Alcohol Rehab 101

Alcohol rehab in Springfield, MA can reduce health expenses and improve outcomes for those suffering from alcohol use disorder. An important distinction to remember is that it is a medical condition that also impacts mental and emotional health.

Alcohol rehab centers in Springfield, MA should emphasize physical recovery and treat underlying mental illnesses. Unfortunately, it is difficult for practitioners to know whether mental health illnesses affect drinking rates or vice versa.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, drinking increased. Researchers discovered that 35.3% of people with mental health conditions noted negative health outcomes from increased drinking during this time. Approximately 17.8% without a known mental health condition reported similarly.

More than 21% of patients with mental health illnesses who reduced drinking had positive results. On the other hand, over 14% without mental health conditions also had positive outcomes with reduced drinking. Along with treating mental illnesses, alcohol rehab also focuses on:

• Detox
• Inpatient or residential treatments
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Outpatient therapy

Within these treatments, you can expect individualized treatments and skilled professionals.

Inpatient or Residential Treatments

Residential alcohol programs are 24/7 inpatient stays. It requires a person to remain in a facility for a specified time, usually after a detox program.

It lasts seven days a week and can continue for weeks to months. Inpatient rehabilitation is highly structured, supervised, and secure. Often, it is an ideal treatment program for individuals on suicide watch or those without support at home.

Another benefit of residential treatments is you have on-site medical personnel. On the downside, insurance covers residential therapies and is not always covered by residential therapies.

Private alcohol residential treatments cost around $17,000 per month. High-end programs are even more expensive at $26,000 to $100,000 per month.

Location, amenities, and treatment lengths can affect the final price tag. If residential treatments are not medically needed, other options are equally effective and more affordable.

Partial Hospitalization Program in Springfield, MA

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) for alcohol rehab is an excellent choice for addressing a substance use disorder. PHPs are a step below inpatient hospitalization and a notch above intensive outpatient programs. Time commitments in a PHP are approximately six hours daily, five days a week.

The time frame a person remains in a program is primarily dependent on:

• Cost
• Insurance coverage
• Substance use severity
• Underlying mental health conditions
• Relapse

Those who participate in a PHP will likely transition to an outpatient or intensive outpatient program afterward. The types of therapy utilized in a PHP are:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Peer support groups
• Other evidenced-based practices

Substance use disorder experts help address the root causes of addiction, co-occurring disorders, and set achievable goals. Participation in group and individual therapy provides a person with tools that carry over into real-world experiences. And it facilitates long-term success.

Studies found that PHPs are useful to help lower costs. Eating disorder inpatient programs cost $2,267 per day.

On the other hand, PHPs cost $1,000 per day. Many times, people are admitted into residential programs without intrinsic motivation.

This critical component can lead to problems down the road and a longer recovery period. PHPs increase daily accountability and assist people in living normal lives.

Intensive Outpatient Program in Springfield, MA

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is an addiction recovery program that is less time-consuming. It is a step above an outpatient program, requiring five hours of therapy daily for three to five days.

Patients often attend IOPs after completing an alcohol detox program or residential treatment. An IOP is a great stepping stone toward outpatient therapy or intermittent AAA meetings.

Why should you choose an IOP?

• More flexible scheduling
• Longer duration than traditional outpatient programs
• Participate in peer support groups
• Helps develop normal routines and real-world experiences
• Lower costs than residential treatments
• Accountability

IOPs are excellent tools for a seamless transition into the real world compared to PHPs. It helps you utilize the skills learned in therapy and works toward mastering coping strategies. When searching for “alcohol rehab MA,” don’t neglect programs that offer virtual IOP.

The COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on the benefit of virtual rehabilitation when in-person therapy is not an option. It offers an affordable and easy way to continue the recovery process. What can you expect from a virtual IOP?

• Daily group meetings
• Individual counseling
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• And more

At Northstar Recovery Center, we offer completely online services for those who cannot attend traditional IOPs.

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Let’s take a look at heroin, which is a commonly abused drug. As pain receptors become altered with continued opioid use, we become more physically dependent on the drug for a ‘euphoric’ feeling. Once we stop taking it, several withdrawal effects ensue:

• Intense cravings
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Tachycardia
• Muscle aches

The best way to manage symptoms and avoid relapse is through a drug addiction center. If we don’t seek help, we risk long-term health impairments or overdosing. Drug addiction treatment centers help address physical, mental, and emotional challenges associated with abuse.

It can involve individual, group, or family therapy. The benefit of rehabilitation, such as a partial hospitalization program, is that it uses research-based evidence, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help stop negative thought patterns and live healthier lives.

What Is an Alcohol Addiction?

Another type of substance abuse disorder is alcohol abuse. As the name suggests, it means an inability to regulate or stop drinking.

Like a drug addiction, it can lead to physical dependence. Signs of alcohol abuse include:

• Constantly thinking about alcohol
• Inability to control consumption
• Work or relationship problems
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Requiring more alcohol
• Withdrawal effects

An alcohol use disorder diagnosis must meet specific criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). In the past year, a person must have a few qualifying characteristics, such as:

• Large tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Unsuccessful attempts at stopping drinking
• Persistence
• Spending a lot of time drinking

Everyone’s behaviors and intentions with drinking are different, making diagnosing alcohol use disorder difficult. The most important thing we can do for loved ones is to watch changes in behavior and hold honest conversations.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are dangerous and life-threatening. Common withdrawal effects include:

• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Headache
• Tachycardia
• Sweating

Symptoms can progress to delirium tremens, which is a medical emergency. Delirium tremens occur when the central nervous system becomes overexcited after alcohol (which is a central nervous system depressant) is suddenly removed.

It can result in seizures, high blood pressure, and hallucinations. The best way to manage these symptoms is through an inpatient addiction treatment center where medical professionals can monitor withdrawals, followed by continued treatment at rehabilitation facilities.

Seeking out help through an alcohol-based rehabilitation program helps us develop positive habits, thinking patterns, and rebuild meaningful relationships.