If you’re realizing it’s time to get help for your drinking, you are far from alone in your battle. An estimated 29.5 million people in the U.S. over the age of 12 have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), as data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction notes.

Maybe you’re not sure where to begin. There are certainly numerous options available today for getting help. If you want to ensure you have the best possible recovery, how do you get started?

The Types of Alcohol Addiction Treatment

First, consider where you will go for treatment for alcohol addiction. If you are dependent on alcohol, that means your body exhibits intense cravings when you do not have access to the substance. It also means you need a formal level of treatment to help you break the dependence you have on the substance. There are several ways this can happen:

• Medical detox: Medical detox is necessary for anyone who has relapsed in the past, used alcohol for a long time, or has intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Medical detox, assisted by doctors and therapists, allows your body and brain to break the dependency as safely and comfortably as possible. 
• Residential treatment: Often called inpatient treatment, this entails spending several weeks in a treatment center where your focus is solely on helping your brain and body to heal. This type of treatment is best for those with moderate to severe addiction, as well as anyone who is going through detox.
• Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization: This type of care is an important strategy for those who may not need inpatient treatment but still need a significant amount of support. This type of treatment is particularly powerful because it allows you to live at home and continue to work while receiving care.
• Outpatient treatment: Not suitable as a first step in treatment for many, it can be an excellent way to continue care for months after you leave inpatient treatment. This allows you to gain the support you need to continue to remain sober for years to come. This continuing care can help prevent relapse, too.

When you speak to an alcohol addiction counselor, you’ll learn more about the treatments available to you based on your experiences, addiction severity, and overall health needs. Our team in Louisiana is always willing to offer insight and recommendations. 

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