Rehab is often used interchangeably with terms such as addiction treatment, addiction recovery center, and treatment facility. But what is it exactly? Rehab is a supervised program that is designed to meet the needs of individuals struggling with addiction. The rehab facility invites addicts to overcome their alcohol addiction using different approaches, modalities, and amenities. For instance, rehab for alcohol addiction can be inpatient, outpatient, full-time or part-time. In addition, some alcohol rehabs are founded on a religious approach, while others work on the 12-step methods. Likewise, some are considered luxury rehabs providing gourmet meals, private suites, and top-notch amenities, while others offer significantly low costs, shared spaces, and simple amenities.
The good news is there are multiple options available for choosing a rehab facility for alcohol treatment. But, to get started, you must know the pros and cons of rehabilitation. This article will explain this so that you can make an informed decision about whether rehab is the best option for alcoholism.
Pros/Advantages of Alcohol Rehab
Safe and Supportive Environment
A safe and supportive environment is integral for the patients in recovery, and rehabs provide that. Being in a place where you can connect with your peers and receive ongoing support from the therapists and counselors makes them feel safe and listened to. It also helps maintain long-term sobriety.
Stable and Structured Routine
To break the addiction, you need a stable and structured routine. Indulging in a routine full of activities, such as exercise, playing games, meditation, eating regular meals, or attending group counseling sessions, replace the self-destructiveness of alcohol abuse and makes you less dependent. Also, a structured routine helps patients prevent relapse.
Multiple Addiction Treatment Therapies
During addiction treatment, a patient needs constant support. Therefore, physical and psychological therapies are designed to meet an individual’s needs. With multiple options available, alcohol rehab addresses the core issues of the patient’s addiction. You can also choose the therapy that suits you the best.
24/7 Support
Alcohol withdrawal is painful; most patients experience severe symptoms, such as insomnia, irritation, depression, anxiety, or even seizures. Hence, a patient going through withdrawal needs constant care. Rehabs provide round-the-clock support and medical assistance to patients to prevent them from relapsing at any time.
Setting New Goals and Adopting New Habits
Alcohol addiction can result in poor decision-making and lack of discipline because it disrupts normal brain functioning and makes you more careless and irresponsible. Rehab programs thus offer addicts an opportunity to set new goals and work towards them. In addition, Rehab provides needed space and time for the patients to develop new habits. However, it takes time to create a new pattern; once you develop or adopt them, you can institute new ways of living your life.
Continued Support
The benefits of rehab go beyond the duration of the alcohol treatment period. When the patients complete recovery, they are not just expected to be out in the world and care for themselves. Instead, rehab offers aftercare programs comprising social support groups. Aftercare programs help individuals integrate into society and remember and implement what they have learned in the rehab facility.
Cons/Disadvantages of Alcohol Rehab
Financial Constraints
As far as inpatient rehab is concerned, it is a residential facility. Hence you are not allowed to go to work or run your business. This restriction means you cannot make money while receiving the treatment. Luckily, there are intensive outpatient programs available that you can attend, but the success rates are not convincing.
Leaving All Relationships Behind
This disadvantage is one of the hardest of all. When you attend inpatient rehab for alcohol addiction, you are not allowed to leave the premises, which means you cannot meet your friends or family members or keep any contact. While families are allowed to meet the patients in the rehab, it doesn’t give the same feeling as you get at home.
Inpatient Rehabilitation is Expensive
The cost of inpatient rehab is one of the prime reasons why people refrain from recovery. Most people cannot afford inpatient care expenses and decide to attend free social support groups or NHS-free clinics for addiction treatment.
Limited Contact
Inpatient rehab centers for alcohol treatment limit your contacts. It requires you to cut off access to social media sites, emails, phone conversations, and even meeting up with your loved ones. As a result, you may feel isolated or lonely. It happens because certain activities or people you see on social media can trigger you to use alcohol. Therefore, limiting the contacts eliminates these triggers and helps you recover faster.
Is Rehab the Best Option for Addiction Treatment?
Alcohol abuse is a chronic illness that needs immediate treatment action. But it doesn’t mean you can reinforce the treatment for the recovering addict. Every individual recovers at their own pace, regardless of duration, depending on the severity. While multiple alcohol rehabs offer the same treatment methodologies, knowing all the defaults and perks that go with rehabilitation is essential.
The pros and cons mentioned in this article are enough to make you understand why you should or should not choose rehab for alcohol addiction. However, if you are still confused about whether to take alcohol treatment from rehab or go on a self-detox, contact the nearest rehab facility today.