What is Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Understanding alcoholism

There are nearly 18 million Americans who are suffering with alcoholism, so as you can readily see, it is extremely prevalent in American society. It has been referred to as a treatable disease or disorder and is characterized by four features:

  • cravings
  • loss of control
  • physical and psychological dependence
  • tolerance build-up

Of those 18 million Americans mentioned above, it is estimated that 50% of them are in need of immediate professional attention. Unfortunately, no more than 10% will get the help they are in need of. Additionally, 800,000 of them will die from the disease, many of them by suicide.

The necessity of alcohol rehab programs

Based on the above, it should come as no surprise that there are hundreds of alcohol addiction treatment and recovery facilities in the US. In order to understand the benefits of any alcohol rehab program, no matter how few or how many, you have to answer the question “what is alcohol addiction treatment?” Basically, alcohol addiction treatment is a three-stage process that involves detoxification and withdrawal, group and individual counseling, and aftercare through a support network.

It is fairly easy to determine when alcohol rehab becomes necessary – provided you give up being in denial first. Basically, if you cannot function or get through the day without having a drink, you are a candidate for an alcohol addiction treatment and recovery program. Other “red flags” to be aware of include:

  • binge drinking
  • drinking alcohol during odd times of the day, especially in the morning, long after every everyone else has stopped, or at events where drinking alcohol is inappropriate
  • drinking despite the damage that it causes physically and psychologically
  • drinking alone or in secrecy

All of these are warning signs that a problem exists and should not be taken lightly. If any of these apply to you or a loved one, it is time to get professional help and enter an alcohol rehab program. Additionally, if the addiction is severe, your best hope of overcoming it and living a clean and sober life is a long-term, in-patient or residential rehab program. These typically exhibit the highest recovery success rates when you compare them with other types of programs.

Let our referral service help you

The Rehab Advisor is the internet’s premier addiction treatment referral website with listings of the most successful alcohol addiction treatment and recovery programs throughout the US. So no matter what state you call home, we can refer you into a program in your local vicinity. For more information about our referral site and our addiction recovery programs, fill out the form at the top of the page. You can also call the toll-free phone number above if you want to speak with someone immediately.