The Benefits of Alcoholism Therapy
Learn more about alcoholism therapy benefits, what to expect from treatment, and where to get the help you need.
Alcoholism Therapy: The Basics
Alcoholism occurs when an individual engages in a continued and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol. These individuals cannot manage their drinking habits. Alcoholism is the excessive drinking of alcohol. It can negatively affect the well-being of both the person and the people around them. Prolonged alcohol consumption is dangerous and will lead to severe health conditions. This is why alcoholism therapy is an important recovery tool. In this article, we will explore the benefits of alcoholism therapy and if it’s the right treatment option for you.
Consumption Statistics
In 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 85.6% of individuals aged 18 and above reported consuming alcohol. While small amounts of alcohol are not harmful, drinking excessively is dangerous. Overconsumption of alcohol is both unhealthy and expensive. Most individuals with alcohol abuse hide this unhealthy habit from their loved ones. Pursuing treatment is vital to help them lead a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.1
Statistics Supporting How Treatment Increases Rates of Sobriety
There are several statistics that support or show the effectiveness of treatment and alcoholism therapy. These statistics show that treatments help increase the sobriety rate among individuals experiencing alcohol use disorder. According to NIAAA, some reports show that one-third of individuals that treat alcoholism tend to have no symptoms a year later.2
Client-Specific Treatment Options for Alcoholism
Treatment for alcohol abuse varies depending on each person’s needs. These treatments are often tailored to the symptoms experienced by the person. There are a variety of treatment options available. Some of these options are detailed below.
Detoxification
The first step to treating alcoholism is detoxification. It is often the most difficult stage. This process involves the complete flushing of alcohol from the body. When an individual develops an alcohol dependence, it can be challenging to stop drinking. During detox, patients tend to develop withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.
It is advisable to seek professional help due to withdrawal symptoms. Some of the symptoms of alcohol detox are nausea, headaches, and anxiety. The withdrawal symptoms tend to subside within the first two weeks after beginning the detox. The detox duration depends on the severity of the individual’s alcoholism.
Sub-Acute Detox
The body of every individual reacts in different ways when detoxing. Some people often need intense supervision during detox, while others may have an easier time. Sub-acute detox is the in-depth medical care that helps an individual to transition into recovery from the hospital setting.
Sub-acute detox often begins with tests to determine the quantity of the substance in the individual’s body. Individuals that undergo sub-acute medical detoxification tend to have a higher chance of long-term sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program often lasts three to six months. It provides individuals with support and alcoholism therapy at a facility while also enabling them to live in the comfort of their homes. The program helps individuals develop relapse-prevention skills and coping mechanisms. IOP provides both flexibility and a high level of care.
Outpatient Programs
An outpatient program is a less restrictive treatment option. It does not require participants to stay at the facility. It is an ideal treatment program for individuals with obligations such as work or school. Outpatient programs are an effective and popular treatment option for alcoholism.
Outpatient care involves a comprehensive treatment plan that helps the individual overcome potential triggers. It also helps patients to achieve long-term sobriety. Often, this program offers services such as counseling sessions and medication-assisted detox.
Types of Alcoholism Therapies
There are various types of alcoholism therapy offered in a treatment program. Alcoholism therapy helps the medical specialist to better understand the patient’s needs. During alcoholism therapy, several different methods may be used to best suit the patient’s needs. Some common types of therapy are detailed below.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a proven clinical approach used to treat many different disorders. The main purpose of CBT is to identify negative thoughts. It also involves replacing these thoughts with positive behaviors. During this alcoholism therapy session, the patient will talk with the psychologist. It is a solution-oriented method of treatment that focuses more on constructive action.3
Treatment focuses on confronting fears and challenging harmful beliefs. Various CBT techniques help to manage cravings, reduce substance use, and avoid relapse. CBT aims to help the patient develop some coping skills that will help them navigate sobriety.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy is a classic conversational approach where the patient talks about their experiences to a psychologist. It can occur in a group, family, or one-to-one setting. The psychologist and the patient will discuss their past traumas, daily challenges, and issues during the alcoholism therapy. The psychologist will use psychoanalysis to plan a mental health treatment plan during alcoholism therapy.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy is evidence-based talk therapy. It is an effective method used during alcoholism therapy. During a DBT session, the patient will learn to live in the present rather than dwelling on the past.
It helps the patients to embrace positive change and also find emotional balance. Research shows that 25% of individuals that undergo treatment maintain sobriety after completing a year of effective treatment.4
12-Step Programs
This is a community of supportive individuals where people can discuss alcohol use disorder. It helps the patients feel connected while providing them with mutual help. The 12-Step program helps patients to achieve long-term sobriety.
Alcoholism Therapy at Essence Health and Wellness
Alcoholism can be devastating for both the person suffering from it and the people around them. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, you don’t have to go through it alone. Essence Health and Wellness is here to help you overcome your addiction and achieve lasting recovery.
What We Offer
At Essence Health and Wellness, our goal is to help you achieve long-term sobriety and improve your overall wellness. We have a team of licensed medical specialists on staff to support you through any withdrawal symptoms during detox. We understand that every person’s recovery journey is different. Our compassionate professionals will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Essence Health and Wellness Today
Alcoholism can be dangerous, and in some cases, even fatal. Reach out to Essence Health and Wellness today for more information about our programs and available treatment options. Get the help you need today. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Resources
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help#1
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714654/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11327187/
