Alcohol abuse and addiction are serious conditions that require comprehensive treatment. It can be challenging to identify alcohol abuse because alcohol use is so common in our culture. However, recognizing the signs can help you get treatment.
Alcohol rehab programs focus on helping people stop drinking safely and then avoid relapse in the future. People have different needs during alcohol abuse treatment, so it is crucial to find the right type of treatment and level of care to meet your needs.
If you are looking for alcohol rehab options in San Antonio, effective treatment is available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Our holistic, supportive alcohol rehab programs can give you the skills and support you need to put alcohol abuse in the past.
Reach out to our intake team now to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake assessment.
Alcohol Addiction: An Overview
Alcohol is widely available in many settings. People may enjoy a drink after an after-work happy hour, at home with dinner, or at social events and celebrations. It is easy to obtain alcohol, and most adults in the United States report drinking at least occasionally.
Because alcohol use is so common, it can be challenging to spot alcohol abuse until it causes significant problems. However, alcohol is addictive, and more than 29.5 million Americans meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. Drinking too much or too often can change how the brain and body work. These changes can make it very challenging to quit drinking, even if you want to.
But how much alcohol is too much? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises people to drink in moderation. It defines moderate drinking as:
- One or fewer drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer drinks per day for men
The CDC defines heavy drinking as:
- Eight or more alcoholic drinks per week for women
- Fifteen or more alcoholic drinks per day for men
A “drink” does not mean any alcoholic beverage. It means:
- 5 ounces of wine
- 12 ounces of beer
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
It can be easy to exceed the CDC’s guidelines for moderate drinking. For example, if a woman regularly has two glasses of wine four nights per week, she would meet the criteria for heavy drinking.
Heavy drinking is associated with short and long-term health complications, including:
- Increased risk for certain cancers
- Higher risk for heart disease and stroke
- Liver damage
- Brain damage
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse, seek treatment as quickly as possible.
What Are Alcohol Rehab Levels of Care? Exploring Your Treatment Options
Substance abuse treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each person has their own needs during rehab. It is important to find an alcohol rehab center in San Antonio that provides the level of support you need during recovery.
There are several levels of care in alcohol rehab, giving you a variety of options to choose from. These include:
Medically supported detox programs
Detox programs provide a safe environment for individuals to withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. They often include medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smoother transition to sobriety.
Residential/inpatient rehab programs
These involve living at a treatment facility for a set period, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. Clients receive intensive therapy, counseling, and support in a structured environment away from triggers and temptations.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
PHPs offer a higher level of care than outpatient programs but less intense than inpatient programs. Participants attend treatment during the day and return home or to a sober living facility in the evenings, receiving therapy, medication management, and support.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
IOPs provide structured treatment while allowing individuals to live at home. Participants attend therapy sessions several times a week, often in the evenings or on weekends, and engage in individual and group counseling, education, and relapse prevention.
Outpatient rehab programs
These programs offer flexibility for those with mild to moderate alcohol dependence. Clients attend therapy sessions and counseling appointments while continuing to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities such as work or school. Treatment intensity varies depending on individual needs.
Many treatment centers in San Antonio offer both residential rehab and outpatient treatment programs.
Dual diagnosis alcohol rehab
Dual-diagnosis alcohol rehab programs cater to individuals who struggle not only with alcohol addiction but also with co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. These programs integrate treatment for both substance abuse and mental health issues simultaneously, addressing the interconnected nature of these conditions. Treatment may involve therapy, medication management, psychiatric care, and holistic approaches to promote recovery and long-term mental wellness.
What Can I Expect From a San Antonio Alcohol Rehab Center?
Alcohol addiction treatment typically happens in stages. Here is an overview of what to expect at each stage of alcohol rehab.
Evaluation
Your treatment team will assess your needs before beginning treatment. The evaluation may consist of:
- Questions about your alcohol and substance use
- Family history of substance use disorder (SUD)
- Information about co-occurring mental health conditions
- Lab testing
- Physical exam
This information will help your team determine if you require outpatient rehab or an inpatient program. It will also help your team create a tailored treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Detox
During detox, you will receive treatment and support to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Your symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Elevated blood pressure
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Body aches
- Intense cravings
Detox treatment may include:
- Medications to reduce the risk of complications during detox and reduce discomfort
- Emotional support, including individual counseling and support groups, when appropriate
- 24/7 access to mental health and medical care
- A safe, secure environment
- Holistic therapies like yoga, massage, and nutrition support to soothe the mind and body during detox
Medical staff will monitor your symptoms to prevent life-threatening complications like Delirium tremens (DTs) or seizures. The care you receive will help you have a safe, complete alcohol detox.
Treatment
Once your detox is complete, you will begin a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program. Your program will include evidence-based and holistic therapies to help you put alcohol abuse in the past. Your plan may include:
- Medications
- Psychotherapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Support groups
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Yoga, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning
Alcohol rehab programs can help you understand and address the roots of your alcohol abuse. This can help you avoid relapse and have a better chance of long-term success in recovery.
Find San Antonio Alcohol Rehab Options
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, effective treatment programs are available. If you live in the San Antonio TX area or want to travel for treatment, you will find a wide range of supportive, holistic rehab programs at Alamo Behavioral Health.
Contact our intake specialists now to explore your treatment options or schedule an intake assessment.
