Three Reasons Alcohol Treatment Centers Work

Treatment for addiction is less straightforward than a typical physical ailment. If someone breaks an arm, the arm is set in place in a cast while the bone heals. When somebody catches a bacterial illness like strep throat, they get a round of antibiotics to fight the infection. Like other mental health conditions, treatments for alcohol addiction tend to be more complex. There are a variety of different treatment options for addiction, and what works best for one person might not be what works best for another. For example, while a devout Christian might find a traditional Alcoholics Anonymous program with its focus on drawing strength from and accountability to a higher power helpful, an atheist or less religiously inclined person might feel alienated by that program. The best rehab programs mix and match a variety of different treatment methods to find what works best with a specific individual. Here are three reasons alcohol treatment centers work. 

Medically Supervised Detox

Detoxing is always going to be an unpleasant experience no matter what, but for alcohol, it can also be dangerous. While it’s important not to overstate the risks (many are able to quit cold turkey without major health consequences) quitting alcohol suddenly, especially if somebody has been a heavy drinker for a long period of time, can cause what’s known as Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). AWS carries a number of medical risks, including seizures, and at its worst, coma and death. Because of these potential risks, going through alcohol detox under medical supervision is best practice, where doctors can intervene with a medical treatment that typically involves a combination of a benzodiazepine and anticonvulsants. 

Peers and Social Support

There is plenty of evidence that shows social support is a vital component of recovery. Going through a professional rehab program means that you have a community of people struggling with many of the same things you are. Through formal support structures like sponsors and informal structures like human bonds and relationships, people are able to support one another through cravings and hard times. Think of it like having a running buddy; you’re more likely to push each other to go a little faster, a little farther than you might if you were just running alone. 

A Drug and Alcohol-Free Environment 

One of the biggest reasons alcohol treatment centers are effective is the simple fact that they keep people away from drugs and alcohol during the critical time after they first quit. While relapses can happen months or even years after quitting, especially when somebody is going through a particularly difficult time in life, the period immediately following quitting alcohol is usually the most difficult. It’s during this time when cravings will be most frequent and intense, and people are still developing momentum and a strong will to remain sober. 

Quitting alcohol is a very difficult thing to do, but residential treatment centers like Sunshine Behavioral Health make it easier and safer. We use a variety of evidence-based treatments to find what works best for each individual. Our world-class staff are ready to help you or your loved one today. Click here to learn more. 

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