Noah Vinter
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious problem that can have detrimental effects on the lives of those suffering from it. Treatment for AUD has progressed significantly over the years, with a variety of programs now available to help alcoholics recover. These include well-known 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), as well as other mutual support groups, outpatient services, and inpatient treatment centers. The important thing to remember is that recovery is possible and there are many paths to get there.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of options | Many |
| Types | Outpatient services, mutual support groups, inpatient treatment, medication, telehealth services, etc. |
| Organisations | Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS), SAMHSA, NIAAA |
| Confidentiality | Some services are confidential |
| Cost | Some services are free, some covered by insurance, some offer lower prices or payment plans |
| Intensity | Low or high-intensity outpatient care, partial hospitalization, intensive inpatient care |
| Approach | Evidence-based, research-based, spiritual, non-spiritual, abstinence-based, non-abstinence-based |
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What You'll Learn
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
The history of Alcoholics Anonymous dates back to the late 1930s. In 1935, a group of alcoholics in Akron City Hospital, including Bill W., Dr. Bob, and another patient, formed the foundation of what would become AA. They worked together and, by 1939, had helped around 100 people recover from alcoholism. In the same year, the fellowship published the book "Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism," which introduced the Twelve-Step program and outlined AA's philosophy. The book, commonly known as the "Big Book," included the personal stories of 30 individuals who achieved recovery through the program.
The Twelve Steps are a suggested program for ongoing rehabilitation and self-improvement. The first step involves acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol and the negative impact of alcoholism on one's life. Subsequent steps emphasize rigorous honesty, including self-reflection, admitting character defects, sharing one's inventory with a trusted person, making amends, and engaging in prayer or meditation. The program encourages seeking alignment with a personal concept of a "higher power" or "God as we understood Him."
AA meetings are a key component of the program, where members come together to share their experiences and support each other in recovery. These meetings provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to connect and learn from each other. AA groups can be found in many locations, and members are encouraged to participate and contribute in various ways. The organization emphasizes that helping each other is crucial to maintaining sobriety.
In addition to the mutual support provided by AA groups, individuals can also benefit from professional treatment options. These include outpatient services, intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization, residential programs, and intensive inpatient services. These options can be tailored to individual needs and combined with AA participation for a comprehensive approach to recovery.
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Non-12-step support groups
While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known support groups for alcohol recovery, it is not the only option. AA is a 12-step program that asks members to admit their lack of control over alcohol and turn to a higher power for help. However, the spiritual foundation of AA may not resonate with everyone.
Women for Sobriety (WFS)
WFS is a non-profit organization founded in 1975 that provides a gender-specific support system for women in recovery. It is based on 13 acceptance statements that focus on positivity, self-responsibility, and emotional growth. WFS encourages meditation, healthy eating, and holistic healing.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a self-help support group for individuals seeking abstinence from drugs, alcohol, and other addictive behaviours. It follows a 4-point program:
- Obtaining and maintaining motivation
- Learning to manage urges
- Handling emotions, thoughts, and behaviours
- Finding and striking a balance in life
SMART Recovery offers face-to-face meetings, daily online meetings, a 24/7 chat room, and an online message board. The program provides tools, handbooks, exercises, and practical information to help individuals enhance their recovery.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
SOS is a non-profit network of autonomous, non-professional support groups for individuals recovering from addiction. It provides a secular alternative to 12-step programs, emphasizing self-empowerment and self-reliance. SOS meetings focus on sharing experiences, discussing recovery strategies, and providing mutual support in a non-religious context.
LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing is a secular organization that encourages members to maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol. It focuses on enhancing each person's "sober self" while weakening their "addict self". LifeRing encourages individuals to find their own methods for encouraging their sober self and emphasizes living a full and positive sober life without dwelling on the past.
These non-12-step support groups provide alternatives to spirituality-based recovery programs, allowing individuals to find a program that aligns with their beliefs, preferences, and needs.
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Outpatient services
Outpatient treatment can last for varying lengths of time, from one week to several months or even years, depending on the patient's needs. Many outpatient programs utilize a combination of medical and behavioural treatment interventions, with access to psychiatric and medical services, and regular contact with a licensed therapist is highly encouraged. Treatment can include psychotherapy, individual, family or group talk therapy, and medication support.
In many states, insurance companies and Medicaid cover "telehealth" services, which are phone or video sessions for talk therapy or medical care. These can be particularly useful in locations with few addiction health professionals.
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Inpatient addiction treatment
Inpatient treatment provides a structured environment where individuals can receive comprehensive support and care to help them learn, heal, and achieve stability in their mental health and coping mechanisms. This may include detoxification, counselling, medication support, therapy, and relapse prevention strategies. Inpatient treatment can be particularly beneficial for those with severe addictions or those who have struggled with outpatient or less intensive forms of treatment in the past.
The length of inpatient treatment can vary depending on the individual's needs and the severity of their addiction. Some people may require a 30-day residential program, while others may need to stay in treatment for up to 120 days or more. It is important to note that inpatient treatment can be more costly than outpatient treatment, with residential rehab costing over $56,000 on average in some areas. However, many rehab centers work with private insurance providers, and some may offer free treatment.
Inpatient treatment centers typically have a qualified staff of doctors, nurses, clinical staff, and counselors who work together to assess and address the physical and psychological needs of their patients. This may include providing medical care during the detoxification process and helping individuals manage withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient treatment centers may also offer a range of therapeutic activities such as yoga, meditation, sound therapy, and equine therapy to promote holistic healing.
In addition to medical and therapeutic care, inpatient treatment centers often focus on building connections and providing support to promote long-term recovery. This may include mutual support groups, individual and group counselling, and attendance at community-based support groups. These additional services can help individuals develop a strong support system and learn effective coping strategies to maintain their sobriety after leaving the inpatient treatment center.
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Telehealth services
One of the benefits of telehealth is that it allows individuals to access treatment from the comfort of their homes, without having to travel to a physical location. This can be especially beneficial for those with stable home lives or those who are experiencing alcohol addiction treatment for the first time. Telehealth can also be a good option for those who are unable or unwilling to attend in-person therapy, such as those with parenting responsibilities or those who are "higher-functioning" and do not wish to undergo residential treatment.
There are a variety of telehealth services available for alcohol recovery, including:
- One-on-one therapy
- Group therapy
- Addiction counseling
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Mutual support groups
- Self-guided online programs
Some specific examples of telehealth providers for alcohol recovery include:
- Confidential Recovery: Offers telehealth drug and alcohol counseling, as well as an intensive outpatient program that can be an ideal follow-up to residential treatment.
- Hazelden Betty Ford: Provides virtual addiction treatment programs, mental health services, and family services in several states across the United States.
- American Addiction Centers (AAC): Offers a range of outpatient services, including psychoeducational and therapy groups, psychiatry sessions, and case management.
It is important to note that not all virtual programs and services are available nationally, and it is recommended to check with your insurance company about coverage for telehealth services. Additionally, while telehealth can be a convenient option, it may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to discuss your options with a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several programs available for alcoholics seeking recovery, including:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A 12-step program that offers peer support and mutual aid for those seeking to quit or cut back on their drinking.
- SMART Recovery: A research-based program that utilizes scientific evidence and techniques to support recovery.
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS): A collection of autonomous, non-12-step support groups that provide alternatives to spirituality-based recovery programs.
- Moderation Management (MM): A program that does not require complete abstinence and offers a flexible approach to recovery.
- Medical detox, inpatient addiction treatment, and outpatient rehab: These programs offer evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to individual needs.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines four basic levels of care:
- Outpatient: Regular office visits for counseling, medication support, or both.
- Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization: Coordinated outpatient care for complex needs.
- Residential: Low or high-intensity programs in a 24-hour treatment setting.
- Intensive inpatient: Medically-directed 24-hour services that may include managing withdrawal.
Yes, SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that provides treatment referral and information for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357) in the United States.
Yes, there are e-health tools and computer-based cognitive-behavioral therapy programs that can be prescribed by physicians or licensed therapists. Additionally, "telehealth" services, which are phone or video sessions for talk therapy or medical care, have become more widely available, especially during the pandemic.
It is important to gather as much information as possible about different programs and their methods. Consider factors such as evidence-based approaches, medication availability, mental health services, and cost. A health care provider can help assess your needs and provide referrals to appropriate treatment options. Remember, recovery is possible, and there are various paths to explore to find the right fit for your journey.
