Common Questions about Alcohol Treatment Programs
Anyone who is thinking about going to or sending a loved one to an alcohol treatment program is going to have a lot of questions about it. It's important to get answers to these questions before actually signing up, as the answers can affect which treatment center is chosen in the end. Although there are a lot of different questions that people ask, below are some of the most common.
How to Choose a Program?
When choosing an alcohol treatment program it's important to think about several different things. The first thing is what type of program it is. Some are residential treatment centers where patients stay while others are outpatient treatment programs that don't require the patient to leave the home. There are also treatments that combine both of these, and those are generally the most effective.
It's also important to consider the price when you are looking at different programs. Some of these can be very expensive, even if insurance helps cover the price. You can call the center/program provider to ask for pricing information, but make sure to inquire about insurance as well. While these programs are expensive, they can be a financial burden.
Location is another important factor to think about, as this can cost more. One of the biggest benefits of going to treatment centers that are far away is that they are welcome distractions. Being in a new environment can be very refreshing to someone that is trying to beat an alcohol addiction.
What are In-Patient Treatment Programs Like?
If you choose to go to an in-patient treatment program, then you can expect to live in a center for a set amount of time. First you will go through detox, which will mean going through withdrawal and dealing with all of those symptoms. After you complete that step, you will have to go through therapy by yourself, with a group and with your family. The last stage will be to learn tools necessary to cope with living a normal life once again.
What are Out-Patient Programs Like?
If you choose an out-patient program, then your recovery is going to go a little bit differently. When you're in one of these programs you will go to meetings, either in the morning or at night (or both). After that you will be able to go home, but you must be able to use the tools that you learn during your meetings. The biggest downside to this is not being in a controlled environment, which can increase your risk of relapsing after detox.
How Long Does the Program Last?
If you choose to go to an in-patient treatment center, then you will probably be there at least 28 days, but you could end up there longer if you feel you need more time. The recovery after that will last for the rest of your life, as it's strongly recommended to continue with AA meetings so you can stay on track. Alcohol abuse will always be an issue, so don't expect it to disappear once the program is over.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
The cost of treatment is going to vary based on the type of program you choose, how long it lasts, where it is and a number of other factors. Fortunately support groups are free to attend and are easy to find in just about any city you can imagine. You should also find a sponsor, who will be able to support you for free.
Some programs will accept insurance to help cover the cost, so make sure you consider this when choosing a center. This can really make a difference with how much money you have to pay, so look at only centers that are covered by your insurance plan.
What are the Benefits?
Alcohol treatment programs can change lives, even for individuals who have been drinking for many years. They teach tools for getting through recovery and they teach you a lot about your own self. When going through this type of program you will find out why you started drinking, how you can avoid drinking and what to do if you end up in a difficult situation in the future.
It will also help you connect with your family and find support that you can use into the future. Anyone who has a problem with alcohol will be able to find a new way to live. Whether treatment is for you or someone you love, it can give you a second chance with life!