866-797-7962What is Alcohol Treatment Like in North Carolina?
Medically Verified: 2/1/24
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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Alcoholism affects the lives of millions of Americans. Prolonged, excessive drinking contributes to many physical and mental health problems. It can negatively impact communities and strain relationships. The true costs of untreated alcoholism are counted in legal fees, medical bills, lost memories, and missed opportunities.
If you or someone you love are one of the approximately 14 million people who live with alcoholism in this country, you understand the emotional and physical toll it can take on the person and their community. Despite all the negative consequences, only about 7% of the people who struggle with alcoholism will ever get the treatment they need to overcome it.[1]
There are many reasons someone might put off treatment: fear of losing their job, worry about how they will pay for rehab, or not knowing what to expect. If you have been living with alcoholism–or you love someone who has–you do not have to navigate this journey alone.
Alcoholism is treatable. With the right support and comprehensive, compassionate treatment, it is possible to overcome the physical effects of alcohol addiction and learn the skills you need to live life without returning to alcohol abuse. Learning as much as you can about what to expect in alcohol addiction treatment in North Carolina can help you get as much as you can out of your time in rehab.
Getting Started: Finding Alcohol Treatment in North Carolina
Deciding to get treatment for your addiction is a life-changing choice. Finding the right treatment program can be difficult, though. Many facilities offer alcohol detox and rehab programs in North Carolina. Finding one that is reputable and effective can seem overwhelming.
If you are looking for effective alcohol addiction treatment, there are several ways to find the program that will meet your needs.
- Get a referral from your doctor or medical professional
- Ask for recommendations from friends or family
- Look for local facilities online
- Speak with a representative from your health insurance provider
- Contact local facilities to ask about the services they offer
If you have questions about addiction treatment or recovery, please reach out to the staff at the Carolina Center for Recovery. We want you to get the treatment you need and will work to find a program that will meet your needs.
Detox and Withdrawal During Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina
Once you have been evaluated by a medical professional and have gone through the intake process, you will go through detox and withdrawal. Detox allows your body to rid itself of toxins, including alcohol. When people experience symptoms as their body adjusts to the absence of alcohol, it is called withdrawal.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be very uncomfortable. Some of the common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:[2]
- Shaking
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sweating
- Fever
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Mood swings
- Cravings for alcohol
- Increased heart rate
At times, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. Some people experience seizures during withdrawal. A small number of people experience a serious medical condition called Delirium Tremens (DTs). Delirium tremens develop in the first 2 to 5 days after a person’s last drink and are marked by intense hallucinations, confusion, and seizures.[3] The condition can be fatal if left untreated.
During detox, you will be monitored and treated for uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms of withdrawal. This often includes medications like benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, or Xanax) that can alleviate your discomfort, help manage cravings, and prevent serious physical side effects of withdrawal.
The amount of time you spend in detox and withdrawal depends on the length and severity of your addiction. After a safe, complete detox, you will be ready to start your treatment program.
What to Expect: Alcohol Treatment in North Carolina
North Carolina has a large, active recovery community. This makes it the perfect choice for someone looking to get high-quality addiction treatment and aftercare.
Everyone who struggles with alcohol addiction has their own experience and needs. Because of this, treatment facilities often offer a variety of treatment programs to meet people’s unique needs. People also go through an extensive intake process that helps the staff tailor a treatment program that will give people the exact care they need.
Generally, addiction treatment programs include:
- Medications – Certain alcohol treatment medications like naltrexone or acamprosate may be used to suppress alcohol cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Group support – Groups are an important part of the treatment process. Individuals get to connect with other like-minded individuals and overcome their challenges together. Most of treatment is spent participating in various kinds of group therapy.
- Individual therapy – One-on-one sessions are held once weekly and they give therapists an opportunity to monitor and adjust their patients’ treatment plans based on their needs.
- Family therapy – Family invovlement in treatment can help boost treatment retention rates while allowing the entire family to heal. It can also teach families how to support loved ones who are in recovery from alcoholism.
- Education – Educational workshops help teach patients about the disease of addiction, what it takes to stay sober, and what resources are available to them in the area.
- Aftercare planning – Alcoholism cannot be cured with a brief stay at an alcohol treatment center in North Carolina. Instead, it takes ongoing care. Alcohol rehab centers prepare patients to leave rehab by helping them come up with an aftercare plan.
During treatment, people will begin to identify the underlying causes of their addiction, learn new coping skills to manage stress, and find ways to stay engaged in recovery for the rest of their lives.
Start Alcohol Addiction Treatment in North Carolina Today
If you or someone you love require alcohol rehab, please do not wait another day for the life-saving treatment you need. Addiction is treatable. With the right support and care, anyone can recover from addiction.
At the Carolina Center for Recovery, we offer a range of alcohol treatment programs that can be tailored to meet your needs. If you live in North Carolina or want to travel here for exceptional treatment, call now to speak with one of our admissions counselors today.
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