Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs – Which Ones Work?

Rehabilitation for alcoholics is mostly associated with 12 Step meetings and 28 day programs.

Terms like ’spin dry’ and ‘recoverying’ have become part of our vocabulary. Is rehab something to believe in or is there a way to end alcoholism? Will meetings and a belief in a higher power produce recovery for one and all?

Baldwin research took a look into the state of rehab several years ago and put traditional recovery programs under the microscope. It found what most people knew from speaking with their neighbors or family members. Many alcoholics won’t continue going to meetings past their first visit. Those who do, 95% don’t stay past their first year.

I personally believe any program which is effective in helping a person reclaim self respect and control over their own lives is worthwhile supporting. AA does this and has helped hundreds of thousands every year across the world. For those, it is all they need. They should continue their successful actions.

Those looking for an alternative to 12 step meetings do have options. The most effective forms or types of recovery for substance abuse is being found in social educational, cognitive behavioral and holistic methods of rehab. For those who are looking to work their way out of their compulsions or obsessions with alcohol and possibly drugs, the learning model has a great deal to offer.

The learning model offers a non-judgemental, non-labeling approach where a person works out their own recovery along tried and true paths. Each individual will have a unique set of reasons or factors which have gotten them to the point in life where drinking became a life solution. ie I’m wanting to talk with others = go for a drink; I’m depressed, get drunk; I’m happy, party.

The learning model factors in that people all want to feel better and achieve happiness. How they go about acting out needs to include others well being, especially their own and their family’s health.  Learning and using new found skills, abilities and improved health is the key to unraveling the confusion of bad choices that may have occured over a life time.

Social educational programs rate a 65% to 94% long-term success rate: people rehabilitated and living life  more responsibly.

By Tibor A. Palatinus

Drug Rehab Advisor