Intensive educational meetings are held for the patients as well as family members. Patients receive individual counseling and group counseling. Involvement with appropriate support groups after discharge is encouraged. The program is provided in the kind of considerate atmosphere that helps rebuild self-esteem from the first day of admission. Positive feedback from staff and other patients also helps build a positive attitude towards self and life.
Treatment includes restoring the natural reward system with nutrition, exercise and rest.
After medical treatment, a positive future is mapped by development of a continuing care plan. The course is now set for learning to overcome denial by no longer blaming yourself, or others, for problems caused by alcohol or drug use. The period of hospitalization is primarily necessary to assure that the addict's craving and drive to use have been neutralized. This can be safely and effectively done during a short period of hospitalization. The memory remains programmed to use unless something changes it.