There are many factors involved in treating alcohol addiction, such as whether it is done through residential treatment or an outpatient program. Determining which one is the best option depends on the patient and which environment is best suited to his recovery. However, if a medical detox is necessary, then that needs to be done at an inpatient center. If alcohol withdrawal is not handled by a trained medical professional, the results can be fatal. About 10 percent of alcoholics will experience a life-threatening withdrawal, so a carefully monitored detox is the first step.Treatment begins with a patient evaluation that helps to determine the most effective treatment plan, which will typically involve a mix of some or all of the following addiction therapies:
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Nutrition guidance
Exercise therapy
Relapse prevention plans
Support group work
The amount of time a person needs to be in treatment will vary depending on circumstances such as the severity of the addiction. It is; however, important to keep in mind that alcoholism is a chronic condition that will require lifelong management. Relapse rates tend to fall within the range of 40-60 percent, but it is equally important to remember that a relapse is not a failure but a chance to refine treatment and management plans to make them more effective and avoid a future relapse.What’s more, it’s important to undergo the full continuum of care. This refers to completing each level of care in a step-down fashion. By starting off at a higher level of care, which contains more hands-on intervention by the medical and clinical staff, you slowly descend to lower levels of care that contain fewer hands-on approaches by the medical and clinical staff.This allows you to slowly amass personal freedom and responsibility at an appropriate rate in correlation to the place you’re at in recovery. As you become more stable physically, emotionally, and spiritually, you can handle the lower levels of care. This is the most effective means of alcohol addiction treatment that is also consequently the most effective means of relapse prevention.