Alcoholism is not a 'one size fits all' diagnosis. Accordingly, treatment for alcoholism should not be approached generally. An individual's underlying cause of alcoholism is unique and should be treated with a personalized plan of care.
How do I know if I need treatment for alcoholism?
Self-assessment and your relationship with those who are important to you are the first steps to determining if you need treatment for alcoholism. If a loved one has encouraged you to seek treatment for alcoholism or if you feel you may be teetering on alcoholism, find a medical treatment center where you can get a professional diagnosis. If anonymity is important to you, call first and ask if you can get an initial consult and interview by phone.
Can I treat myself?
Alcohol misuse is different from alcoholism and alcohol dependency. Alcoholism which is defined as alcohol dependency has physical consequences if you attempt to treat yourself. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, nervousness, sweating, flushed skin, nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms, elevated heart rate, organ failure, and even death. Self-detoxification is not recommended and can have serious consequences, including death. Detoxification should be managed by medical and rehabilitation specialists.
Will I need to check into an extended overnight facility to treat my alcoholism?
Alcohol abuse and misuse can typically be treated through counseling and outpatient services. However, it is important to recognize that continued alcohol abuse and misuse can lead to alcohol dependency and alcoholism. Most treatment for alcoholism provide both outpatient and inpatient programs. For some, controlled detox and individualized outpatient alcohol drug rehabilitation and counseling may be successful. For others, inpatient programs lasting from 14 to 90 days may provide better results. What is important to remember is that every patient is unique and achieves success in his or her own way. What works for one may not work for another. Treatment for alcoholism should always be approached with the individual's unique diagnosis and goals for recovery in mind.
Will insurance pay for my treatment?
If your coverage allows for drug and alcohol treatment and if an alcohol treatment center is a licensed reputable treatment center, most insurance companies will pay for your treatment. In addition, most reputable treatment centers have financing available if some or all of your treatment will not be covered by your insurance company. Look for an insurance inquiry page at the treatment center's website to complete preliminary information to help determine if your insurance is likely to cover treatment. Most treatment centers also have a phone number you can call to talk to someone to see if your insurance is likely to cover your treatment and if there are any pre-treatments steps that may be necessary with your insurance company.
What are my chances for success?
Find a treatment center that is right for you and with proven documented success. For the best results, find a treatment center that will treat you holistically and provide advanced diagnostic techniques that treat your physical, psychological, or neurological cause or causes for your alcoholism. Your success depends on you and the treatment center you pick. With the right center, you can achieve a full and sustainable recovery.
