Do All Alcoholics Need a Treatment Center?
Alcoholism affects many different people of all shapes, size, ages, races, and circumstances. Likewise, the various treatment modalities for alcoholism also come in different shapes and sizes. There are treatment centers in every state and within them are programs for people from all walks of life. One of the most popular treatment centers is the Betty Ford Center that was organized by the former First Lady of the United States, Betty Ford, after her own journey with alcoholism and recovery. Treatment centers also tend to combine several treatment modalities in an effort to assist the alcoholic in the recovery process. The different treatments can include behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, hypnosis, twelve step programs, nutritional therapy, detoxification, group therapy, and medications.
It is believed that comprehensive treatment centers do provide the best range of treatments for the alcoholic and thus provide the greatest chances of success for the alcoholic. The person is removed from their environment in which drinking alcohol is stimulated which helps break the habit of drinking. They are then given access to a wide variety of different types of methods to assist them in their recovery. During this time, the alcoholic is closely monitored by staff members who can detect problems as they arise and ultimately help prevent relapse and encourage success.
The downside of treatment centers is that they can be extremely costly and the treatments are not always covered by health insurance plans. Likewise, it is not always feasible for the alcoholic to leave their home and work responsibilities for many days or weeks at a time. The treatment centers tend to require a large monetary commitment as well as the commitment of time spent away from family and possibly even work.
Many researchers and professionals believe that alcoholism is the same within every person but in actuality, it is becoming more and more apparent that there are varying levels and degrees of alcoholism. More and more professionals are realizing that not all alcoholics benefit from or require the intensive kind of treatment that comes from treatment facilities. Many alcoholics can be just as successful in their recovery process by using individual treatments or by using programs set up for them by their medical doctor. In many cases, twelve step type programs such Alcoholics Anonymous are extremely successful as are medications that can be used alone or in conjunction with a program or individual therapy.
The primary goal of every alcoholic is sobriety. It is up to each person to figure out the best treatment for them and what will work best in their case. In many cases it is important for the family member and possibly even doctors of the alcoholic to step in and assist the person in choosing the appropriate treatment for them. The main point is that not every alcoholic needs a treatment facility in order to become sober. Although treatment centers are very beneficial, there are many other types of treatment that the alcoholic can benefit from. Not every alcoholic requires the use of a treatment center to become sober but it is a great option for any alcoholic to investigate.
Recommended Reading
- The last six steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
- The first six steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
- Treatments for Alcoholism Part Two
- The Facts behind Alcoholics Anonymous – How It Works
- Commonly asked questions regarding alcoholism
