Alcohol Addiction: Residential Treatment and Rehab

Alcohol Detoxification

Detoxification’s the process by which the body gets rid of all the poisons and hazardous elements accumulated due to excessive alcohol use.

This includes the physical repercussions of liver damage induced by excessive drinking and withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification must be a part of every recovery strategy.

Detoxification is divided into two categories: medically supervised and self-administered. Detoxification under medical supervision is done in a hospital or clinic setting and involves professional assistance. Self-administered detoxification can be done at home or in a secure environment like a sober living facility.

While most people feel better within 24 hours after completing a detoxification programme, some people may endure milder withdrawal symptoms that persist for up to a month. Withdrawal symptoms may also appear months after the last alcoholic drink in certain extreme circumstances. Medication may be used during detoxification to help treat withdrawal symptoms.

Individuals suffering severe withdrawal symptoms or who have been abusing alcohol for an extended period should consider medically assisted alcohol detox. It also ensures that the patient does not have any underlying health problems that could lead to complications.

Because of the danger of adverse outcomes from alcohol withdrawal complications and the lack of medical supervision, self-administered detoxification is not recommended.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted therapies help patients overcome their addictions by reducing cravings and relieving withdrawal symptoms, consequently reducing relapses. Methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, disulfiram, anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines are the most common drugs used in alcohol addiction treatment.

Medications are frequently used in conjunction with other treatments to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Other medications could be used to treat underlying issues such as depression, anxiety and sleeplessness. When choosing medications for substance abuse therapy, clinicians must examine several factors.

Medications Used in Alcohol Addiction Detoxification

Medications used during detoxification can help with the withdrawal symptoms, and these can include:

• Benzodiazepines – These medications reduce anxiety and help manage insomnia. They are commonly prescribed to patients undergoing alcohol detoxification.
• Antidepressants – These medications treat depression and other mood disorders, affecting alcohol users.
• Naltrexone – This drug blocks the pleasurable effect of alcohol. It is available only through prescription and must be administered daily.
• Acamprosate – This medication reduces cravings for alcohol.

During medically supervised detoxification, counsellors monitor the patient’s progress and assess any potential risks. Counselling sessions focus on helping the patient cope with detoxification challenges and preparing them for life outside the facility.

These meetings aim to help the patient understand their condition and develop coping strategies to deal with it.

Afterwards, the user should continue therapy at least once per week for several months following discharge. This allows the patient to recover, maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

Therapies in Alcohol Residential Rehab

One of the most successful forms of alcoholism treatment is residential therapy. During this time, patients concentrate exclusively on their recovery by participating in various therapies designed to help them understand why they use alcohol and establish healthy coping mechanisms.

Individual Counselling

Individual counselling allows patients to speak with a therapist discreetly about any issues they may have about their rehabilitation.

According to several studies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention are very helpful at reducing substance use and improving quality of life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is a type of psychotherapy established in the 1950s by psychiatrist Aaron Beck and psychologist Albert Ellis. CBT attempts to treat emotional disorders by assisting patients in identifying and addressing problematic thinking and behaviour patterns through exposure approaches. Anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and excessive alcohol consumption can all be addressed with this therapy.

While there are some different approaches to CBT, all share three key characteristics:

• CBT focuses on changing the way people think and behave.
• It helps people understand why they act as they do.
• It teaches people to replace unhealthy thoughts and behaviours with healthier alternatives.

CBT aims to educate people on how to respond more appropriately to negative emotions rather than reacting impulsively. CBT also promotes people to learn how to cope better with stressful life events, allowing addicts to deal with daily life events without relying on alcohol or other addictive substances.

It takes time to observe results, as with other therapies. However, according to some research, CBT appears to be useful in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and substance misuse.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) is a type of psychotherapy designed for those who have trouble regulating their emotions. DBT aims to recognise and change maladaptive beliefs and behaviours that contribute to emotional dysregulation and alcohol abuse.

DBT teaches people how to recognise and alter problematic thinking and behaviour patterns. This is accomplished by teaching them mindfulness meditation, stress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion management, and problem-solving skills.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is a type of counselling in which patients are encouraged to examine their own values and motives. This helps therapists figure out what drives them to act the way they do. The goal of motivational interviewing is to assist patients in developing new ways of thinking and acting. Its goal is to boost motivation rather than just alter behaviour.

As a result, motivational interviewing is less likely to generate immediate results. It is, however, frequently more effective at long-term change.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a type of short-term psychotherapy that focuses on assisting patients in developing good interpersonal relationships.

A cognitive behavioural approach is used in this therapy, focusing on how your beliefs influence your feelings and actions. IPT also emphasises the development of new methods of relating to others to create satisfaction and fulfilment.

IPT has been shown in studies to help with symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD), which can occur alongside alcoholism.

Outside of clinical settings, IPT isn’t frequently available.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is founded on the idea that people are constantly changing as dynamic systems rather than fixed entities. Acceptance, values living in the present moment, and dedicated action are emphasised in the ACT. The purpose of ACT is to help people gain more control over their life and lessen the burden of undesirable mental health conditions.

ACT varies from standard therapy in several ways, including its emphasis on acceptance. To begin with, it does not rely solely on verbal communication to aid learning; instead, it employs metaphors and experiential activities. Second, it is not exclusively concerned with the past but also with the future. Finally, it includes both cognitive and behavioural elements.

The core principle of ACT is that thoughts impact feelings and behaviours. Therefore changing your thinking will change your experiences. According to this concept, negative emotions are caused by unmet expectations and incorrect beliefs about yourself and others. Negative attitudes lead to maladaptive coping techniques, perpetuating the anxiety and depression cycle. You can interrupt this vicious spiral of negativity by substituting negative thoughts with more realistic ones.

ACT, like any other therapy strategy, involves using a qualified practitioner.

Contingency Management/Motivational Incentives/Reinforcement Sensitivity Training

Behavioural therapies used to treat addictions include contingency management (CM), motivational incentives, and reinforcement sensitivity training (RST). Rewards and punishment are used in both CM and motivational incentives to improve motivation and behaviour change. RST teaches people to be more aware of both positive and negative results.

Since its introduction in the 1970s, CM has been extensively researched as a treatment for substance addiction, particularly amphetamine addiction. Although some data suggest that CM can lower relapse rates, there is a scarcity of research on its usefulness in treating opiate and alcohol addiction. Contingency management is most effective for substance misuse issues because it motivates people to keep their promises.

In the 1960s, motivational incentives were initially used to help obese people lose weight. Researchers have discovered that these strategies can help with a wide range of health issues since then. Motivational rewards, for example, can assist drinkers in quitting by raising their desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

However, there is no evidence that applying motivational rewards as a stand-alone treatment for any type of addiction is effective. Motivational rewards are frequently used in conjunction with other therapies.

The principles of operant conditioning are used in Reinforcement Sensitivity Training (RST). This strategy teaches people how to deal with both happy and negative outcomes. As a result, RST assists people in learning to quit doing activities that have negative outcomes and begin doing things that have positive ones. RST, for example, could teach someone to resist the impulse to drink when they’re anxious, while when someone notices signals of hunger, it may urge them to eat healthier foods.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness meditation is the foundation of MBCT. Mindfulness refers to being aware of and paying attention to your surroundings, while meditation is a technique for focusing one’s mind. MBCT is a strategy that combines both of these techniques to teach you how to handle negative thought patterns.

When your mind drifts off into unproductive thought loops, the programme teaches you to recognise that when you’re meditating. Then you learn to recognise and let go of these thoughts before they become entrenched in your mind.

MBCT is a stress-reduction technique that works best when used in conjunction with regular exercise and social engagement. MBCT isn’t commonly available, so if you’re interested in trying it, talk to your doctor first.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational enhancement therapy combines cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing into one treatment.

Counsellors assist clients in identifying and replacing negative beliefs with good ones and teaching them how to manage cravings and other triggers. Motivational coaches give clients probing inquiries to understand their values and motivations. Clients’ self-perceptions and life goals are shaped by their values and motives.

Clients who receive motivational enhancement treatment are encouraged to focus on what they desire rather than what they don’t want. This aids in the development of new ways of thinking and acting.

Solution Focused Therapy

SFT is a sort of cognitive-behavioural therapy that focuses on assisting people in identifying and changing unhelpful behaviour patterns.

People tend to react to stress in negative ways. When confronted with unpleasant events, individuals may use alcohol as a coping method rather than dealing with the problem at hand.

They could have negative ideas or behaviours, such as blaming or feeling guilty. Instead, they should endeavour to see things from another individual’s perspective. They should think about what might happen if they take other actions, such as facing their anxieties or taking risks.

SFBT helps people learn new skills to deal with stressful situations more effectively.

SFBT uses four main principles:

1. Acceptance – means accepting yourself and your feelings even though they may seem unpleasant.

2. Mindfulness – means paying attention to the present moment.

3. Values – refer to beliefs that guide our actions.

4. Empowerment – refers to developing confidence and motivation.

Group Therapy

Recovering addicts benefit from group therapy because it helps them form bonds and trust among themselves. People can share their experiences with others suffering similar issues in these groups, and they are encouraged to join in recovery programmes such as 12 step programmes.

Family Counselling

Family counselling assists families in coping with the emotional consequences of addiction. This includes collaborating to improve family communication, settle issues, and create a shared vision for the patient’s post-rehab life.

This family programme is tailored to meet the requirements of families dealing with alcoholism. Family programmes often span 6 months to 2 years and include one or more sessions per week. These programmes aim to teach family members how to communicate better with one another and acquire new conflict resolution techniques.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is a technique for reducing the risk of relapse after a period of abstinence.

Patients learn to recognise the signals of an imminent relapse and make efforts to avoid falling back into previous habits.

Twelve Step Facilitation Programmes

Unlike typical 12-step programmes, twelve-step facilitation programmes do not need members to attend formal meetings. Rather, they offer assistance by encouraging people to join self-help groups. Participants meet with other group members regularly to discuss themes relating to their personal development. Group participants are encouraged to practise the Alcoholics Anonymous steps by moderators. While some mediators lead group conversations, others merely observe and listen.

12 step facilitation programs differ from traditional 12 step programs in several important ways, which:

1. Decrease emphasis on attending AA meetings and focus on practising the steps;
2. Allow participants to choose what steps they’d like to work on;
3. Emphasise the importance of working with others;
4. Encourage group participation and members:

• to share experiences and successes as much as failures and setbacks;
• not only to talk about their problems but also to solve them;
• spirituality;
• involvement in community activities.

1. Age – Younger people tend to recover faster than older ones. This is because younger people have less physical damage to their brain cells. They also have fewer underlying psychological issues that can interfere with their recovery process.

2. Gender – Men tend to relapse more frequently than women do. In contrast, women tend to experience higher anxiety levels when they drink alcohol excessively, making them more likely to seek help for their drinking problem.

3. Personality traits – People with certain personality traits are more prone to developing and maintaining addictive behaviours. For example, impulsive, highly emotional, and easily stressed out are much more likely to develop addictions. These types of personalities need to learn how to control their emotions before they can successfully complete a residential alcohol rehab program.

4. Prior history of mental illness – People with a prior history of mental illness are more likely to suffer from alcohol abuse problems, with increased chances of maintaining this addiction. If someone has been diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc., they must get proper treatment for this condition before attempting to overcome their alcoholism.

5. Family history – Having alcoholic parents or siblings increases the risk of developing severe alcohol addiction. It is crucial that family members understand what type of support they should provide to their loved ones during their residential alcohol rehab treatment to avoid the same mistakes that led to their loved one’s addiction.

6. Previous attempts at treatment – A previous attempt at treatment is usually a good indicator of future success. People who have previously completed an alcohol rehab programme are more likely to succeed in completing another one.

7. Physical health – Health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, etc., can make it difficult for a person to complete a residential alcohol detoxification programme. If you have any of these medical conditions, it would be wise to consult with your doctor about your options.

8. Social support – Losing friends and family members is very stressful and impacts someone’s alcohol addiction. When someone loses loved ones, they are often left feeling alone and depressed. The best way to combat this is by getting involved in social activities such as support groups, going to church, volunteering, etc.

9. Financial status – Being poor can make it harder for someone to complete a residential alcohol rehab programme. Many people cannot afford to pay for an expensive private alcohol rehab clinic, so they must rely on public hospitals instead. Public care may mean that people will spend long periods waiting for care, affecting the chances of success on a recovery programme.

10. Mental state – If someone is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, it may be impossible for them to complete a residential rehab programme. If someone is experiencing extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, etc., they may require immediate medical attention.

Advantages of Residential vs Outpatient Rehab

For those battling alcoholism, there are a variety of therapy options provided. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Some people choose intensive residential therapy because it allows them to focus entirely on their recovery during this time, whereas others prefer outpatient treatment. After all, it allows them to work and maintain normal life activities while receiving treatment.

Residential treatment is widely regarded as the most effective alcohol addiction treatment. It does, however, come with its own set of challenges. For example, while receiving residential treatment, you will be unable to work or socialise outside the facility.

However, you will receive care and support from competent specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Doctors, nurses, counsellors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are among those who will collaborate to improve the odds of success.

If you’re thinking about going to residential treatment, talk to your doctor about all of the details first. After that, your doctor will be able to suggest the best treatment plan for you.

Residential Alcohol Addiction Treatment Cost

Residential alcohol rehab costs vary depending on the facility’s location, size, and type. Depending on the facilities, monthly costs might range from £5,000 to £15,000. Residential addiction treatment costs vary widely from one facility to the next, depending on various factors such as the type of therapies provided, the institution’s structure, any medications supplied, and any optional extras selected by the patient.

Some insurance companies will pay for a portion or all of the residential treatment costs. Contact your insurance provider for assistance and information.

Residential Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Rehab Success Rates

Residential alcohol rehab success rates vary greatly based on the therapy provided. Treatments that mix counselling, psychotherapy, and group activities are the most effective. However, even when combined, these strategies only account for around half of effective outcomes on average. Other factors, such as age, gender, and personality, significantly impact the likelihood of success.

Many people benefit from residential alcohol rehab therapy, as proven by the fact that the finest facilities have success rates of 60% or higher. However, a study undertaken by the NHS’s National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse in 2012 revealed better results. The study looked at the success rates of every private clinic in the UK and found that the best clinics have 60 to 80 per cent success rates. The drawback is that just 20% of the facilities with the lowest performance rates were successful.

Questions to Ask Before you Chose an Alcohol Residential Rehab Centre

You want to make sure that you choose a residential alcohol rehab centre with a good reputation. You want to ask them some critical questions to know exactly what to expect.

Is The Programme Licensed And Accredited?

Accreditation is essential. It means that the clinic follows specific standards set by the government and other organisations. These agencies regulate and monitor accredited programs, ensuring that the program meets specific requirements.

How Long Is The Programme?

This is a crucial question since it will help you decide whether or not you should enter a residential alcohol rehab programme. Some people take longer to recover than others; according to some studies, persons who suffer from severe alcoholism may need up to two years of intensive counselling before sustaining sobriety. According to some research, persons with milder instances of alcoholism may require fewer than 3 months of treatment to regain sobriety. Residential treatment lasts anywhere from 28 to 60 days on average.

Does The Program Offer Specific Types Of Therapy?

The importance of therapy cannot be overstated; the more intense the therapy, the better the odds of success. Patients can learn to cope with life without alcohol through therapy. It can also teach people how to deal with stress and destructive emotions by teaching them coping methods. Patients are frequently taught about themselves, their issues, and their motivations for drinking alcohol by therapists. They can also reveal information about their personal lives and family dynamics.

Some therapists specialise in treating people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. They may specialise in alcohol or drug addiction treatment. Others may work with addicts of various types. Whichever is the case, it’s critical to choose a therapist experienced in treating your specific situation, regardless of the sort of alcohol addiction treatment you want, to increase your chances of success.

What Are The Programme’s Success Rates, One Year, Five Years And 10 Years After Treatment?

The success rates of various alcohol rehab centres differ significantly. Treatment success is determined by several factors, including the program’s intensity, duration, the patient’s age when they began treatment, and the presence of co-occurring illnesses like depression or anxiety. According to studies, most patients who undergo residential alcohol rehab can maintain abstinence for a year. However, during the following five years, this number will shrink dramatically. Only half of the people who finished residential alcohol therapy are still abstinent after five years. Patients treated early in their addiction course had the best chance of staying clean. The people who had a severe alcohol use disorder had the worst results.

Patients who suffer from severe alcohol use disorder often relapse within months of completing residential alcohol rehab. Some studies suggest that up to 40% of patients who complete residential alcohol rehab fail to maintain abstinence.

Will Your Treatment Specialist Help Transition You Into Ongoing Recovery Programmes After Completing Rehab?

After finishing residential alcohol rehab, many patients are intimidated by the thought of returning home and attempting to live independently. Many alcohol treatment centres provide post-treatment services to assist individuals in adjusting to life outside of treatment. Counselling, support groups, job training, housing aid, and other types of social integration are examples of these services.

These services are designed to help patients reintegrate back into society. However, they aren’t always effective. For example, some people struggle to return to work because of the stigma associated with having been in rehab. Others don’t want to leave the clinic’s safety to face the challenges of everyday life. Others don’t want to go back to the same old routine. If you’re thinking about returning home after residential alcohol rehab, make sure your treatment centre offers these transitional services.

Does The Facility Accept Insurance Or Offer Other Options For Financial Assistance?

The majority of residential alcohol recovery centres charge a fee for their services. Treatment costs vary greatly depending on the level of care required. Patients must pay for their own treatment at most private residential alcohol recovery centres. In addition, private residential alcohol recovery centres are more expensive than public ones. The majority of public residential alcohol rehab centres provide treatment in exchange for a small cost for bed and board. Residential alcohol therapy is occasionally covered in part by insurance providers. To see if you qualify, contact your insurance provider. You might be able to acquire coverage for some of the program’s components.

Will You Be Able To Contact Loved Ones During Your Stay (Phone Call, Email, Social Media)?

For people who live alone, residential alcohol therapy is often not recommended. This is because monitoring someone 24 hours a day is tough. It’s also crucial to maintain in touch with friends and family members, so they are aware of your situation. Patients and their families should be able to call each other at residential alcohol rehab centres. Emails and social networking sites like Facebook should also be allowed.

Some people prefer to communicate through text messages rather than talk on the phone. But even though texting is convenient, it doesn’t replace regular communication. Make sure the facility allows you to send and receive texts. Also, check whether the facility has Wi-Fi access so that you can connect online.

If You Have Children, Will They Be Allowed To Visit You At The Facility?

At no point should a child be left alone. This includes when parents are recovering from alcoholism and are away from home. Drugs and alcohol shouldn’t be used in the presence of children, and you should make sure that any youngsters who are staying at the facility are aware of this restriction. Inquire with the facility manager about the number of times the kids are allowed to visit. Also, make sure they are aware of the expectations for their behaviour.

You’ll probably want to bring toys and books with you if you have small children. Playrooms are available in some places where children can run around and have fun. Activities such as arts & crafts, athletics, and group discussions are encouraged at other sites.

What types of medical specialists are on-site? Do they provide 24-hour care?

A staff of doctors and nurses should be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at all reputed residential alcohol recovery centres. These specialists have been trained to assist in treating and diagnosing alcoholism-related disorders. They can also dispense drugs and carry out procedures. Psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, pharmacologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pastoral counsellors, and recreational therapists are available at many facilities. To provide complete care, all of these professionals collaborate between them.

The size of the centre determines the number of employees. One nurse, psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist in smaller facilities may be assigned to every 10 to 20 beds. In larger centres, numerous professionals may be working at the same time. A reputable facility will always have enough employees to meet all of your requirements.

Residential Alcohol Treatment and Rehab Facts and Statistics

In 2016, there were 2,814 alcohol-related deaths, according to NHS England. This is more than double the 1,066 people who were counted in 2011. Every year, the numbers increase. The situation is deteriorating, not improving.

A total of 1,054,913 nights were spent in the hospital as a result of alcohol consumption in 2015. In comparison to 2014, this was a 0.3 per cent drop. However, the number of patients admitted to hospitals for causes other than drinking increased by 5%. This shows that many continue to consume alcohol during their hospital stays.