Finding An Inpatient Drug And Alcohol Program In California

California residents dealing with a serious drinking issue that requires professional help will do best to seek out a reputable inpatient California alcohol rehab center. In this entry, we will walk you through the process of locating and selecting the facility to best suit your needs.

Step 1 – Call up your general physician, medical provider or therapist to discuss your available options. Most medical professionals will have a good knowledge of local facilities and will be able to direct you towards a reputable inpatient facility.

Step 2 – Treatment is never black and white. As such, it’s important to determine whether you might benefit from a specialized treatment plan that can properly address your dependency in addition to a possible physical or psychiatric illness.

Step 3 – Contact an area hospital and inquire about local inpatient programs that can meet your needs.

Step 4 – If you’ve gathered a few options (and hopefully you have), call each of them to see whether they are accepting any new patients. If new clients are being admitted, find out information pertaining to the enrollment process. If your chosen facility is full, simply ask for a recommendation on another drug and alcohol rehab program in California.

Step 5 – Determine whether your insurance will cover your treatment. If you are unable to gather the proper funding or coverage, you may want to consider the possibility of public treatment.

Step 6 – If possible, ask to take a tour of the facility you are most interested in. Have a close friend or family member accompany you to the facility and discuss your options with a program representative. This will allow you to ask questions while alleviating concerns and gaining a first-hand perspective on what to expect from your upcoming rehab experience.

Step 7 – Choose your facility. A doctor’s referral is not required.

Step 8 – Though an inpatient program is definitely a good start, support will likely be required following the program’s completion. Make sure to inquire as to whether your selected program offers continued outpatient support for their clients. 

How Does Alcohol Drug Detox Work?

Physical Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol drug detox is often a necessary part of the alcohol rehabilitation process. Once an individual has gained a physical addiction to alcohol, symptoms develop as a result of discontinued alcohol intake. Alcohol withdrawal is an extremely dangerous process, and can be potentially fatal if the proper precautions are not taken.

Toxicity – What Is It?

Most of the time, the human body is able to eliminate toxins through the lymph glands, liver urinary system and intestines. However, a body that is inundated with toxins, as seen in chronic and heavy drinkers, will be unable to process the toxins properly. The system becomes backed up, requiring the body to detoxify. Due to the risks associated with alcohol toxicity, California detox patients must be monitored at a California alcohol rehab center to avoid serious complications.

Hospital Treatment And Monitoring

Those who require an alcohol detox will require medical monitoring by a trained addiction specialist. Patients are typically prescribed one of several medications to help the body cope with the withdrawal, as the alcohol slowly drains from the patient’s system. Some of the more common medications used in detox include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol and others.

Many physicians also recommend various minerals and vitamins as part of the detoxification process. Alcohol works to remove various vitamins from the body, and as such, it’s important to replenish. Some patients risk brain damage and wernick syndrom if particular vitamin supplements are not provided.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can include hallucinations, seizures, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, disorientation, tremors and death. A number of factors play into the severity of these symptoms, including age, genetics and the abuse history of the patient. The number of times a patients has been through the detoxification process can also play a role in the extent of withdrawal.

Getting Through The Process

Hydration is key in aiding the detoxification process. Add to this a good deal of warm milk to counteract insomnia, herbal teas and cranberry juice to flush out the urinary track, and you’re on the path to a successful detox. Hot baths, a healthy diet and exercise all positively affect patients in emotional and physical ways as well.  

Alcohol Drug Detox – Medication Types

Alcohol drug detox is perhaps the most physically demanding aspect of the withdrawal process. Those going through withdrawal are at risk for experiencing nausea, seizures, vomiting and anxiety. Due to the severity of these side effects, many specialists who oversee medical detox clinics offer prescription medications to minimize the discomfort and risks. In the following entry, we will outline a few of the more common medications used in alcohol detox facilities.

Haldol

An anti-psychotic, Haldol is prescribed to patients suffering from schizophrenia and dementia. Heavey alcohol users going through withdrawal are at risk for experiencing alcohol induced delirium, which can include hallucinations and even death. The drug serves in lowering the death risk in delirium patients while reducing cravings.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescribed to some patients as a way to combat seizures and anxiety. Alcoholics who binge multiple times a week are especially prone to seizures, and are more at risk than individuals who have relapsed numerous times. Common Benzodiazepines, including Valium and Xanax work to heighten the seizure threshold, thus minimizing the risk of a medical emergency during medical detox. In addition, these medications work to help patients sleep, combating the insomnia common in many alcohol detox patients.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are most commonly used in patients who also suffer from heart disease. Many patients experience an increased heart rate during the detoxification process, leading to potential cardiac arrest. Beta blockers are thus prescribed as a means to slow the heart rate while alleviating the blood pressure increase. Some physicians will combine Beta blockers with additional medications, such as Dilatin to help control various side effects associated with the nervous system.

Considerations

If you’re searching for additional information regarding a California alcohol rehab stay, your best option is to get in touch with a local addiction specialist to determine the best course of action. He or she will be able to assess the situation at hand, while providing insight as to your available options.

Choosing A California Alcohol Rehab Facility

If you’re considering enrollment in a California alcohol rehab facility, you must first determine the best program suits your needs. Locating a quality program may seem daunting to some, but with a little determination and perseverance, many find the process extremely rewarding.

Before you begin searching for a facility, you’ll need to narrow down your options. Below is a list of questions to ask yourself prior to starting your search:

-          How Severe Is Your Condition? Where serious alcohol abuse is apparent, alcoholics may benefit more from a facility that offers a medically monitored detox program.

-          Are Special Needs A Factor? If you have a handicap or strict diet, it may be in your best interest to locate a facility that caters to your needs.

-          What Is Your Financial Situation? Will treatment be covered through your insurance provider? Do you have the means to pay for treatment on your own? Is financing available through the treatment centers you are interested in? These factors can easily narrow your search.

Questions To Ask A Facility:

1 – How long is the average stay for patients enrolled in your facility?

2 – How much does treatment cost?

3 – Have the physicians operating the facility been certified?

4 – How involved are patient families in the recovery process?

5 – Is your facility properly accredited?

6 – Do you offer an alcohol drug detox program?

7 – What types of treatments?

8 – What, if any insurance plans to you accept?

9 – Are there any aftercare programs offered at your facility?

10 – What is the client to staff ratio?

11 – Do you have a waiting list for treatment?

12 – What types of licenses does your facility possess?

13 – What philosophies and goals does your facility adhere to?

14 – What year did your facility open?

15 – Why should I choose your facility for treatment?

Recovery is never an easy process. By taking the time to locate a program that can properly assess and address your individual needs, you are creating a foundation from which to build the happy and fulfilling life you and your loved ones deserve.