With rising rates of alcoholism due to financial stresses and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are increasingly searching for help. Luckily, various alcohol rehab programs are available in most North American cities. Although choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming at first with the wide range of available options, this handy guide will greatly simplify the process:
Types of Alcohol Rehab Programs
Several types of alcohol rehab programs are available. These include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization.
- Inpatient Treatment – Inpatient treatment means that the patient will be admitted into a residential facility for a set period of time. Inpatient treatment programs can range from 30, 60, or 90 day periods, but shorter and longer stays are possible as well. This often depends on a variety of factors, including severity of alcohol addition, other underlying problems, such as drug addiction and mental health concerns, as well as available time. Some patients cannot stay away from their families or jobs for extended periods of time. For these patients, an outpatient treatment may be a better fit. Inpatient alcohol rehab programs also often begin with an alcohol detox program, in which medical staff safely monitor an individual’s withdrawal from alcohol.
Some benefits of inpatient alcohol rehabs include no distractions from everyday life and worries, 24-hour medical and emotional support, and a high success rate. They are also designed to treat serious addictions.
Some disadvantages include disruptions to life and higher costs.
- Outpatient Treatment – Outpatient treatment often consists of regular office visits for counselling sessions, medication, and/or support. While these types of treatment options allow one to continue with one’s everyday life and maintain a routine, and are often much more cost-effective, outpatient programs also have lower levels of success.
Outpatient treatment programs are recommended for individuals with milder forms of alcohol addiction. They often take about 10 to 12 hours per week, allowing individuals to continue working and spending time with family.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment–Intensive outpatient treatment often involve 24 hour a day, supervised medical care. They often provide similar care to an inpatient treatment program; however, patients do not live on site.
Intensive outpatient programs are recommended for individuals who require intensive alcohol treatment but cannot afford inpatient treatment, as well as those who have a history of relapse.
In addition, intensive outpatient treatment can be beneficial for those with concurrent issues, such as drug addiction and mental health problems. Individuals without a strong community or family support can also benefit from this type of treatment.
Finally, for patients being released form an inpatient treatment program, but who still require care, this supervised environment can be beneficial.
- Partial Hospitalization/ Day Treatment – This type of treatment is best suited for individuals with alcohol and drug abuse issues, as well as mental health problems. Individuals often enter these types of programs after undergoing inpatient treatment but before enrolling in an outpatient program. In many ways, partial hospitalization/day treatment serves as a bridge between treatments to prevent relapse.
How to Choose an Alcohol Treatment Program
For those who are not too concerned with privacy issues, consider asking friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations.
For individuals who may not wish to share this intensely personal information, consider searching Google reviews, as well as business websites, which often contain client testimonials.
Asking a few simple questions can greatly simply the process as well. For example, ask about what types of insurance are accepted, if any, as well, as if they offer any sort of financial assistance or payment plans. Ask about staff training and licensing. Ask if it is possible to see a sample treatment plan. In addition, do not hesitate to ask about counselling and medical services, as well as options for preventing relapse. Finally, do not hesitate to ask about aftercare when the program is complete.
In addition, for some individuals, family contact may be of utmost importance. Do not forget to ask if contact is permitted. If not, perhaps, it is time to search for a better fit.
Costs of Alcohol Rehab Programs
Alcohol rehab programs come in a variety of price points, from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cost often depends on the severity of ones addiction, type of treatment, geographical area, and amenities.
For example, some higher end alcohol rehab programs offer amenities, such as yoga, personal chefs, and exercise rooms. Many of these type of treatment centres are more akin to spas or resorts, helping patients in an environment that does not resemble a medical setting.
On average, treatment programs can cost approximately $7,500 USD on the lower end of the scale, $10,000 to $20,000 USD for a mid-range program, and $80,000 to $120,000 USD for luxury programs. However, it is possible to find a treatment program for as little as $1,400 USD. Some treatment are even free. However, please not that these often have extensive waiting lists. Some of these may be covered by provincial or state health plans as well.
One example of a free alcohol treatment program is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a free support group for millions of individuals worldwide. Many researchers have noted the effectiveness of AA meetings, helping many individuals since its inception in 1935. Individuals follow a 12-stp program, which often helps one overcome alcohol addiction, reconnect with friends and family, and build community and relationships. Benefits include increased accountability for one’s actions and overcoming the past.
Inpatient programs are generally more expensive than outpatient programs, and shorter stays will naturally cost much less than longer stays.
Location is another factor to consider. Alcohol rehab programs located on the waterfront, such as a lake or ocean will often cost much more than those in the inner city, in a former residence or office building.
The costs of alcohol rehab programs can also be a consideration for those seeking sober support. Using insurance for alcohol rehab programs, including military insurance plans for treatment, can provide an effective way of offsetting costs and getting the help you or your loved one need.
Choosing the right alcohol rehab program is now easier than ever, with the wide range of options available. Do not hesitate to contact your local treatment centre today for more information.
