Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. People who develop alcohol addiction may require intensive treatment and ongoing support to safely stop drinking and avoid relapse.
This article will explore how to find the best alcohol recovery center for your needs.
- How to recognize alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- What to expect in AUD treatment
- What to look for in an alcohol recovery center
- Where to find alcohol addiction treatment near you
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the effective, individualized treatment you need at Lifetime Recovery Center. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our specialists today.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to drink only in moderation. Moderate drinking means:
- One or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for men
Heavy drinking means consuming more than the CDC recommends during a week. This means:
- For men, consuming 15 or more alcoholic drinks per week
- For women, consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week
Research has shown that heavy drinking increases the risk of many health problems. People who engage in heavy drinking may develop signs of addiction.
Several risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing AUD. Here is an overview of some underlying risk factors contributing to AUD.
- Family history
- Early drinking
- Trauma
- Mental health conditions
These and other risk factors may play a role in a person’s likelihood of developing AUD. However, anyone engaging in heavy drinking may develop a physical dependence or addiction.
Understanding the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol abuse and addiction can change the way a person looks, feels, and behaves. Some symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:
- Drinking more or for longer than intended
- Having difficulty controlling the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Being unable to reduce drinking
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting alcohol, drinking, and being hungover
- Experiencing cravings for alcohol
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school because of drinking
- Continuing to drink even when it causes serious social, health, legal, or other trouble
- Doing dangerous things while drinking, including driving while intoxicated
- Developing tolerance (needing to drink more to get the desired effects)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (nausea, insomnia, sweating, shaking, etc.) when they stop drinking
People with alcohol use disorder may require intensive treatment to stop drinking safely. People must seek treatment as soon as they recognize the signs of AUD for the best outcomes.
What to Expect in Alcohol Addiction Treatment in New Jersey
Alcohol addiction is a complex condition. People typically require comprehensive treatment to address the roots of this condition and avoid relapse.
A comprehensive treatment plan typically begins with a medical detox program. A detox program may include:
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety during detox
- Emotional support, including counseling and group therapy
- Mindfulness, nutrition support, exercise, and other holistic therapies to calm the body and mind
Most people complete detox in an inpatient setting. This ensures 24/7 supervision and care.
After detox is complete, people may transition into an outpatient program to continue treatment.
A treatment plan may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other behavioral therapies
- Medical care and medication management
- Relapse prevention education
- Individual and group counseling
- Holistic therapies
- Relapse prevention and coping skills
- Counseling and education for family members
- Aftercare planning and support
Treatment centers offer different programs and levels of care. Finding a high-quality rehab center that provides the treatment you require is essential.
How to Find the Best Alcohol Recovery Center in New Jersey: What to Look For
There are many addiction treatment centers offering detox and alcohol addiction treatment programs. Here are some things to look for when choosing the best alcohol recovery facility near you.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the mark of a high-quality treatment facility. It requires a rigorous process to ensure that healthcare facilities offer evidence-based, effective therapies in a safe, secure setting.
Assessments
A comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment plan must include a thorough intake assessment and ongoing progress evaluations. Assessments ensure people are getting the individualized treatment they need to address substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders at every stage of recovery.
Continuous support
A treatment facility should offer continuous support, beginning with the intake process. The facility’s intake staff should work with a person’s insurance company to verify insurance coverage, help people find the best level of care, and assist with the intake process in other ways. This level of support must continue throughout detox, treatment, and after rehab.
Tailored care
No two people have identical experiences during detox and treatment. People have unique needs, challenges, strengths, and goals during recovery. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, each person must receive tailored, comprehensive care at each stage.
A calm environment
Addiction recovery can be challenging at times. A treatment facility must provide a calm environment where people can feel safe. Substance abuse treatment centers don’t have to be luxurious to offer effective care. However, they must be clean, well-maintained, and homelike.
Evidence-based treatment
Evidence-based therapies include medications, behavioral therapies, counseling, education, and other activities proven to support addiction recovery. Treatment facilities must use evidence-based therapies to treat addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Multiple levels of care
People’s treatment needs typically change throughout recovery. Finding a center offering multiple levels of care is essential.
Look for a center that offers medically supported detox programs, intensive outpatient care, residential and outpatient mental health services, and other levels of care. This will allow you to get the tailored care you need at each stage of your recovery journey.
A holistic approach
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition involving the mind, body, environment, behaviors, and more. Holistic AUD treatment can help people identify and address the complex roots of their substance abuse. It can also give them the skills and develop support that can help them avoid relapse later on.
A focus on aftercare
While it isn’t possible to “cure” alcohol addiction, you can learn to manage its symptoms for life. After rehab, it is essential to stay active in recovery by engaging in an aftercare plan.
Look for a treatment facility that focuses on helping people create effective, practical aftercare plans. Treatment teams may help people find mental health care, additional treatment programs, community support, and other programs that support lifelong recovery.
Contact the intake team at Lifetime Recovery Center to learn more about our programs. We are happy to answer your questions or help you find the right treatment for your needs.
Find The Best Alcohol Recovery Center Near You
Alcohol abuse and addiction can harm your health, relationships, emotional well-being, and more. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Lifetime Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support programs. Contact our specialists today to learn more about your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol Use and Your Health
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol Use Disorder
