Alternative Alcohol Treatment
Years ago there was only one option for those with alcohol abuse issues- AA and a generic 12 step program.
Times have changed and now you have many types of alternative alcohol treatment. Our guide will help you find the perfect one for you.
Finding an Alternative Alcohol Treatment that is best for you is a difficult task especial during such a challenging time. We created this guide to help you better understand the many new ways that have been successfully used to treat those whose lives are affected by alcohol. One of these will help you become the person you were meant to be.
Alternative Alcohol Treatment Explained
Is 12 Step, In-patient Rehab Outdated?
If you are concerned about your alcohol use, what are your real options? Til now they were very limited. In most alcoholism rehab centers, your treatment program would include several different types of therapies. Most of these are some what generic and pulled from the old 12 step manual.
For the most part even the fanciest alcohol treatment centers rely on the same methods. Fortunately many new and extremely successful treatments are available. Many focus on healing from within through meditation, change in diet, herbs, acupuncture etc…
These treatments combine many different strategies to attack the alcohol abuse. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), anti-craving medication (Naltrexone), professional staff who aren’t “in recovery,” and offering real individual assessments rather than categorizing you ( like they do with everyone they meet ) simply as an alcoholic. The old way alcohol treatment never saw the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.
At the “New Perspectives” conference on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, this past fall, at least 85% of all clients seeking help with alcohol abuse are being misdiagnosed, and mistreated at virtually all of the treatment programs across Canada, the U.S., and Australia.
Typical alcohol addiction treatments include:
- Counseling
- Discussions with staff
- Group sessions
- Aftercare
Alternative Alcohol Treatment Programs have a different mindset.
- You may not need to abstain
- You don’t need to be “in recovery”
- You don’t need to “go away” for 14 to 90 days in rehab
- Alcohol abuse isn’t progressive
- Alcohol abuse is not a disease
- You don’t need to label yourself an alcoholic
- You aren’t powerless
- Alcohol abuse is not a disease !!!
Alternative Alcohol Treatment
Many alcohol addiction centers offer alternative alcohol treatment therapies as well as traditional ones. These include:
- Reflexology
- Acupuncture
- Moderation (Rationing)
- Homeopathy
- Medications
- Essential Oils
- Herbal Treatment
- Ayurvedic Methods
- Diet & Nutritional Supplements
- Holistic Treatment
- Reiki
Massage
How to Evaluate an Alternative Alcohol Treatment Center
- Success rate of the facility.
- What is there “philosophy of care”? If you don’t agree with it look elsewhere.
- Do you feel comfortable with the staff and the environment?
- One-on-one therapy individual counseling or therapy- how many sessions with a psychologist are included in the treatment price?
- Credentials of the facility.
- Quality of accommodations.
- Family participation in the therapy and involvement in the rehabilitation program. If the alcohol treatment center recommends al anon that is a bad sign.
- Find a good location close to your family and loved ones so they can be there for support and involved in the therapy.
- Does staff live on the premises in case something happens. They are called “on-call employees”?
- Is there a comprehensive drug regimen to help overcome withdrawal symptoms?
- Are therapeutic classes coupled with the courses and other activities to free the persons mind from negativity?
- Extremely iImportant – level of AFTERCARE–What type and level of aftercare services are provided to their clients?
Evaluate Level of Freedom at an Alternative Alcohol Treatment Center
- Most inpatient private alcohol treatment centers will not allow electronics, cell phones, unapproved visitors and even may restrict phone calls.
- Isolation from friends and family, lack of contact with the outside world, and being forced to neglect their businesses ventures or personal lives will interfere with any recovery process
- Some require daily chores.
- Alternative alcohol treatment centers that restrict personal freedom focus on controlling the external environment instead of addressing the underlying cause of the alcoholism. Overly restrictive environments, work against recovery process.
Cost of an Alternative Alcohol Treatment Center
- Does the quoted price of the Center include all treatments, accommodations and medical expenses?
- What are the optional add-ons that are not included?
- What percentage of the care is covered by the patients private insurance?
Set a Date !!!
After narrowing down the list of places and discussing their treatment options set a firm date in your calendar to visit the alcohol treatment center to discuss enrolling.
If you cannot afford a private center, you need to get on a waiting list for a public or subsidized facility. Your local hospital or clinic can give you a list and info on how to enroll.
Alternative Alcohol Treatment here
Take that first step to a life of health and happiness today. Remember you are not alone. I wish you the best.
