If you have been a chronically heavy alcohol drinker for some time and want to begin a life of recovery, you might need to spend some time in a detox center. Alcohol detox can be dangerous when done unsupervised without the support of a trained medical professional. Alcoholism is a toxic condition which can deeply weaken the body. Seizure, stroke, and even heart attack are possible during detox from alcohol. You will experience a variety of symptoms from fever and chills, sweating to shaking, anger to sadness, fear to paranoia, and serious cravings for alcohol. Mentally, physically, and spiritually, alcohol detox is challenging. Detox is not necessary for everyone wanting to recover from alcoholism. People who have recently been heavily intoxicated will need clinical detox. Others will experience acute symptoms of detox but not need clinical attention. Detox from alcohol can last a few days to a few weeks.
Alcohol Treatment
“Treatment” is a broad term for any level of care in which you would work with a therapist, physician, psychiatrist, and participate in group activities for healing. There are varying levels of treatment which can be graduated through as a step down process, or taken individually depending on your level of need. The highest level of treatment is residential inpatient, where someone lives on campus for their treatment and is under 24 hour supervision. Partial hospitalization programs, often called “day treatment” have the same programming as residential inpatient programs but do not include the early morning or nighttime activities. In addition, you would not live on campus. Intensive outpatient programs meet every day for a few hours, or a few days a week for a few hours. Each treatment center’s intensive outpatient program will look different and may include boarding. Outpatient program is the lowest level of care, meeting just once or twice a week with a minimal amount of interaction with group activities. Long term treatment has shown to have the greatest effect in promoting long term recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Millions of people have found success in recovery with the support of twelve step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. These programs are free and open to the public, but do not include any treatment by a professional doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist. Typically, people include twelve step fellowships like AA as part of their recovery program, but do not rely solely on it. However, many people have and find success.
Cottonwood Tucson takes an integrative approach to treating alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Our residential treatment programs are critically acclaimed by international professionals. For information, call us today by dialing (888) 727-0441.
