Locating Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in Florida

Locating Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in Florida

By Jenny Hunt, Palm Partners Recovery Center

February 17, 2012

Alcoholism is a devastating disease. It impacts not just the alcoholic themselves, but also friends, relatives, and partners. It can have a catastrophic impact on people’s lives. Alcoholics continue to drink even in the face of severe consequences, and often they are in a very dark place when they finally decide they need help. Outpatient alcohol treatment can be the starting place for recovery from alcoholism.

The first step to locating outpatient alcohol treatment in Florida is assessing your treatment needs. If a person is physically dependent on alcohol, it is often recommended that they complete a detox program before attending outpatient alcohol treatment. Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous if it is done at home. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to seizures and even death. Not to mention, alcohol detox is very uncomfortable if performed at home. Many alcoholics relapse during the detox phase when they try to do it themselves simply because of the physical discomfort. A medical detox ensures a safe, comfortable process. Medications are administered to relieve the discomfort of withdrawal, and the patient is monitored throughout the course of the treatment. Usually, the outpatient alcohol treatment program you choose will either have an on-site detox or will be able to direct you to a quality detox facility.

Usually, before attending an outpatient alcohol treatment program, it is recommended that you complete an inpatient alcohol treatment program. This is a facility where you attend intensive therapy all day. The therapy sessions help you deal with the triggers that caused you to drink in the first place. The sessions will also teach you the skills to live a sober, drug-free life.

Outpatient alcohol treatment is a good follow up to inpatient treatment because it keeps you accountable and helps you deal with things that come up once you are living on your own. For many alcoholics, the most dangerous time is right after they leave inpatient treatment. The risk for relapse is very high. Outpatient alcohol treatment can improve the chances that an alcoholic will stay sober.

Some people cannot attend inpatient alcohol treatment. They cannot take 30 to 90 days out of their lives to attend a residential treatment program. Outpatient alcohol treatment can be a good solution for those that are unable to go to inpatient treatment. Outpatient alcohol treatment usually requires that a person come in for treatment 3 to 5 days a week. The person seeking treatment will attend group and individual therapy sessions much like an inpatient treatment center, but the person will go home at the end of the day.

It is important when locating an outpatient alcohol treatment to research different treatment centers. If you have a co-occurring disease, like depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder, you should make sure that the outpatient alcohol treatment center has experience dealing with that. You should also research the credentials of the outpatient alcohol treatment center to make sure they are certified in addiction treatment.

If you or someone you know needs outpatient drug or alcohol treatment call us at (877) 711-HOPE (4673) or visit us online at www.palmpartners.com .