What Are the Benefits of Alcohol Rehab?

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There are many benefits of alcohol rehab for those battling alcohol addiction. That said, everyone experiences alcohol addiction differently, and there’s no single path to recovery that works for everyone.

This guide explores what to expect from alcohol rehab and explores the different types of treatment available. You’ll also discover how to find compassionate and effective alcohol addiction treatment.

What Is Alcohol Rehab?

Alcohol rehab is a place where people go to get help for drinking problems. It helps you stop drinking and learn how to live a healthy life without alcohol.

In alcohol rehab, you will get different kinds of treatments to help you. The FDA approves three medications to treat alcohol addiction, which can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications can be used during alcohol withdrawal and throughout ongoing treatment.

Medications are used with psychotherapy or talk therapy. This is when you talk to a counselor about your feelings and why you drink. It helps you to understand your problems and find healthy ways to deal with them.

Group therapy is another part of alcohol rehab. In group therapy, you talk with other people dealing with similar issues. You can share your stories and learn from each other. It helps to know you are not alone.

Family therapy is when your family comes to therapy sessions with you. This helps everyone understand what you are going through and how they can help you get better. It also helps fix any problems caused by your drinking.

Individual counseling is when you meet one-on-one with a counselor. This helps you talk about your personal problems and get help that is just for you.

Some rehabs also offer holistic treatments like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and art therapy. They help you feel better in your body and mind when used with traditional treatments like medications and talk therapy.

After you finish rehab, you will need aftercare. This is the ongoing support that helps you stay sober. It might include more therapy, joining support groups, or having a mentor.

Main Types of Alcohol Rehab

There are different types of alcohol rehab, each suitable for different needs. Here are the main types:

  • Outpatient rehab: Outpatient rehab is when you do not stay at the rehab center. Instead, you go there for treatment during the day and then go home at night. This type of rehab is good for people who have a strong support system at home and can handle their daily responsibilities, like work or school, while getting treatment.
  • IOP (intensive outpatient program): IOP is a type of outpatient rehab where you go to treatment for at least 12 hours a week, usually spread out over several weekdays. IOP is good for people who need more support than regular outpatient rehab but still want to live at home. It includes therapy, group sessions, and other treatments.
  • PHP (partial hospitalization program): PHP is more intense than IOP. You go to treatment for at least 25 hours a week, usually every weekday. PHP is a bridge between inpatient and outpatient rehab. It is good for people who need a lot of support but do not need to stay overnight at the rehab center.
  • Inpatient rehab: Inpatient rehab is when you live at the rehab center for a period of time. This might be a few weeks or a few months. Inpatient rehab provides 24/7 support and care. It is suitable for people with severe addictions or those who need to be away from their usual environment to avoid triggers and focus on recovery.
session in Humana addiction treatment

3 Mental Health Benefits of Rehab for Alcohol

Rehab for alcohol can help you in many ways. Here are three important mental health benefits of rehab for alcohol:

1) Better mood

Rehab can help improve your mood. When you stop drinking, your body and brain start to heal. You will feel happier and less stressed over time. The therapies and counseling in rehab teach you how to handle your emotions in a healthy way. This makes you feel more positive and in control of your feelings.

2) Clearer thinking

Alcohol can make it hard to think clearly. In rehab, as you stop drinking, your mind becomes clearer. You will be able to focus better, make good decisions, and think more clearly. Rehab helps you learn new ways to solve problems and deal with life’s challenges without alcohol.

3) Stronger relationships

Drinking too much can hurt your relationships with family and friends. In rehab, you work on fixing these relationships. Family therapy sessions help your loved ones understand what you are going through and how they can support you. Learning to communicate better and solve problems together makes your relationships stronger and healthier.

3 Physical Benefits of Alcohol Rehab

Rehab for alcohol can also help your body in many ways.

1) Improved health

When you stop drinking alcohol, your body starts to heal. Your liver, which helps clean your blood, can get better. Your heart becomes stronger, and your blood pressure can go down. You will also notice better digestion and less stomach pain. Overall, stopping alcohol can make you feel healthier and stronger.

2) Better sleep

Alcohol can mess up your sleep, making it hard to get a good night’s rest. In rehab, as your body gets used to not having alcohol, your sleep improves. You will start to sleep more deeply and wake up feeling more rested. Better sleep helps you have more energy during the day and improves your mood.

3) More energy

Drinking too much alcohol can make you feel tired all the time. When you stop drinking, your body gets a chance to recharge. You will have more energy to do the things you enjoy. This extra energy helps you stay active and feel more motivated to stick with your recovery.

2 Social & Relationship Benefits of Alcohol Rehab

Rehab for alcohol can help improve your social life and relationships in many ways. Here are two important benefits:

1) Fixing family relationships

Drinking too much can cause problems with your family. In rehab, you get help to fix these problems. Family therapy sessions teach everyone how to communicate better and understand each other. Your family learns how to support you, and you learn how to be a better family member. This makes your relationships stronger and healthier. A strong family support system helps people stay sober long-term.

2) Making new friends

In rehab, you will meet other people who are also trying to stop drinking. These new friends understand what you are going through because they are going through it too. You can share your stories, support each other, and learn together. Making new friends in rehab helps you feel less alone and gives you a strong support system. These friendships can continue even after rehab, helping you stay on track.

Alcohol Addiction Rehab | FAQs

How do I find a good rehab?

To find a good rehab, ask your doctor for recommendations and look for centers with good reviews and proper licenses. Ensure the rehab center offers treatments that fit your needs. Get the best rehab treatment at Ohio Recovery Centers—call (877) 679-2132 to get started on the road to recovery.

How do I tell if I need rehab?

You might need rehab if you can’t stop using drugs or alcohol, if it’s hurting your health, or causing problems in your life. Talk to a doctor or counselor for advice.

What is the difference between alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence?

Alcohol addiction means you crave alcohol and cannot control your drinking, even if it’s causing harm. Alcohol dependence means your body needs alcohol to feel normal, and you might have withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking.

ohio recovery centers facility from curb view, depicting benefits of rehab for alcohol

Begin Benefiting from Alcohol Rehab Now at Ohio Recovery Centers

Start your recovery from alcohol addiction with supervised detox at Ohio Recovery Centers. Access medications and emotional care to make alcohol withdrawal safer and easier.

After detox, outpatient treatment at our rehab in Cincinnati lets you continue at home, work, or school while dealing with alcohol addiction.

The unique nature of all addictions means we provide personalized treatments at Ohio Recovery Centers. Therapies include MAT (medication-assisted treatment), talk therapies, counseling, family therapy, and holistic treatments. All programs also include aftercare, which might involve ongoing treatment and support groups.

Call our recovery specialists today at 877-679-2132.

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Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn