You’ve decided to seek treatment for alcohol abuse—and that’s great, but it doesn’t mean you’re on cruise control.
In fact, now is the time to take control of the wheel—and your future.
Alcohol Rehab Success Rate
You’ve probably heard that a fair percentage of people end up relapsing after rehab. And that’s true.
But it’s also true that many people succeed. And there are a few key steps you can take to give yourself the best start towards a long and lasting recovery.
Step 1: Choose Your Treatment Program Carefully
Many people think that getting sober is just a question of getting over the physical aspects of withdrawal. If that were true, just about any treatment program could get the job done.
The truth is you need to tackle the issues that led to addiction. Is there a co-occurring condition such as depression or post traumatic stress disorder? Are you more genetically susceptible to addiction than others? How do you handle stressful situations? What are your triggers?
When choosing a treatment program, you’ll want to ask if they have expertise in diagnosing and treating co-occurring conditions. Ask also about the staffs’ experience and credentials.
Step 2: Remind Yourself Why You’re in Treatment
You’ve decided you want more out of life than alcohol can give you. But, when you’re in the midst of rehab, that can be easy to forget.
That’s why it can be helpful to write your thoughts down—and review them frequently. Are you looking for better friendships? Better health? That wonderful clear-headed feeling you get when you know you’re doing the right thing and taking care of yourself? Maybe you want the money to buy your own home. Or to feel like you have the respect of those around you. You could be looking forward to having more energy.
Whatever your reasons are, write them all down. Your list will be an important tool for you during the inevitable low points that come along during recovery.
Step 3: Build Relationships
We all know it’s true: Loneliness and isolation are bad for us. To get the most out of rehab, you’ll want to invest in relationships.
That starts with your primary therapist. In this relationship, you’ll want to work to build trust. Your therapist can’t help you if you don’t make the effort to be open and honest. This is your chance to explore the mental aspect of your addiction. Any effort you invest will pay off.
At the same time, you’ll have the chance to benefit from group therapy. You’ll be part of a team—all working toward the same goal. This is a chance to experience fellowship, combat loneliness and learn more tools to use in your fight against addiction. It may take time for you to feel comfortable, but try to be an active participant.
Lastly, most treatment programs will also offer opportunities for family therapy. This is important because, when rehab is over, the last thing anyone needs is to go back to their old life full of resentment and issues. Family therapy offers a chance to clean the slate, allowing you a fresh start at your new life.
Step 4: Give Yourself Time
Chances are, you’ve beaten yourself up enough. Don’t let rehab become another source of frustration and guilt. There will be ups and downs.
Accept that your mind and body are in recovery—and that it will take time. Look for a rehab program that gives you the opportunity to recover at your own pace (science suggest that at least 90 days is best).
Does rehab work for alcoholics? Absolutely. The thing to remember is that you can’t just show up (although that’s a great start.) You need to invest in rehab, realizing that you’re really investing in yourself.
A New Start at The Raleigh House
At The Raleigh House, we believe that it’s not enough to give someone a life without alcohol or drugs. The goal? To give you the tools needed to make a good life. When you walk through our doors, you’ll be teamed up with a master’s level trained therapist, who will work with you to plan and strategize your new life. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the alcohol addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
