Which Alcohol Recovery Program is Best for You?

There are several types of programs that facilitate recovery from alcohol or drug addiction—but which type of program is best for you? There’s no one answer to this question. All people are different, and all struggles with addiction take on their own character and their own dimensions. As such, different addicts need different levels of care in order to build a foundation of lifelong recovery.

Still, as you seek a California rehab center (or a rehab center wherever you live), it’s helpful to understand what some of the basic program types actually are. Consider some of the following examples, but make sure you consult with an addiction recovery specialist as you attempt to determine which program is right for you.

A Quick Guide to Alcohol Recovery Programs

Residential Treatment. This is perhaps the most common option—one in which the client lives in an inpatient facility and participates in some fairly intensive therapy throughout the day. Typically, residential treatment lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 days, though it really depends on the person—and in some cases, an “executive” inpatient option is available, and may last just a couple of weeks.

Partial Hospitalization. The partial hospitalization approach is for those who need regular medical supervision and stability, but also to be at home in the evenings, and perhaps to continue going to school or to work. Generally, a client will stay in his or her home but spend a few hours at the treatment center or hospital each day—anywhere from three to 12 hours is normal.

Intensive Outpatient. This kind of program isn’t live-in, but it does represent a fairly significant time commitment. Clients in one of these programs can expect to meet for a few hours a day, a few days out of the week. These programs are scheduled around school or work, and bring a heavy focus on relapse prevention. Sometimes, intensive outpatient care augments an existing stay in a residential facility.

Counseling. Individual, group, and family therapy can all be helpful when used in conjunction with other treatment forms or to continue focusing in sober living after an inpatient program is completed.

Sober Living. A sober living program typically follows on the heels of an inpatient treatment program, and allows the client to live with other recovering addicts in a supportive, nurturing environment—obviously, one kept drug- and alcohol-free.

Brief Intervention. An intervention is best understood as reaching out to someone who is showing warning signs that he or she is at risk for substance abuse. It really isn’t for people who already have serious problems or are deep into addiction.

Again, none of these options are “better” than the others. The important thing is to speak with an expert from a drug or alcohol rehab facility, and have a personal evaluation conducted. Then, use this information to choose the treatment path that makes the most sense for your life, and for your needs. Remember that with the right treatment, addiction recovery is always possible.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON

in

Health & Fitness

Photo of author

Emma

Emma covers dating and relationships for Unfinished Man, bringing a witty woman's perspective to her writing. She empowers independent women to pursue fulfillment in life and love. Emma draws on her adventures in modern romance and passion for self-improvement to deliver relatable advice.

Leave a Comment