Different Types of Alcohol Rehab and Which One is Right For You

Once you have accepted that you or a loved one is in need of treatment for drugs or alcohol, the next logical step is to begin searching for the best facility that meets your needs - and your budget. Understanding the differences between alcohol rehabs can help you determine what types of services they offer, how much time you will need to devote to a treatment program, and what you can expect when treatment is complete. The end result is the same, but how you get there and how long you stay there are the most important parts.

The Canyon is an alcohol rehab tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains outside Malibu.

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Types of Alcohol Rehabs

There are over 10,000 drug and alcohol rehab centers in the U.S. alone. The vast majority are structured around the 12-step recovery philosophy, sometimes using a slight variation in terminology, but most often relying on the original proven methods as the foundation for healing. Other rehab centers may focus on holistic or homeopathic therapies, religious inspiration, gender specific support, or dual diagnosis.

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Different Treatments at Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient therapy - part-time enrollment for moderate substance abusers. Up to 4 hours of group and individual counseling every day, and returning home at night and on the weekends.

Detox - inpatient hospitalization between 7-10 days for most non-opioid substances. The focus is on eliminating all traces of a drug while at the same time controlling dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Residential treatment - full-time therapy and counseling for heavily dependent and addicted individuals. Usually 21-45 days of sleeping, eating, and working on interpersonal as well as intrapersonal issues related to substance abuse. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral therapies concentrate on reframing the internal factors that motivate a person to choose drugs and alcohol and seek to provide alternative steps to identifying and solving one's problems. Relapse prevention techniques, substance abuse education classes, practical life skills, and social services are additional benefits offered by some treatment centers that assist in achieving the goal of long-term sobriety.

Aftercare - weekly individual outpatient counseling sessions most frequently used in combination with recovery support groups. Typically 6-12 months of personalized assistance with navigating the difficulties and unfamiliar aspects of living a fulfilling life of sobriety.

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Sober Living and Alcohol Rehab

For individuals requiring a bit more structure and support than outpatient treatment, sober living homes may be an ideal arrangement. Adherence to the house rules (nightly curfew, rent payments, no drug or alcohol use) are mandatory. Residents must be working, or working on continuing their education during the day, and attend support group meetings or community counseling sessions in the evening.

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How to Choose the Right Alcohol Rehab for You

Sobriety can be a scary time and it is imperative that you feel comfortable and secure in any living environment, so that you are free to concentrate on immersing yourself in the work of psychological transformation from addiction to sober living.

Ask for a tour of the facility, go over the routine for a typical day, talk with the counselors and psychiatrists, and understand the payment obligations, patient rights and responsibilities before you sign any paperwork. Look for a treatment center that offers a wide variety of comprehensive services to meet your most distressing needs. Addiction requires competent medical attention, but don't allow yourself to be rushed or manipulated by admission staff. Visit three or four that seem appealing and bring a trusted friend or family member with you to offer a grounded perspective.

Even if you've been through rehab before and are still having problems with drug or alcohol abuse, recovery is possible with the right care and combination of services.

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Alcohol Rehab at The Canyon

The Canyon has admissions counselors standing by 24 hours a day at to answer any questions or concerns you may have about our specialized treatment options.

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