pros and cons to alcohol rehabilitation that must be considered before seeking treatment.
Why you should consider alcohol rehab
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 15.1 million adults in the United States have alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.
Despite the progress made in medical treatment, there is still no cure for AUD; however, behavioral therapies combined with medication can be effective in managing the illness. If you or someone you know suffers from AUD, read on to learn more about alcohol rehab and why it may be the best course of action.
What Is alcohol rehab?
Alcohol rehab is a form of treatment for people suffering from AUD. The goal of alcohol rehab is to help people stop drinking and achieve long-term sobriety. There are many different types of alcohol rehab programs available, each catering to different needs and preferences.
Some alcohol rehab programs are outpatient, while others like receiving ibogaine treatment, require patients to stay at a residential facility for the duration of treatment.
Why should I consider alcohol rehab?
There are many reasons why you should consider alcohol rehab. If you suffer from AUD, chances are that your drinking has led to problems in your personal and professional life. You may have lost relationships as a result of your drinking, or you may have gotten into legal trouble because of it.
You may also be struggling to maintain your job or perform well at school because of your alcohol use. In short, if your drinking is causing problems in your life, it’s time to seek help from a professional alcohol rehab program.
Pros of alcohol rehabilitation
The most obvious pro of alcohol rehabilitation is that it can help an individual overcome their dependency on alcohol. Addiction can be a debilitating disease, taking over one’s life and causing financial, social, and health problems. Through rehabilitation, an individual can get their life back on track and learn to live without alcohol.
In addition, rehabilitation can help heal relationships that have been damaged by addiction. It can also provide support for family and friends who have been affected by alcoholism. Through counseling and other services offered in rehab, loved ones can learn how to better support their recovering alcoholic.
Prevention Services helps individuals who want to stop drinking before they develop severe health consequences or other problems associated with alcohol abuse. These services provide education about the dangers of excessive drinking, early intervention for people at risk of developing alcoholism, and referrals to community resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Alcohol rehab can also be beneficial for people who have comorbid mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. Often times these disorders contribute to problem drinking, so treating them can help reduce alcohol cravings and improve the chances of long-term sobriety.
Cons of alcohol rehabilitation
While there are many positives to alcohol rehab, there are also some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration. One downside is the cost of treatment, which can be prohibitive for some people. Inpatient programs especially can be very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars per month.
Many insurance companies do not cover the cost of rehab, or only cover a portion of it, leaving patients responsible for a large bill.
Another con is that rehab takes time away from work or school commitments. This can be a difficult adjustment for some people, especially if they are in high-demand jobs or careers. It’s important to consider the impact that time away from work or school will have on your life before entering treatment.
Lastly, there is always the possibility that relapse may occur after leaving rehabilitative care. This is why aftercare services are so important; they provide ongoing support and accountability for those in recovery and help reduce the risk of relapse. While there is no guarantee that relapse won’t happen, following through with aftercare significantly lowers the chances of it occurring.
How can I find the right alcohol rehab program for me?
There are many different types of alcohol rehab programs available, so it’s important to do your research to find the right one for you.
People often dismiss residential facilities because they think that they will be cut off from the rest of the world, however, some facilities do offer limited phone access. This answers the question ‘are you allowed phones in rehab?‘ So, don’t worry about being isolated. Do your research and take the time to find a program that aligns with your specific needs.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always ask your doctor for a referral to an alcohol rehab program. You can also search online or call a helpline like SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free and confidential information on support services in your area.
When deciding whether or not to enter an alcohol rehabilitation program, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons carefully. For some people, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks; for others, the opposite may be true. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on what will work best for you and your unique situation.
