Alcoholism and Treatment in Richmond, VA

Richmond Drug Treatment Centers knows that alcoholism is a serious medical condition that includes the previous psychiatric diagnosis of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Also known as alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence syndrome depending on the symptoms, alcoholism requires extensive treatment and access to ongoing support services. Alcoholism and treatment centers are located throughout the United States, with some facilities specializing in detox and others dedicated to long-term rehabilitation.

Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholism and treatment centers deal with a wide range of alcohol-related problems, including binge drinking, long-term alcohol abuse, and physical alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined by uncontrolled and dangerous drinking patterns, with binge drinking the perfect example. In the United States, binge drinking is defined by more than four standard drinks for men and more than three standard drinks for women in any single two-hour drinking session. Alcohol abuse can lead to dependence over time, a state characterized by tolerance and the existence of withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is stopped or reduced. Alcoholism and treatment centers initiate different programs depending on the extent of dependence and the existence of specific withdrawal symptoms.

Medical Detox

Medical detox is often administered at the outset of the treatment process, especially for patients who are likely to experience physical-somatic withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox involves the use of medications to help manage and reduce withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be incredibly dangerous if left untreated. Common withdrawal symptoms experienced by alcohol dependent people include nausea, vomiting, headaches, seizures, and delirium tremens. Benzodiazepine medications are regularly used during medical detox programs, including Valium, Serax, and Librium. Other drugs may also be administered during detox and rehab under medical supervision, including Antabuse, naltrexone, and Campral.

Rehabilitation

While detox programs help people to stop drinking under medical supervision, they do nothing to address the emotional and environmental precursors of alcoholism. Rehabilitation programs are also advised in the weeks and months that follow drug discontinuation, including long-term pharmacotherapy programs and behavioral therapy programs. Typical rehab programs include art therapy, music therapy, moral reconation therapy, motivational incentives, 12-step support, and relapse prevention. Rehabilitation is available on an inpatient or outpatient basis, with inpatient programs providing people with an opportunity to live at the treatment center.

The Importance of Aftercare

Aftercare programs play an important role in the treatment process for alcoholics. While medical detox helps people to stop drinking and rehab helps to address the issues that surround addiction, further measures are also needed to ensure safe and effective recovery. Aftercare programs are administered upon completion of rehab, including traditional 12-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), relapse prevention campaigns, and group counseling sessions. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, let Richmond Drug Treatment Centers be your guide. Just give us a call at (804) 510-0877 to begin your recovery.