Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol is a common part of everyday life for many people. It’s used to celebrate, relax, and socialize, and because it’s legal and widely accepted, it often doesn’t seem harmful. But this familiarity can be misleading. Over time, casual drinking can turn into a habit, and for some, that habit can turn into heavy alcohol use or addiction. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks and recognize when drinking becomes more than just a social activity.

Like any substance use disorder, it’s important to seek healthcare and alcohol detox services at a licensed and accredited treatment center. If a treatment program would benefit you or a loved one, learn about the wide range of treatment options we offer at our Caron treatment facilities.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is a mainstay of American culture, as the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that more than 85% of people aged 18 and over report drinking alcohol at some point in their lives. From parties and weddings to brunch and happy hours, alcohol is the most commonly abused drug.

In fact, according to the 2023 NSDUH, 28.9 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past year. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of those 28.9 million people ever seek treatment for their alcohol addiction, even though around 178,000 people die each year from heavy drinking, according to the CDC.

Signs of Being Addicted to Alcohol

Unhealthy drinking habits can manifest in a variety of ways, both physically and behaviorally. Here are some of the most common signs:

If these signs are present, it may indicate a developing alcohol use disorder that requires professional intervention and support.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options

Recovering from alcohol addiction is possible, and there are several treatment options designed to support individuals at every stage of the journey. When it comes to recovery, there’s no single approach that works best for everyone, and the most effective treatment plans are tailored to an individual's unique needs. For many, the recovery process starts with safely managing withdrawal symptoms through medically supervised detox.

Medically Supervised Detox for Alcohol Addiction

Detox is often the first and most critical step in overcoming alcohol addiction. During this phase, the body clears itself of alcohol and begins to adjust without it. However, withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous, even life-threatening, especially for people who have been drinking heavily for a long time. Symptoms can range from mild anxiety and nausea to severe complications like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), which require immediate medical attention.

Medically supervised detox provides a safe and controlled environment where healthcare professionals can monitor vital signs, manage symptoms, and intervene if complications arise.

Medical Care During Detox

During detox, your safety and comfort are a top priority. Health care providers are there to support you every step of the way, carefully monitoring your symptoms and checking in regularly. They’ll provide fluids, nutrition, and medications to help manage discomfort and maintain your stability. Having this kind of care can make a big difference, helping you feel more at ease and reducing the risk of serious complications as your body adjusts to life without alcohol.

Medications for Alcohol Withdrawal and AUD

Medications play an important role in easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse. Not everyone will need medication, but for some, it can make detox and early recovery more manageable.

Here are some commonly used medications:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines the use of FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies and counseling to address substance use disorders. While medications help address the physical components of alcohol addiction, such as cravings and withdrawal, therapy focuses on the psychological side, like triggers, habits, and coping skills.

MAT provides a more comprehensive and holistic treatment approach. It not only helps individuals get through withdrawal but also supports long-term recovery by treating the root causes of addiction. Studies have shown that MAT can significantly improve treatment outcomes, reduce relapse rates, and enhance overall well-being when used as part of a structured recovery program.

Behavioral Therapies for Alcohol Use Disorder

Behavioral therapies help individuals understand the reasons behind their drinking, learn healthier coping strategies, and build the skills they need for long-term recovery. They are often used alongside medications for a more comprehensive approach.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals identify negative thought patterns that lead to drinking and replace them with healthier, more realistic ways of thinking. It focuses on developing practical skills for managing stress, avoiding triggers, and preventing relapse.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a goal-oriented, person-centered counseling approach that helps individuals resolve hesitation about quitting drinking. It works by strengthening a person’s motivation and confidence to change through open-ended conversations and empathy.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Originally developed for people with intense emotions or self-destructive behaviors, DBT focuses on building emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills. It’s especially helpful for those with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Trauma-Informed Therapy

For individuals whose alcohol use is connected to past trauma, trauma-informed therapy provides a safe space to heal. It recognizes the impact of trauma and avoids triggering or re-traumatizing experiences during treatment.

Group Therapy

In group therapy, individuals share their experiences and support one another under the guidance of a trained therapist. It helps reduce feelings of isolation, promotes accountability, and builds a sense of community.

Family Therapy

Alcohol addiction often affects the entire family. Family therapy helps repair damaged relationships, improve communication, and educate family members about addiction and recovery, creating a stronger support system at home.

Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Programs

Inpatient rehab, also called residential treatment, for an AUD, means that the person seeking treatment "checks into" an alcohol rehab facility and stays there throughout the length of their treatment. After an admissions evaluation and detoxification, doctors and medical personnel will develop a treatment plan, and the individual will then follow a structured daily schedule. The schedule varies by treatment center, but generally, it consists of daily meals, a variety of therapies, activities, yoga, meditation, and more.

Inpatient treatment services often include addiction medicine that reduces the desire to drink, like naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate. Recovery programs of this type have many advantages, including:

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) form a middle road between inpatient and outpatient alcohol treatment services. Heavily structured, a PHP runs for multiple hours each day, usually at least five days a week, for two to four consecutive weeks at a treatment facility. At the facility, the individual undergoes talk therapy, education, skills training, medical treatment, and other services during the day and returns home each evening.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Less intensive than PHP, but more intensive and time-focused than outpatient treatment services, IOPs for alcohol abuse and substance abuse treatment allow patients to continue with some aspects of their normal lives, while also providing daily structure, support, therapy, medication management, and more to address their addiction. In IOPs, individuals continue to live at home while receiving treatment from clinicians.

Intensive outpatient programs are also sometimes used as a transition treatment for individuals leaving inpatient programs. They provide ongoing, supportive care and relapse prevention services for patients returning home and resuming work.

Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Outpatient programs offer the least intensive form of alcohol recovery services. Patients continue to live at home and go to work or school, while attending outpatient treatment and working on behavioral health problems. They attend therapy sessions, meet with support groups, go to counseling, participate in life skills training and stress management classes, and more, often in the evenings and weekends, although the hours may vary.

Outpatient alcohol and drug abuse treatment services, just like inpatient services, often include the use and management of medication that helps individuals manage alcohol cravings. The advantages of outpatient treatment include:

Outpatient treatment services for alcohol use are best for individuals with a stable support system, who are also not long-term, serious drinkers.

Holistic and Wellness Approaches to Alcohol Addiction

Holistic approaches focus on improving your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and they’re often used alongside traditional therapies to support lasting recovery.

Here are some common holistic practices used in treatment:

Support Groups for Alcohol Addiction

Recovering from alcohol addiction is not something anyone has to go through alone. Support groups provide a safe, welcoming space where people can connect, share their stories, and offer encouragement. These groups remind individuals that others truly understand what they’re going through and that recovery is not only possible but stronger with support.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide, community-based program that offers a path to sobriety through mutual support and a structured 12-step approach. AA encourages individuals to reflect on their experiences and make peace with the past. Meetings are free, readily available, and open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) offers a modern, science-based approach to overcoming addiction. Instead of the 12 steps, SMART focuses on building motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts and behaviors, and finding balance in life. It empowers individuals to take control of their recovery while offering group support, both in person and online.

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention Strategies

Recovery is a lifelong, ongoing journey, and staying on that path often requires support and planning. Aftercare and relapse prevention provide the tools, structure, and guidance that help individuals maintain their progress and stay focused on a healthy, sober life.

Continuing Therapy

Therapy can be a lifeline during recovery. Whether it’s individual or group-based, ongoing counseling provides people with a space to process their emotions, work through challenges, and stay connected to their goals. It also helps individuals manage co-occurring mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, that can sometimes contribute to relapse if left unaddressed.

Sober Living Homes

For those who need a little more time to adjust after rehab, sober living homes offer a supportive, substance-free place to transition back into everyday life. These homes provide structure, shared accountability, and a sense of community with others who are also working toward long-term recovery. They can be a powerful stepping stone toward independent living and renewed confidence.

Alumni Programs and Support Networks

Staying connected after treatment can make all the difference. Many treatment centers offer alumni programs that keep individuals in touch with their recovery community through regular check-ins, events, and continuing support. Having a strong personal network, whether it’s from an alumni group, a sponsor, or sober friends, helps make sure no one has to face the challenges of recovery alone.

How To Choose the Right Treatment Option for Alcohol Addiction

There are many considerations to weigh before choosing an alcohol treatment program. In addition to the type of program you think is best, the location, and the stage of alcoholism you or your loved one is in, you should also consider the company or organization running the treatment facility and treatment program.

Many people choose an addiction recovery facility or program based on its proximity to where they live, especially if they want to receive outpatient treatment services. For others, the most important consideration is cost and how to pay. For example, will your health insurance coverage pay for rehab or at least some of it? Does the program offer financing options or payment plans?

For some, reputation and success rates matter most. For others, the need for certain amenities in order to feel comfortable is important. But, ultimately, the question, “What is the right treatment program?” is something for individuals entering an alcohol treatment program to answer for themselves.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options at Caron

For many people, quitting alcohol and managing the withdrawal symptoms is nearly impossible without the help of trained medical professionals. Thankfully, there are several different treatment options available that vary based on the severity of someone's alcohol problem.

At Caron, we offer the following treatment programs and resources at our various rehab center locations:

Why Choose Caron Treatment Centers

Caron Treatment Centers has long been recognized as a leader in delivering effective, compassionate care. With more than 65 years of experience, Caron provides evidence-based treatment programs that are tailored to individual needs, including those struggling with alcohol use disorder.

What makes Caron different from other treatment centers is its whole-person approach. This means treating not just the addiction, but also the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of recovery. Every person receives a care plan tailored to their unique needs, supported by a team of experienced doctors, therapists, and addiction specialists.

When it comes to recovery, Caron stands out by offering:

Our Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center Locations

From New York to Florida, we offer inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, or recovery centers at seven locations along the East Coast.

Inpatient Locations

Caron offers comfortable, fully equipped inpatient treatment centers where individuals can focus completely on recovery in a safe, structured environment. Each location provides 24/7 medical support, personalized care, and a healing atmosphere.

Pennsylvania

The Caron Pennsylvania campus offers state-of-the-art detox services and expert medical care. The center also offers specialized programs for executives, legal professionals, and a dedicated track for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Florida

The Caron Florida campus offers a full continuum of care, including detox, residential, outpatient rehab, and mental health services. Our comprehensive programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of adults at every stage of life, providing focused, high-quality treatment.

Outpatient Locations

For those who need more flexibility, Caron’s outpatient programs offer top-quality care while allowing individuals to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Outpatient locations provide therapy, support groups, and ongoing recovery resources close to home.

Atlanta

Caron Atlanta provides expert outpatient care for teens, adults, and families, offering tailored programs that include intensive therapy, individual counseling, and family support. Our services also include recovery assistance and prevention education.

Philadelphia

The Caron Philadelphia campus offers evidence-based care for adults 18 and older, including intensive outpatient programs, individual and family counseling, trauma services, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and additional virtual support groups and recovery services. This comprehensive approach ensures a full spectrum of care options to support long-term recovery.

Pennsylvania (Wyomissing)

Our Wyomissing location offers personalized care for substance use and mental health, with expert-led therapy, trauma treatment, and family counseling. We provide specialized teen programs and prevention education, ensuring comprehensive recovery support.

Washington D.C. Metro - Encore Outpatient Treatment Center

Our Caron DC & Encore Outpatient Center offers trauma-informed care for substance use and co-occurring disorders. We also offer intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization services, utilizing a holistic approach that encompasses therapy, support, and additional resources.

Recovery Center Locations

Our recovery center offers specialized services, including continuing care, alumni programs, and relapse prevention support, helping individuals stay engaged in their recovery journey long after initial treatment ends.

New York City

Caron New York Recovery Center offers lifelong recovery support, addiction prevention education, and family counseling. Services include case management, reintegration, support groups, and the Student Assistance Program.

How To Get Started With Treatment

Starting the journey to overcome alcohol addiction can feel overwhelming, but reaching out for help is a powerful act of courage. At Caron, we meet you with understanding, not judgment, and walk beside you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone.

FAQs About Alcohol Addiction Treatment