Suppose you’re looking for the best alcohol addiction treatment near you in Texas, you would need to check potential treatment centers for the types of treatment they offer, the expertise of their staff, which insurance they accept, and how inclusive they are.
Alcohol use disorder impacts around 28.9 million people aged 12 and above every year.1 Being addicted to alcohol can lead to untimely deaths from driving under the influence, alcohol toxicity, liver failure, and other co-occurring substance use, psychiatric, or physical health issues.
That’s why finding a reliable treatment center in your location is important; you need your recovery to occur in a place where loved ones can provide support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, Nurture Nexus Recovery can help. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or schedule an appointment!
Top 7 Things To Have On Your Alcohol Addiction Treatment Checklist
Seeking treatment for alcohol addiction is a personal experience that requires an addiction treatment program that puts you at the heart of the process.
Depending on whether you’re struggling with mild or severe alcohol use disorder, treatment options can range from low-intensity outpatient programs to rigorous intensive outpatient programs and even residential treatment.
Some factors to look out for when picking your alcohol addiction treatment program include:
1. Cost & Insurance
Although there are government-sponsored treatment centers, the waiting list is often too long for patients who are at high risk. The Office of National Drug Control Policy notes that early intervention for alcohol abuse is the most cost-effective way to tackle addiction.2
Similarly, when choosing a private treatment center, be sure to verify your insurance to find one that’s affordable in the long run.
2. Treatment Location
Another important aspect you need to consider is how far away your treatment center is. A 2018 study based in Spokane County, Washington, determined that addiction treatment is sustainable when it’s closer to where you live.3
Finding an alcohol addiction treatment program in Texas lets you heal in a place where your friends and family can support you and keep your morale up.
3. Program Flexibility
Most alcohol use disorder treatment plans have flexibility to accommodate your schedule and lifestyle. Unless you need residential treatment, you can choose between programs that have a few sessions a week for a few hours to ones with extensive daily sessions.
Alcohol addiction treatment ranges from 30 days to 90 days in general, but can be extended depending on the level of care you need.4
4. Detox Policy
Alcohol addiction is a type of addiction that requires detox in severe cases to wean the body’s dependence on alcohol.
Some treatment programs require you to complete detox at another facility before starting, while others offer detox services as part of their program. Always check beforehand to ensure the program is a good fit for you.
5. Inclusivity
Studies have shown that treatment centers with inclusive programs and staff catering to LGBTQ+ minorities promote better treatment success in members of those communities.5
Look into programs that are:
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Politically unaffiliated
- Diverse in staffing
6. Methods of Treatment
Different stages of alcohol addiction require different methods of treatment. Some of the most common methods include treatments that incorporate medication management as well as focus on cognitive and behavioral changes in the patient.
Treatment that addresses maladaptive cognitive and behavioral patterns is proven to be more effective than medication and detox alone.6 Other non-traditional treatment options include animal therapy, acupuncture, etc.7
7. Aftercare Options
The treatment and recovery facilitation you receive after you’ve completed your alcohol addiction treatment program is as important as the treatment itself.
It helps you with:
- Staying sober after treatment
- Practicing responsible decision making
- Having a structured support system
How To Pick an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Option That Works For Me
Understanding what each treatment option has to offer helps you pick one that meets your specific alcohol addiction needs. The most common options provided by treatment centers are:
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications8 with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat alcohol use disorder. Common medications include disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate, which work by reducing cravings or serve as deterrents to alcohol consumption.
MAT is most effective when used as part of a long-term treatment plan and monitored by a healthcare provider. It helps improve retention in treatment and reduces the likelihood of relapse.
Psychotherapy
Often used interchangeably with counselling, it can be provided in individual, group, and family settings. This form of treatment is also known as “talk therapy” and includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and commitment therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, among others.
Medical Detox
Medical detoxification is a medically-supervised treatment that supports the individual during acute intoxication and withdrawal so that the body can safely get rid of alcohol. Severe withdrawal without medical detox can result in seizures and delirium tremens, which could be fatal.9
That’s why it’s essential to have detox administered in a professional setting like a hospital or specialized detox facility with a medical team. It’s the first step in recovery for severe cases of alcoholism, and it helps patients get a strong basis for recovery.
Telehealth Options
With innovations in communication technology, telehealth has become an easy and accessible way to receive alcohol addiction treatment. It gives patients who can’t access addiction treatment easily a better chance at receiving therapy, group counselling, and even medication management..
Research supports telehealth as effective for ongoing counseling and monitoring, although it may not replace intensive care or detox services needed in more severe cases.10
Mutual Support Groups
Mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery are great alternatives to traditional treatment options as they provide a community-focused approach. These groups reinforce accountability, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote long-term sobriety.
They have an important role to play in aftercare efforts once patients have received the standard evidence-based treatment. Participation in support groups has been linked to reduced relapse rates and improved emotional resilience in recovery.11
What to Expect During the First Visit or Intake Process?
Signing up for an addiction treatment program can be a nerve-wracking experience, but knowing what will happen on your first visit can boost motivation and help with following through.
Here’s what happens when you walk into a typical alcohol addiction treatment center:
- Initial Consultation: The first thing you’ll experience is a short overview of the treatment options offered, the facility, how they treat addiction, what you’re struggling with, and how they can help you.
- Addiction History & Mental Health: Next, the treatment center will take a detailed history of your alcohol addiction and substance abuse history. They can also take supplementary assessments to understand your mental and as well as your social setting.
- Medical Evaluation & Testing: Once your addiction is understood, a medical evaluation will be conducted to check if you need to detox and consider how your physical health may affect your recovery.
- Treatment Planning: The treatment team will then talk you through the alcohol addiction treatment options and help come up with a plan for your treatment that suits your recovery needs.
How Quickly Can You Start Treatment?
The speed at which you can begin alcohol addiction treatment depends on the facility’s intake capacity, your medical needs, and insurance verification. Some partial hospitalization programs allow same-day or next-day admission if space is available and you don’t require detox.
If you’re at high risk of severe withdrawal or overdose due to your alcohol addiction, emergency rooms will take you in.
Additional Local Support Resources to Explore
If you’re having trouble finding the right alcohol addiction treatment in Texas by yourself, there are some additional local resources you can check out:
- SAMHSA’s Treatment Locator: Lets you see treatment centers available near you and across the U.S., along with their contact details.
- https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/
- Texas Health and Human Services: Helps you find state-funded and accessible programs that are affordable and inclusive for a general audience.
- Alcoholics Anonymous Website: Assists in finding AA meetings in your area to facilitate recovery and prevent relapse.
Nurture Nexus Recovery: Taking the First Step Toward an Addiction-Free Life in Texas
Alcohol addiction is a common problem, but the right alcohol addiction treatment can help you overcome this disorder and not add to the rising statistics.
Nurture Nexus Recovery offers evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment near you in Texas to help you live a sober & healthy life. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to get your second chance today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Treatment for Alcohol Addiction?
The most effective treatment for alcohol addiction is a combination of oral medications like Naltrexone with psychotherapy, i.e., CBT, DBT, etc. This approach helps reduce the body’s dependence on alcohol while promoting healthy thinking patterns and behaviors to curb addiction.
Can Methadone Be Used for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Although methadone isn’t a primary medication for alcohol addiction treatment, it can be used to help patients struggling with comorbid disorders such as opioid dependence or chronic pain. It can help reduce the risk of alcohol relapse in people who are also struggling with opioid addiction.
What Medication Is Used to Treat Alcohol Addiction?
The most common medications used to treat alcohol addiction are:
- Disulfiram (also known as Antabuse®)
- Acamprosate (also known as Campral®)
- Naltrexone (commonly sold as Revia®, Vivitrol®)
How Can I Stop Someone in Alcohol Addiction Treatment From Relapsing?
Relapse is common for people undergoing alcohol use treatment. However, a non-judgemental attitude with behavioral reinforcement goes a long way in supporting continued recovery for a loved one. Also, being mindful of things that may trigger relapse and avoiding or removing them is helpful.
What Is the Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcohol Addiction?
Binge drinking is a form of alcohol addiction. It is generally defined as the consumption of a large amount of alcohol over a short period of time that rapidly brings the level of alcohol in a person’s blood to 0.08 % or more. This amounts to four or more drinks for women, and five or more drinks for men within 2 hours. Alcohol addiction, on the other hand, is any pattern of alcohol use that results in loss of control over its use and associated impairment in social, occupational or health functioning.
