Alcoholism is one of the most difficult things to conquer. It seems like alcohol is always around you, and its consumption is a cultural norm. But for over 15 million Americans, alcohol does far more damage than just a hangover — it’s an addiction.
If you or a loved one is dealing with alcoholism, getting help seems like a daunting task. What are the steps you need to take? How can you make choices that are successful in the long-term? And, most importantly, what should you look for in an alcohol rehab center?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything there is to think about, we’ve can help. Read on to learn about what to look for in an alcohol rehab program in Los Angeles.
1. They Make Alcohol Rehab Work for You
Every person is different, so why would a single alcohol rehab program work for every person who walks through the doors? It wouldn’t. A good rehab program will help customize your treatment options in a way that will make you more successful in the long term.
A good rehab program is structured around your individual needs. For example, a person who is not religious is unlikely to do well in a faith-based rehab program. The rehab facility should assess your needs and experiences and then design a program for you.
If they refuse or insist that they have the best method and it works for every person, then it’s time to look elsewhere.
2. A Highly Educated & Experienced Clinical Director
A great staff makes all the difference in your rehab experience and success. One of the most important people on staff is the clinical director.
Clinical directors oversee every aspect of the rehab facility. They make sure that the facility is in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. They also oversee all the doctors, nurses, and other rehab staff to make sure that patients are getting the best possible care.
These are not light responsibilities, and, as a result, it is imperative that the clinical director has a minimum of a master’s degree and several years of experience. The more qualified the staff, the better the quality of care. Don’t be afraid to inquire about education and experience when you visit the facility.
3. They Offer Long-Term Inpatient Care
Just like no one program of treatment works for every person who enters alcohol rehab, no single length of treatment works for everyone. Some people may only take a few days to recover from alcoholism and then be able to move on with their life. For others, recovery from alcoholism is a long-term project that takes weeks or months.
You also have to think about how to transition back to everyday life. Some people can do that seamlessly, but others may need a more gentle transition. Perhaps they need something like a residential treatment center, which mimics a home environment and helps you learn how to cope with day-to-day life outside the facility.
Ask the rehab facility if you have the opportunity to take as much time as you need in treatment and what options are available post-inpatient care.
4. Ready Access to a Number of Counseling Options
One of the most important keys to success in recovery from alcoholism is counseling. An ideal program would include many opportunities for you to participate in both individual and group counseling sessions.
Individual sessions help you understand the behaviors and experiences that led to your addiction to alcohol. You then learn new strategies to help prevent you from turning toward alcohol in the future.
Group sessions are also super helpful in recovery. First, it helps you feel like you’re not the only person out there struggling with alcoholism. Other people also bring new experiences and perspectives to the table. Lastly, group sessions help build bonds between people so you can help keep each other sober in the long run.
5. They Treat Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
Addiction is not an island. In fact, many people who struggle with addiction are doing so as a way of coping with an underlying mental disorder like depression, anxiety, and even ADHD.
A good rehab program has staff that can identify underlying mental disorders and help treat them, too. This is important because, if your addiction is a result of a mental disorder, you’ll far less successful in your recovery if your mental disorder isn’t treated.
6. Nutrition and Exercise Plans
Good nutrition and exercise are key components of recovery from alcoholism. Why? Addiction does a lot of harm to your body over time — it weakens your immune system and can change your brain and how your body functions.
One of the best way to help heal the damage of addiction is through nutrition and exercise. A good nutrition plan will help heal your body but help you manage cravings for alcohol and educate you on how to properly nourish your body with food.
Exercise also helps combat cravings. You can also replace old, harmful habits, such as binge drinking, with exercise. Exercise also stimulates the release of dopamine, which makes you feel happier overall and is helpful when you have underlying issues like depression or ADHD.
7. Alternative Therapy Options
Rehab facilities should offer a wide variety of alternative therapy options to patients. Why? Because not all traditional methods of therapy are effective for every patient who walks through those doors.
Maybe you need something like pet therapy or yoga and meditation. All of these options are a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Learning good habits or therapy methods such as these pave the way to success once you leave the rehab environment.
Ready to Get Help?
A high-quality alcohol rehab program is a pivotal first step in recovery from alcoholism. You want to make sure that the program you choose will provide you will all the tools you need to be successful. Recovery isn’t easy, but the right program makes a huge difference.
If you’re looking for a great rehab program for drugs or alcohol in the Los Angeles area, check us out. We offer inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment options for your recovery. Contact us today to see how we can help you.