In some ways, choosing the most effective alcohol addiction program is subjective. There are a variety of programs that have proven successful, but not all of them may be successful for your personal goals and work ethic. Choosing the perfect program is almost as important as sticking to and completing the program, so do your research. You can use the following recommendations as a guideline on the road to becoming free from an alcohol addiction.
Three Primary Treatments
The approach provided to you may consist of more than one type of treatment. This will increase your chances of rehabilitation success because no single form of recovery is likely to meet all your needs. Your alcohol treatment path may include a combination of both one-on-one and group therapies.
Behavioral Therapy
A trained professional counselor evaluates more than how much and how often you drink but also explores other factors. For instance, a counselor may prompt you to examine your family history and guide you on the path of healing from past abuse. In addition, you might be given healthy resources for grieving lost love ones or overcoming financial stress.
In case you are wondering what to expect, about 58 percent of people who sought cognitive therapy were able to combat alcohol misuse than without it1. In many cases, symptoms such as depression and anxiety were addressed in addition to the drinking.
Turning to a counselor along with participation in a 12-step program can also enhance your treatment efforts. In fact, you can find help from a behavioral therapist who uses the 12-step principles. If you do, it can improve your chance of staying free from the chains of alcohol addiction.
Peer Group Support
Numerous reports are found that address the value of teen peer group support. However, evidence shows that accountability of peers on the same path as you can help you at any age2. Part of the reason for this is because it prevents the isolation often associated with alcohol use disorder.
The 12-step programs are one of the most well-known examples of peer support that can help you not feel so alone. This is one reason why professional treatment often includes 12-step principles. These groups usually include members in different stages of recovery.
When these support groups are held in a professional rehab setting, a trained counselor may also be present mostly to encourage people in the group to not be afraid to share. However, the objective during these sessions oftentimes is to help people become used to forming healthy bonds with others. These new friendships made can increase the chance that a person will not use alcohol again.
If you are reading this, then chances are that either you or someone you know is contemplating seeking alcohol addiction treatment. Know that you or your loved one do not have to addiction and its urges alone. Seek help as soon as you recognize that you are developing an addiction.
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