What are the options for treating alcoholism?

Alcoholism treatment is a process that can differ for individuals based upon their needs and situation at the time of their referral. It may be the case that your condition is so severe you may require an inpatient stay at a residential unit in order to be treated effectively. However, there are also day care and outpatient therapies which can be used as part of a step-down programme.

Alcohol addiction treatment shouldn't be delayed - it is paramount that intervention occurs as early as possible to increase the likelihood of recovery. At Priory we understand the difficulties that could lie ahead on the journey to recovery.

That's also why Priory offers a free initial assessment with an experienced therapist at all of our addiction treatment hospitals, to help you discuss your addiction in confidence. This will help put your mind at ease and help you understand the journey you will be taking towards a more positive way of life.

Priory's aim is to offer guidance and support in a comfortable, safe and healing environment and provide the most clinically effective treatment to help you get your life back on track.

Inpatient treatment

Inpatient treatment takes place in a residential facility and allows for the safe administering of a medically assisted detoxification. This is the safest way to purge the body of any remaining trace of alcohol, and negate or ease any alcohol withdrawal symptoms a person may suffer, such as nausea, dizziness, anxiety, sweating and more. If you are dependent on alcohol, simply cutting off the supply can cause the body to react poorly.

After alcohol detox is complete, the work can then begin on treating the psychological alcohol dependence and uncovering the reasons for the addiction. As part of this process any associated conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can also be treated. This is part of a holistic and individually tailored programme - residential programmes have a wide range of experts on site. This way, we are able to effectively counsel and treat any associated mental health problems as well as the addiction.

Day care and outpatient therapy

Day care treatment operates as a step-down from inpatient treatment, and a step-up from outpatient treatment. You will continue to work on the psychological dependence and identify the triggers and reasons behind the addiction. Both day care and outpatient therapy offer greater flexibility for those who may be unable to take the time to complete an inpatient stay, yet still offer the benefits of access to a multidisciplinary team.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies play a key part in alcoholism treatment. With an array of therapy options to help treat alcohol dependency, we are able to offer a comprehensive and individually tailored treatment programme. It is important to understand that each person's story is unique, meaning the greater the range of treatment options, the better the chances of a positive outcomes. Some of the talking therapies available include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Couples/family therapy
• Eye movement desensitisation and re-processing (EMDR)
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy including self-esteem workshops

Aftercare

Priory is dedicated to your ongoing support and provides free aftercare for 12 months, on completion of a full residential programme. This includes continuous networking assistance, 'talking groups' with our peer supporters, and weekly meetings for patients and their families.

Our therapy teams consist of psychologists, therapists and nurses, led by therapy services managers and consultant psychiatrists. This ensures consistent quality of services and care across the board.

Alcohol rehab and counselling are the most effective ways to help a person overcome their alcohol dependence, with a step-down system and holistic approach giving people the positive attitude and coping strategies needed to avoid relapse and continue their recovery.