Getting into alcohol addiction may happen quickly or occur gradually as a social drinker. Sometimes, it even becomes a problem to identify and accept one’s addiction while the problem exists. However, an individual who is willing to accept it can receive an effective and long-term solution at an alcohol treatment center. Before we discuss the phases of the rehabilitation process, let us understand the phases of addiction itself.

Phases of addiction

You may notice several physiological, mental and behavioural changes in somebody who drinks casually, regularly or addictively. Only the magnitude of these changes differs at each level of drinking. Here are some warning signs to recognize whether you or a loved one needs treatment support for alcohol addiction.

  • Early Phase: In this phase, an individual does not start taking drinks but he/she starts developing higher tolerance towards it. While their dosage of alcohol increases, they may also experience blackout or amnesia in some form. Despite alcohol dominating their thoughts, they may not want to talk about their drinking habits or cravings.
  • Middle Phase: Here, the person may lose control of their drinking behaviour and the level of alcohol consumption. They may put themselves and others in embarrassing situations. Yet, they may try justifying their habit instead of visiting analcohol treatment centre.
  • Chronic Phase: When this phase occurs, binge drinking can be observed. Though the person may want to abstain from alcohol, they simply cannot do it. They may even put ethical behaviour at stake when it comes to sourcing drinks. The loss of motor skills and paranoia or hallucination may also reflect at this stage of addiction. Many drinkers may still be in a state of denial of the problem.

On the other hand, things will become easier if the drinker just accepts and wants to treat their addiction. There are well-equipped de-addiction centres that take complete care of suffering individuals through carefully designed rehab processes. Read on to know about the phases of such a process that can help with holistic healing and alcoholism treatment.

Phases of Addiction Rehabilitation Process

Alcohol or drug addiction may be the result of various factors, from social and biological to environmental and psychological. However, the right marijuana rehab approach can help addicts recover and transform their lives positively. Based on each case, the doctors design the activities and courses of action to correct the paths of their patients. A general process takes the patients through the following phases, under strict confidentiality:

  • Assessment Phase: During this phase, a team of therapists, doctors, counsellors and caregivers gains a complete understanding of the patient’s substance dependency. This helps them in creating an individualized treatment program for that patient. The patient should be ready for some physical exams and mental health screening. The doctors interact with the patient to learn about their medical history. It is important that the patient trusts the process and remains honest with all they are experiencing.
  • Early Abstinence Phase: First, the patient is motivated to learn about the negative effects of addiction and to recover from this problem. When the committed patient is ready, the detoxification process takes place to remove their alcohol dependence. Medical professionals handle every patient sensitively and prescribe to them the best medication that also helps with withdrawal. Therapists and care staff ensure to assist the patient to cope with their withdrawal symptoms, whether depression or insomnia.
  • Rehabilitation Phase: At this stage, the patient goes through actual rehabilitation post their initial treatment. The goal is to help heal their deeper wounds and treat the roots of the problem. This helps the patient in attaining inner peace and love for life so their symptoms do not relapse. While it is tough to be said than done, the patient will have to be vulnerable with their therapists. The patient must work on stabilizing their emotions.

To achieve that, the therapists may involve them in health and fitness activities, recreational tasks, self-help groups, and follow-up counselling. At this time, some patients can stay close to their family and friends. Others can choose to be a part of the rehab centre’s residential treatment program.

  • Aftercare Phase: This phase is required to ensure the long-term recovery of an addiction patient. Social support plays a critical part in this. By getting involved in support groups and alumni organizations, the patient can mingle back with society. The patient also works with life coaches that can teach them about the healthier ways of living life. Thus, the patient finds a purpose and meaning in life. This makes them live in a more fulfilling manner so they do not go back to their substance-dependent lifestyle.

After the addiction patients go through the above-mentioned rehab process, most of them can successfully lead a free and hopeful life.