If you’ve realized you have an alcohol addiction, or maybe that your friend or family member does, there are probably lots of questions running through your mind. What do I do? Do I need to go to rehab? Or maybe try a 12-step program instead? Is rehab necessary? Can’t I just quit on my own? What do they even do in rehab for alcoholics?

Understandably, this time can be confusing and a bit scary. The last thing you want to do is get overwhelmed and change your mind. So, let’s talk about rehab and what happens in rehab so that you understand why it’s the next step and the right step after coming to terms with your addiction.

What To Expect in Rehab

As with many other things, rehab progresses through stages. There are four main stages that you or your loved one will need to work through on your journey to recovery:

  • Assessment
  • Detox
  • Rehab
  • Aftercare

Assessment

The initial step of rehab will begin with an assessment from your doctor to formally diagnose you with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). A treatment plan will be developed based on your specific needs. Some things that get taken into consideration are what substance(s) you were using, how often, how much, any co-occurring disorders, your current physical, mental, and emotional state, as well as your current environmental circumstances and presence of a support system.

Detox

The second step in your rehab journey will be to undergo detoxification. During this time, your body will be cut off from alcohol until your system can be completely or mostly rid of it. The timeframe is often 3-7 days or 10-14 days with medical detox. You will likely experience withdrawal symptoms and the severity will depend on your level of alcohol misuse and if you have any other medical conditions.

Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal can be severe, even resulting in death. This is why attending a detox and rehab facility is imperative when you decide to stop drinking. You’ll be professionally monitored by medical staff who will help you in the event of any serious complications.

Sometimes, your treatment plan may include medical detox which would allow you to take medications to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal. Medical detox can also lead to medically-assisted treatment (MAT) which is the continued use of medications during your rehab program. Some of the medications that are used for these purposes are:

  • Benzodiazepines: Used during the detox period to help reduce the risk of seizures and calm the behavioral mood swings often associated with the early stages of recovery.
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse): Typically for those who have recently completed detox and are in the early stages of abstinence. It is used as a deterrent to drinking and teaches the brain negative consequences as even the smallest amount of alcohol causes very unpleasant side effects.
  • Naltrexone: This drug prevents alcohol from taking full effect if ingested and therefore decreases the calming pleasurable effects of drinking. It has been proven to motivate people to stay in treatment for longer.
  • Acamprosate (Campral): Typically for those already in recovery, its purpose is to reduce cravings.

Rehab

Once you’ve completed your detox, you’ll move onto rehab where the “heavy lifting” begins. During this time, you’ll be working with various support staff to get to the root of your addiction. Typically, a person doesn’t just pick up a drink one day and then become an alcoholic out of the blue. Though genetics do play a part in susceptibility to addiction, most often there are deeper psychological issues or past traumas that are the true reason as to why you’ve developed an AUD. Discovering, addressing, and overcoming these issues is key to not only beating your addiction but to stay sober in the future.

Rehab can be completed on an inpatient (residential) or outpatient basis. However, inpatient rehab is often recommended for alcohol addiction as it’ll allow you the time and space to really focus on yourself. Because alcohol is so prevalent and easily available, it can be too tempting for many individuals. An inpatient setting will provide you the right environment and support system to get through the hard part of recovery. Inpatient rehab includes several components:

  • Group and individual counseling focusing on a variety of topics such as trauma recovery, family dynamics and self-esteem.
  • Traditional individual and group therapy, including cognitive and behavioral therapy.
  • Holistic, complementary and alternative therapies.
  • Treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders and dual-diagnosis.
  • Healthy living counseling.
  • General health care.
  • Discharge and aftercare plans.

Once you’ve completed inpatient rehab, you can then move onto outpatient rehab for a while longer. Outpatient rehab will still offer you counseling, therapy sessions, and group support but with the flexibility of living at home and returning to work, school, and other life obligations.

Aftercare

Alcohol use disorder is considered a chronic disease, meaning it is something that will stay with you for a long time, often for the remainder of your life. After completing rehab, you can think of your AUD as being in remission. So just like you would maintain routine checkups for any other chronic disease, you’ll want to maintain routine aftercare for your alcohol use disorder.

Aftercare treatment may begin at a sober living or halfway house where you can live in a residence with your peers who have also completed rehab. House rules and abstinence are staples of these environments. This option would provide you a safe space to work through your recovery and prepare for life on your own, while still allowing some flexibility.

Support groups, counseling, and therapy are the most common forms of aftercare treatment. Though some facilities may also offer education assistance or career-building classes. Individual counseling and/or therapy will help you deal with the many curveballs life will continue to throw you. It’ll also help you learn coping strategies to help you abstain from alcohol. Peer-based groups are a great place to learn from others. Having a support system is invaluable to reminding you of how far you’ve come and helping you during times that you may be struggling.  Your support system will help you move forward and maintain your life of sobriety.