What to Expect on a Recovery Journey from Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that is characterized by an unhealthy pattern of alcohol use that causes significant distress to an individual directly, as well as in other areas of their lives, such as their work and relationships.
Alcohol use disorder can range in symptoms and harm from mild to severe, depending on the intensity of the addiction. Other factors playing a role in this could be external influences, environment and genetics. The level and type of care you receive will depend on your unique circumstance.
The decision to seek alcohol use disorder treatment can be intimidating for different reasons, but largely because many people don’t know what to expect in rehab. Having an overall general idea of what’s going to happen throughout your recovery journey can help put your mind at ease.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through not only the technical side of the various treatments you can expect to undergo, but also what you can expect to go through physically and mentally.
The evaluation and assessment
After reaching out to a rehabilitation center, the first step is usually to receive a formal evaluation and assessment by a medical professional. Typically, your physical and mental state will be evaluated, as well as your background and family history to better understand the nature of your alcohol use disorder.
Our team of experts will treat you with the utmost respect and compassion during this stage, and all information you share will be kept strictly confidential.
Medical detox and withdrawal
Once you’ve been formally enrolled in an alcohol use disorder treatment plan, you will undergo a detoxification process. It’s highly recommended that people detoxing from alcohol have medical supervision, due to the risk of serious medical complications that can manifest as a result of the withdrawal symptoms.
Our team has supported countless patients through alcohol withdrawal, and we are devoted to ensuring your safety and comfort during the detox process.
Inpatient treatment
After you have fully detoxed from alcohol, you will move into inpatient treatment — also referred to as residential treatment. This is a vitally important stage for many people, because it is one of the most vulnerable stages in your recovery. With inpatient treatment, you have around-the-clock support; this is where you participate in individual and group therapy in order to recognize triggers, develop healthy coping skills, as well as learn how to rebuild your everyday routines.
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment can feel intense or overwhelming, as this is the beginning of your transition into “the real world,” post-addiction. You are still working through recovery and receiving various treatments (most commonly, counseling at this stage), but you may also be looking for a job or to go to school. Because of this, the majority of outpatient programs are flexible in order to be able to work around your new budding schedules.
The final transition
The last stage of your active recovery will be to transition you into full independence. Your outpatient treatment services will gradually decrease until you have fully transitioned out of the program and into your new, self-structured life. You will likely continue to attend individual therapy sessions or support group meetings, whether it’s been “prescribed” as part of your continuum of care or because you found them personally beneficial.
Finding a rehabilitation center near you
Now that you’ve got a better idea of what to expect in your alcohol use disorder treatment and overall recovery journey, you might be wondering which rehab centers are closest, within your budget, and best suited for you.
Bluff Augusta is a premier addiction rehabilitation center in Georgia. We’ve thoughtfully established an experienced team of medical professionals who found their passion in life helping people just like you regain sobriety and build a life of fulfillment and happiness.
We deliver personalized, proven-to-be-effective treatment plans that not only help you achieve sobriety, but maintain it in the long-term. Our addiction treatment programs for alcohol are designed to be adaptable to your individual circumstance, and are administrated by a team of expert doctors, nurses, therapists and counselors.
To speak with one of our intake specialists and learn more about how we can help you on your recovery journey, send us a message or give us a call today at (844) 242-0806.
