Alcohol Rehab Therapy
Detox and therapy (or counseling) make up the lion's share of an individual's alcohol treatment plan. But while detox helps address the physical component of alcoholism, it is therapy that allows the individual to overcome their psychological aspect of addiction that can cause an individual to relapse time and time again.
There are a number of different types of alcohol rehab therapy – the breadth and style of which will vary according to the treatment philosophies of the program.
Understanding these different types of alcohol treatment counseling – and how they help the individual maintain their sobriety is one of the keys to recovery.
What are the Benefits of Alcohol Rehab Counseling?
There are a number of benefits to counseling that play an integral role in the recovery process, including:
- A chance to talk openly and honestly about the addiction. For many people, therapy is the first time they have spoken with anyone about their condition – and this "release" alone is a positive in their lives.
- A way to build lifelong friendships. Living side-by-side with other recovering addicts in a residential treatment program creates a strong bond among individuals. Many sober men and women report staying in touch with fellow patients from their program for many years following treatment.
- A chance to learn about "triggers". An individual does not abuse alcohol for no reason. Learning about the "triggers" that cause alcohol abuse is an important step towards recovery.
- Helping relationships heal. Family counseling is a chance for loved ones to talk about how alcoholism has impacted their lives. It is provides a safe environment in which strained familial bonds can be strengthened.
What are the Different Types of Alcohol Treatment Therapy?
There are three primary types of alcohol rehab counseling that an individual is likely to encounter when they take part in an addiction treatment program: individual, group and family.
- Individual therapy. These are one-on-one sessions in which the individual meets privately with her therapist. During these meetings, counselor and patient will work together to discuss the root causes of the individual's addiction – and how they respond to the "triggers" that bring out the behavior in a healthier manner.
- Group therapy. Group sessions are a chance to open up with other individuals in the program who are going through a similar set of circumstances. During these incredibly valuable meetings, friendships are forged and support structures are built that enhance the recovery process.
- Family counseling. Many times, families bear much of the brunt of an addiction. To help heal broken trust and damaged relationships – family counseling allows loved ones to speak their minds and share their own stories of how addiction impacted their lives. They also learn how to communicate more effectively with the recovering addict so that it enhances their chances of maintaining their sobriety.
What Happens after Alcoholism Counseling and Therapy?
Once the individual has completed counseling – and all the other components of the alcohol rehab plan, they may still face a number of challenges in the "real world." Maintaining sobriety in the face of distractions, stress and temptations can be a daily challenge that often leads to relapse. To help lessen the chance of relapse, there are aftercare programs. Aftercare helps individuals put the lessons learned during alcohol rehab therapy into practice. There are a number of different types of alcohol rehab aftercare, including:
- Follow-up counseling at the facility
- Weeks or months spent at a sober living home following treatment
- 12 step group meetings with Alcoholics Anonymous
Get Help Now!
All information submitted on the website is considered private and handled in full confidentiality.
