Alcohol use is accepted and common in the United States. While many people drink moderately as part of a generally healthy lifestyle, some develop unhealthy drinking patterns that can lead to serious problems, including addiction.
Alcohol abuse can damage your mental and physical health and cause your brain and body to develop a dependence on alcohol. In time, you may find it difficult–or impossible–to stop drinking. People with alcohol addiction continue drinking while facing serious, even life-threatening consequences.
Alcohol addiction means losing control of your drinking. Alcohol addiction treatment can help people regain control over their lives, stop drinking, and avoid relapse for the rest of their lives. Going to rehab is a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Alcohol addiction treatment happens in several settings and levels of care, including outpatient alcohol rehab. Understanding what to expect from outpatient alcohol rehab in Asheville can help you prepare to start treatment and get the most out of your time there.
Understanding Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
Comprehensive alcohol abuse and addiction treatment plans must provide care for a person’s mind, body, relationships, and many other aspects of who they are. Simply treating alcohol abuse or addiction as a physical condition doesn’t get to the root of why they occur.
Alcohol addiction treatment generally occurs in two settings: outpatient and inpatient. Inpatient treatment may be a first step for some, or people may begin in an outpatient alcohol rehab program.
Alcohol addiction treatment occurs in several stages. First, you will have an assessment to determine which level of care and type of treatment is right for you. The evaluation may include lab testing, a medical exam, and questions about your substance use, family history, mental health, and more.
Many people begin outpatient alcohol rehab in a medically-supported detox program. During detox, medical and mental health specialists provide treatments to keep people safe and comfortable as they go through alcohol withdrawal. Treatment includes:
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support, including individual therapy, if appropriate
- Distance from triggers
- Holistic therapies to soothe the body and mind during withdrawal
After detox is complete, people continue treatment by following a personalized plan that includes:
- Individual therapy
- Group support and counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Medications
- Mental health treatment
- Holistic therapies like exercise, massage, nutrition support, and mindfulness
- Aftercare planning
Outpatient treatment occurs several times per week, often in the evening. Outpatient alcohol rehab in Asheville allows people the flexibility to work, go to school, care for family members, socialize, and more.
A Typical Day in Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
Outpatient alcohol rehab programs are generally less intensive than inpatient or residential ones. People typically attend several weekly treatment sessions and commit to ten or more hours of treatment over a week.
The goal of an outpatient alcohol rehab program is to give people the support and skills they need to navigate early recovery, maintain sobriety, and avoid relapse for the rest of their life. Each person will follow a specialized treatment plan to help them reach personal goals.
A day in an outpatient alcohol rehab in Asheville may include:
- Meeting with the treatment team to ensure the patient is following their plan
- Gathering with peers to offer support and share experiences
- Participating in group therapy
- Receiving individual counseling from an addiction counselor or psychotherapist
- Attending education sessions to learn coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and developing an aftercare plan
- Participating in testing or screening when necessary
Outpatient rehab programs provide a constant source of support, valuable education, and connection with programs and professionals who can support you throughout your recovery journey.
Do I Need Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Alcohol abuse and addiction can cause your life to fall apart, but getting treatment can give you a fresh start. Getting help as soon as you recognize your drinking has become problematic–or you’ve lost control over it is essential.
How much alcohol is too much?
Because alcohol use is widely accepted in American culture, identifying problematic drinking can sometimes be challenging. The Centers for Disease Control offer guidelines about moderate drinking, which is not associated with significant health risks.
Moderate drinking is defined as:
- One or fewer drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer drinks per day for men
Heavy drinking means having more alcohol than recommended over the course of a week. For women, heavy drinking means consuming eight or more alcoholic beverages in a week. For men, it means consuming fifteen or more alcoholic drinks weekly.
Heavy drinking can lead to addiction. It’s important to know the signs of addiction and seek treatment if you exhibit them.
Signs of alcohol abuse and addiction
Alcohol abuse and addiction cause significant changes in a person’s health, emotions, and behaviors. Some of the signs of alcohol abuse and addiction include:
- Needing to drink more to get the desired effects
- Craving alcohol when you’re not drinking
- Taking risks while drinking, such as driving while intoxicated
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking
- Wanting to stop drinking but feeling like you can’t
- Drinking to prevent withdrawal symptoms
- Neglecting relationships, hygiene, or responsibilities because of alcohol use
If you have any of these symptoms, you may need help to get control over your life and health. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.
Find an Outpatient Alcohol Rehab in Asheville
If you or a man in your life needs treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction, reach out to the specialists at Next Step Recovery today. Our treatment team will develop a highly effective, personalized plan to help you live the healthy, fulfilling lifestyle you choose.
