At least 78% of people in the US aged 12 or older report having consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime. Additionally, 84% of US adults aged 18 or older drink alcohol.
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the country. Yet, the fact that it is legal to drink can make people forget that alcohol use can cause addiction and other negative health effects.
Are you worried that you or a loved one is addicted to alcohol? There is hope because alcohol treatment in Chatsworth can help. Read this guide to learn what to expect from a stay at an alcohol rehab center near you.
Who Needs Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Anyone suffering from the symptoms of an alcohol use disorder (AUD) needs alcohol addiction treatment. Treatment can help you or your loved one get your life back on track or prevent health complications from chronic drinking.
How do you know when someone has an AUD? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines 11 criteria for an AUD, which include:
- Frequently drinking more alcohol or drinking for longer than intended
- Wanting to cut back on alcohol or stop drinking without success
- Spending significant amounts of time drinking or recovering from alcohol’s effects (i.e., hangovers)
- Experiencing cravings or an intense urge to drink to the point where it is hard to think about anything else
- Facing negative social consequences from drinking, including with family, school, or job issues
- Continuing to drink despite negative social consequences
- No longer participating in activities you used to enjoy so that you can drink
- Putting yourself in dangerous or unsafe situations during or after drinking
- Continuing to drink despite health problems (e.g., mental health issues, blackouts, liver problems)
- Experiencing tolerance, or when you need more and more alcohol to feel intoxicated
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after cessation of alcohol use
Experiencing two or more is sufficient for a mild AUD. Four or five of these symptoms indicate a moderate AUD. The presence of six or more of these criteria qualifies someone for a severe alcohol addiction.
What to Expect from Alcohol Treatment in Chatsworth
It can feel scary to finally pick up the phone and call a local rehab about treatment options. We want to make it easier by providing information about what alcohol treatment programs look like.
When you know what to expect, you will feel more confident that you are making the best choice for your future.
Interventions
If you are the loved one of someone exhibiting symptoms of an AUD, you may struggle to talk to them about their addiction. But you do not have to do it alone. Instead, you can work with a rehab to host an intervention.
Many people who are addicted to alcohol struggle to see their drinking as a problem. Addiction specialists can coach you and your family on the best ways to set up the intervention and how to bring up your concerns.
Interventions do not have to be embarrassing for your loved one. When done right, they can empower your loved one to make a change. Stepping in to help your loved one may be what they need to finally seek help.
Detox
Detox or detoxification is the process of eliminating all traces of alcohol from someone’s system. It is often the first step of treatment for an AUD. However, it can be an uncomfortable process.
During detox, you will experience the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms can be painful and even fatal, which is why it is crucial to detox where medical supervision is available.
Symptoms range from mild to severe. Mild withdrawals will begin to emerge as soon as six hours after your last drink and may include:
- Tremors (i.e., ‘the shakes’)
- Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
- Night sweats
- Nightmares
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
In some cases, these symptoms can progress to more severe issues. For example, some people withdrawing from alcohol experience seizures and hallucinations.
A rare but concerning alcohol withdrawal symptom is known as delirium tremens (DT). When left untreated, DT can be permanent or even fatal.
Treatment programs have medical professionals available for individuals during detox. The aim is to undergo withdrawals as safely and comfortably as possible. Certain medications may also be available to ease symptoms.
Residential Treatment
After detox, you will enter an inpatient residential program. Individuals can live at the facility where they receive treatment. The goal is to avoid people, places, and things in the real world that may tempt you to drink.
Treatment plans are tailored to the individual. However, your plan may include counseling (more on this next), treatment for co-occurring substance use or mental health disorders, and alternative therapies like yoga and exercise.
You may also benefit from medication management. Multiple prescription drugs are available to reduce alcohol cravings and treat other symptoms that are common during AUD recovery.
Many treatment facilities also have relaxing amenities available. At Oasis Detox, we provide a fitness center, pool, spa, hot tub, and recreational room for our guests.
Therapy
Most rehab facilities utilize two types of therapy to treat AUDs: group and individual therapy. Group therapy offers support from other people who are on the same recovery journey.
Individual therapy is one of the most powerful treatments for alcoholism. You will talk with a mental health professional who can help you identify drinking triggers, work through unresolved trauma, and develop healthier coping skills.
Some individuals may also benefit from family therapy sessions. Loved ones can learn the best way to support someone with an AUD and foster a strong support system, which can help prevent relapse after rehab.
After Care
We never want our patients to feel alone when they finish their treatment program. That is why Oasis Detox offers aftercare planning. We can help you set yourself up for success after rehab and offer support every step of the way.
Oasis Detox Alcohol Programs in Los Angeles
Addiction recovery programs are tailored to help people suffering from alcohol use disorders. It can feel scary to take this step, so we hope this guide has eased some of your anxieties.
Now, are you ready to start your journey toward a better life? Oasis Detox offers holistic alcohol treatment in Chatsworth. Contact us for admissions information and finally get the help you need.
