The When, Where, and How of Recovering from Alcoholism
By Meghan Vivo
It’s time to go to rehab. Whether you’re going reluctantly at the insistence of friends, family, doctors, co-workers, or the court system, or you’ve left the denial stage and recognize for yourself the need for alcoholism treatment, making decisions about where, when, and how to get help can be overwhelming.
No Time Like the Present
The “when” of alcoholism treatment may be the easiest to answer: Now! Time does not heal the disease of addiction. In fact, for most alcoholics, “waiting it out” exacerbates the problem and makes it harder to seek treatment, not to mention the toll waiting takes on your relationships, your work, your finances, and your lifestyle.
Research shows that treatment that takes place early on in the development of the disease is more successful than when the illness has been allowed to progress for years. The sooner you get into treatment, the sooner you can return to your life with a new outlook, healthier coping skills, and tools to remain sober long-term.
Most Popular Treatments for Alcoholism
“How” people recover from alcoholism is more complex. Different therapies work for different people, and sometimes it is a process of trial and error – trying a number of therapies until you figure out what works best for you. Many effective options are available, including:
Counseling. Speaking with a therapist can be a helpful way to treat alcoholism, particularly if you meet with a professional who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy and can help you identify distorted thoughts and learn to cope with stress and drinking triggers. In most cases, ongoing counseling is a complement to a specialized treatment program for alcoholism.
Aversion Therapy. This type of therapy involves taking medication that induces nausea or vomiting when paired with alcohol. Over time, drinking brings about an aversive response, making alcohol consumption less appealing and decreasing the likelihood of relapse.
Residential Alcoholism Treatment Programs. Residential treatment is one of the most effective ways to treat alcoholism and drug addiction. In drug rehab, patients are exposed to a variety of therapies provided by professional counselors and addiction specialists, and the treatment plan is tailored to each person’s individual needs and goals. Most residential alcoholism treatment programs provide medication and treatment for detoxification and withdrawal, medical and psychological assessments, group and individual counseling, family therapy, drug treatments, sober activities, AA meetings, educational lectures, and work assignments. Many alcohol treatment centers offer intensive aftercare programs and step-down levels of care to help recovering alcoholics transition back into the community without relapsing.
Drug Treatments. A number of drugs have been approved for the treatment of alcoholism. Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces a severe physical reaction that includes nausea, vomiting, and headaches if the user consumes alcohol. Naltrexone (ReVia) works by blocking the high of drinking and reducing the urge to drink. Vivitrol, an injectable version of the drug naltrexone, reduces the urge to drink by blocking neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with alcohol dependence. Acamprosate (Campral) is a medication that helps alcoholics combat alcohol cravings and abstain from alcohol. Research has shown that a combination of drug treatment and counseling can be highly effective.
Alcoholism Support Groups. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can help alcoholics gain insight into their addiction and help them stay sober through the support and encouragement of others in recovery. Although these programs are easily accessible and offer free support to millions of addicts and alcoholics, most people find that a combination of inpatient treatment and AA will achieve better results than AA alone.
Choosing a Treatment Destination: How Does Your City Rank?
Alcoholism is a serious public health problem all over the country, but according to a nationwide poll featured in U.S. News & World Report in 2008, some cities struggle more than others. The top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest rates of heavy drinking are:
1. Reno, NV (9.4% drink heavily)
2. Palm Bay-Melbourne, FL (9.1% drink heavily)
3. Boulder, CO (9.0% drink heavily)
4. Austin, TX (8.8% drink heavily)
5. Charleston, SC (8.7% drink heavily)
6. McAllen, TX (8.6% drink heavily)
7. Naples-Marco Island, FL (8.5% drink heavily)
8. Riverside, CA (8.4% drink heavily)
9. Cape Coral, FL (8.1% drink heavily)
10. Barnstable Town, MA (8.0% drink heavily)
The poll also listed the top 10 most sober metro areas, which included:
1. Provo-Orem, UT (99.4% don’t drink heavily)
2. Idaho Falls, ID (97.9% don’t drink heavily)
3. Hickory, NC (97.8% don’t drink heavily)
4. Ogden, UT (97.5% don’t drink heavily)
5. Brownsville, TX (97.2% don’t drink heavily)
6. Fayetteville, NC (97.2% don’t drink heavily)
7. Raleigh, NC (97.2% don’t drink heavily)
8. Wichita, KS (97.2% don’t drink heavily)
9. Cheyenne, WY (97.0% don’t drink heavily)
10. Farmington, NM (97.0% don’t drink heavily)
Wherever your city falls, you can find effective alcoholism treatment just about anywhere in the country. Some areas, such as Delray Beach, Florida, and Newport Beach, California, have become known as “recovery capitals” because of the number of addiction treatment centers and individuals in recovery in the area.
Choosing a recovery destination boils down to knowing yourself and your needs. For some recovering alcoholics, outpatient treatment at a facility down the street from home offers the best chances of success. For others, getting away is the only way, and choosing a residential treatment center in another state, far removed from the triggers and drug-abusing friends at home, is the best option.
To learn more about the various addiction treatment options around the country, call the National Resource Center at (877) 637-6237. Trained counselors who are knowledgeable about the full spectrum of alcoholism treatment can answer your questions and help you choose the best treatment for your needs. Whatever treatment you choose, make the commitment to get well – the longer you stay in treatment, the better your chances of achieving long-term sobriety.
