key stages of treatment
key stages of treatment. Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition that can have serious negative consequences on an individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Treatment for alcohol addiction typically involves several key stages, which are outlined below:
Detoxification: The first stage of treatment for alcohol addiction is detoxification, which involves eliminating alcohol from the body. This process can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, so it is important to seek medical supervision to ensure that the process is safe and effective. Medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Rehabilitation: After detoxification, rehabilitation is the next stage of treatment. This typically involves a combination of behavioural therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Behavioural therapy helps individuals understand the underlying factors that contribute to their addiction and develop coping mechanisms to avoid relapse. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive encouragement from others who are also in recovery. MAT involves the use of medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Maintenance: Once an individual has completed rehabilitation, ongoing maintenance is essential to prevent relapse. This may involve continuing therapy and support group participation, as well as regularly monitoring for signs of relapse. It is important to develop a plan for managing triggers and stressors that could lead to relapse.
Aftercare: Aftercare is the final stage of treatment for alcohol addiction and involves ongoing support and monitoring to help maintain long-term sobriety. This may involve regular check-ins with a therapist, participation in support groups, and continued use of medication if needed.
A lifelong process
Treatment for alcohol addiction is often a lifelong process that requires ongoing commitment and support. It is important to work with healthcare professionals to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. With the right support and resources, individuals can successfully overcome their addiction to alcohol and lead healthy, fulfilling lives in recovery.
key stages of treatment you will be likely to receive Within this section of our website we explain the key stages of treatment you will be likely to receive. The Triage Assessment is an assessment that identifies the seriousness of a person’s substance or alcohol misuse problem, the urgency with which treatment is required and any immediate risk of harm. In addition the assessment will identify addiction needs such as mental health needs, housing needs and any potential blocks to successful treatment.
Effective assessment
An effective assessment of the needs of the client is pivotal to the effective use of services and therefore needs to be comprehensive and complex. Triage assessment usually covers: Alcohol or drug consumption Dependence Related problems Co-existing health conditions, including co-existing drug and/or mental health problems Risk of harm to self and others Urgency of treatment Motivation and readiness to change Health Problems Mental Health requirements Certain personal data Detoxification , or rather ‘detox’ for short, is the physiological or medical removal of a toxic substances such as alcohol or heroin. It can additionally refer to the period of withdrawal during which your body returns to homeostasis after long-term use and abuse of an addictive substance. Detoxification or ‘detox’ involves taking a short course of a medicine which helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol or taking addictive drugs.
Commonly used medicine – key stages of treatment
The most commonly used medicine for detox of alcohol is chlordiazepoxide. This is a benzodiazepine medicine. For heroin it is subutex or methadone. Primary Care is the time in which you first enter a residential treatment centre. During this intensive primary stage of treatment you will start to address your reasons for turning to drugs or alcohol both in group therapy and one to one counselling. At this time you will also agree a ‘care plan’ with your named therapist or drugs worker. This ‘care plan’ will form the basis and direction of your ongoing treatment and recovery.
Secondary Care is a key component of any treatment offered to a client. It forms the basis of your transition from structured primary care to back home and live back in the community. During this stage of treatment your therapy will focus on life without drugs or alcohol and how you can remain substance free when back in society. Aftercare is the service offered to clients when they are back home. While aftercare can consist of either weekly support groups, counselling or visits with your named drugs worker or counsellor. Aftercare can last for approximately a year after treatment, however, if the client require, it can last longer.