LIVE FREE STRUCTURED SOBER LIVING
Alcohol Withdrawal
At Live Free Structured Sober Living, we use a client-focused approach that considers the individuality of each person who comes into our care for alcohol addiction.
Alcohol withdrawal is a necessary part of recovering from alcohol dependence and addiction. If you are dependent on alcohol, you must go through withdrawal before receiving any counseling or therapy for your substance use disorder. Many addiction treatment centers offer services to help you experience a safe withdrawal and reduce your risk for related complications. Read on to learn more about alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms and how you can be safely and effectively treated at an alcohol rehab center.
Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?
According to the NLM, more than 50% of people with a history of alcohol abuse will go through withdrawal when stopping or reducing their alcohol use. An estimated 3% to 5% of that group will experience a dangerous and severe form of alcohol withdrawal known as delirium tremens.
LEARNING
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal refers to the set of symptoms you will experience if you’ve been drinking alcohol regularly for a long period of time and suddenly stop drinking. Symptoms usually begin within hours of the last drink and go on for several days. Alcohol withdrawal affects everyone differently, as each person will experience different symptoms at varying severity levels.
National Library of Medicine (NLM) reports that alcohol withdrawal usually only affects adults, though children and teenagers may experience it, too. After a long period of regular drinking, the body comes to rely on alcohol, which is a central nervous system depressant. When you suddenly stop drinking after this long period, your central nervous system becomes overexcited and produces the set of symptoms known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Resources in New Hampshire
Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal
Initial Assessment
In the assessment period, you will work with counselors and medical professionals who will evaluate the severity of your alcohol problem and develop a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Depending on the type, duration, and severity of your problem, your treatment team may recommend inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization, or outpatient care. Learn more about these different levels of care below.
Drug and Alcohol Detox Referrals
During the detox period, we provide you with a referral to a medical team that will help you withdraw from drugs and alcohol safely and overcome your body’s dependence on these substances. This stage may include medications to help minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.
Therapy and Treatment
Your circumstances will help determine the exact parameters of your therapy program. Alcohol rehab programs typically include individual therapy to help you identify the underlying causes of addiction and equip you with alternative tools and techniques to use in challenging situations.
Some programs may also include group therapy, family therapy, recreational therapy, nutrition counseling, career counseling, and other forms of therapy to help you transition to a healthy lifestyle without drugs and alcohol.
Aftercare Programs
Following the completion of a structured inpatient or outpatient alcohol rehab program, your treatment team will recommend continued care to help provide you with ongoing support and prevent relapses. Aftercare programs may be in the form of group therapy and well as continued individual therapy.
Types of Rehab Programs
Everyone’s treatment needs are unique. Following your initial assessment, your treatment team will recommend a level of substance abuse care based on your circumstances.
Inpatient Residential Care
Inpatient programs allow you to live at a treatment facility for the duration of your program so that you can have 24-hour access to medical care and support. Inpatient programs provide a structured living environment that can be especially helpful to those who are struggling with long-term physical dependence and psychological addiction.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial hospitalization, which is sometimes referred to as day treatment, is a step down from inpatient care. While partial hospitalization programs allow you to continue living at home, these programs still provide very structured treatment that is more intensive than a typical outpatient program. Partial hospitalization may involve treatment for several hours per day, five days a week, to provide a variety of therapeutic services in a highly structured environment.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive outpatient treatment programs are designed to accommodate busy lifestyles while still providing a high level of care. Some patients may transition from an inpatient rehab program to an intensive outpatient program, which typically involves meeting for a few hours, three days a week. This time may be spent in individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, or educational sessions.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs represent the lowest level of care and allow patients to receive treatment while maintaining their normal work or school schedules. Outpatient programs are often recommended for people with strong support systems.