Alcoholism is a difficult disease to battle. Making the decision to enter treatment, whether it is on your own or because family members have expressed concern is a step in the right direction. You must be patient with this process, it takes time but you will be able to go through life without alcohol after attending rehab. Provided below is a bit of information regarding what you can expect while in alcohol rehab.
Detoxing
Upon entering treatment, the detoxification (detox) process begins. This means that you will likely feel a little shaky, and you may even become nauseated and irritable. It is normal to feel this way. During the detox process feelings of depression and confusion are also likely. Those with severe alcohol addiction may even experience cold sweats. Keep in mind that this is normal, and it is only temporary. You’ll begin to feel better soon. While in a rehab facility, you will have the guidance and support that you need to get through this phase of recovery.
Alcoholism Education
Once the detox process is over, the education regarding the disease and how to overcome it begins. You will learn how the body learns to depend on alcohol and how the brain reacts. You’ll also learn about the internal damage that alcohol does to the body with excessive drinking. Counselors work individually with patients in order to discuss the reasons why they started drinking heavily and how it has affected their quality of life. Education is important, because without it, alcoholics cannot understand the reasons why this “disease” has taken over their lives.
Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions help those in rehab to talk with each other and about their personal stories and feelings. In some settings, patients are grouped by the severity of their alcoholism, whereas in others, they are grouped by their progress in rehab. It is beneficial for those in alcohol rehab to hear what others have dealt with and how it has affected their lives.
Family Therapy and Aftercare
It is important to get your family involved with therapy during your aftercare. It is vital that the family gets to talk through their hurt and what they experienced during your periods of drinking. Part of the healing process for you and them is talking through all of this and working on forgiveness. Aftercare programs help you to continue on your road to recovery. You’ll have support when your triggers bring you back to the lifestyle you left in order to get healthy, and possibly, save your life.
Rehab programs vary. Different counselors and alcoholism professionals have varying approaches to treating those with the disease. It is important to select a program that is structured for your specific needs and with the best counselors for your situations in life. This is a tough road, but with will-power and the want to get healthy again, you can make it through. You need a strong support system behind you, but continued success is the end goal.
