Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of substance use disorder in the United States and New York. Even though alcohol is legal and a common part of our culture, it can still lead to serious substance use problems. Alcohol addiction can lead to medical, psychological, and behavioral health problems. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can lead to lifelong cravings and compulsions to drink, but it can be treated with alcohol rehab and detox. Alcohol addiction treatment is a complex problem that addresses multiple causes and contributing factors related to alcohol abuse.
You can learn more about alcohol rehab here and how it can be used to achieve lasting sobriety from alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Addiction in New York
While opioids have drawn much-needed attention in the recent crisis of overdose and addiction, alcohol continues to be a serious problem in the United States. Most people who seek treatment for a substance use disorder misuse alcohol. Because of its legal status and easy access, most people have had alcohol at least once in their lives.
According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 61.6 million people engaged in past-month binge drinking, and the percentage was highest among young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. In 2020, 10.2% of people 12 years old and older reported a past-year alcohol use disorder. That accounts for around 28.3 million people. Alcohol use disorders can lead to medical, psychological, and social health problems. It’s also a factor in community health problems like homelessness.
In New York state, alcohol is estimated to contribute to around 4,500 deaths each year. Around 18% of people in New York state report binge drinking. Excessive alcohol use is most common among men between ages of 18 and 35. Binge drinking rates have been relatively steady in the state since 2014. Binge drinking and heavy alcohol use increase your risk of accidents and alcohol poisoning. Heavy drinking over time increases your risk of serious chronic health issues like substance use disorders, liver disease, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Serenity at Summit Alcohol Rehab in New York
Treatment for alcohol use disorders should involve a personalized process. When you first enter alcohol rehab at Serenity at Summit, you’ll go through an intake process that can help doctors and clinicians find the best approach to treatment for your needs. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that will be assessed weekly. Depending on your needs, you will start a level of care that addresses the physical, psychological, and social issues you have. Serenity at Summit offers high-level, inpatient care.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the services you may go through during alcohol treatment:
Detox
Medical detox is a high level of inpatient treatment that involves 24-hour access to medically managed treatment. It’s typically reserved for people with significant medical needs related to substance use disorders. Since alcohol can cause potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, medical detox is often necessary to ensure safety through the withdrawal process.
Medical detox may also involve the use of medications to help ease severe withdrawal symptoms or to taper you off alcohol dependence. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that work in the brain in a way that’s similar to alcohol. They are often used to taper off alcohol use when necessary.
Detox may also be helpful in treating other medical problems that come alongside alcohol use disorders. But, in addition to medical treatment, you may also start clinical therapies in medical treatment, including individual and group therapy.
Inpatient/Residential
Inpatient and residential treatment is a level of care that involves 24-hour treatment at a lower level of intensity than medical detox. Inpatient care may involve medical monitoring, which can be important for people who have gone through acute alcohol withdrawal. In some cases, post-acute withdrawal from alcohol can cause sudden seizures and other complications that may require medical monitoring.
Residential treatment is a slightly lower level of care that involves on-site living and 24-hour access to clinical care. You may live in a comfortable apartment or dorm-like setting while you attend several hours of treatment and therapy sessions throughout the week.
Aftercare
Aftercare refers to additional services that Serenity at Summit provides to people who complete addiction treatment. It may start before you leave by forming an aftercare plan. This may involve goals and objectives that you set for your life after treatment. Addiction is a chronic disease, and it’s important to continue to pursue recovery, even after you complete formal addiction treatment. Aftercare services may also provide help with finding jobs, housing, and other important aspects of a life in recovery.
Alcohol Rehab in New York FAQ
The decision to enter and complete alcohol rehab is a major step toward your sobriety, but you may have several concerns about treatment. Here are some of the most common questions about addiction treatment:
How Long Is Rehab?
Addiction rehab is a complex process with multiple stages. Depending on your needs, you may start in high levels of care and move to lower levels of care as you progress. The time it takes you to progress through each level of care will depend on your specific needs. There is no limit to how long you should spend in addiction treatment, but there is a minimum for effective care.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research has shown that treatment that lasts fewer than 90 days can be ineffective. Those 90 days may be spent in multiple levels of care, including inpatient and outpatient services. While you may go into treatment hoping that you can get it over with quickly, rushing it could produce limited results.
Does Serenity at Summit Provide Transportation?
Serenity at Summit provides transportation to people who are going through inpatient levels of care. Transportation can be a barrier to treatment for many people, but through inpatient treatment, you won’t have to worry about having or renting a car or using public transportation.
If you come from out of town, you will need to manage your flight, but when you arrive, we can pick you up from the airport. Through the treatment process, most of your needs will be met on-site, but if you need to go off-campus for an appointment with a specialist, Serenity at Summit will provide transportation.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
Alcohol rehab can be expensive, costing several thousand dollars, but there are some ways to make it more affordable. Several factors determine the cost of treatment, including the type of treatment center you go to, the levels of care you need, the time you spend in high-level care, and the treatments and medications you need. The amount that your insurance company covers will also determine how much you end up paying out of pocket.
While addiction treatment can be expensive, it may be worth it if you have alcohol use disorders. Alcoholism can take over your life, including your health, finances, and your ability to maintain employment. Treatment can decrease drug use and increase social, occupational, and psychological functioning.
Do I Have to Travel?
Traveling may be necessary if you don’t have effective treatment options in your area. You may also need to travel if you want to attend treatment at Serenity at Summit but don’t live in the area. Traveling can be an inconvenience, but some people find a fresh start when they leave their familiar surroundings. However, travel isn’t a necessity for addiction treatment to be effective. If you can’t travel, there may be viable treatment options in your area.
What Insurance Carriers Does Serenity at Summit Take?
Insurance coverage is one of the best ways to pay for addiction treatment, although it may not cover the entire cost. Many insurance companies offer robust coverage for mental and behavioral health treatment services. Serenity at Summit will accept insurance coverage from most private companies. Plus, we have in-network relationships with several insurance providers, including:
- Concern
- Saint Barnabas Management Services
- Princeton Healthcare System
- Mental Health Consultants
- Workforce Assistance Programs (Members Assistance Program)
- Lower Hudson Valley
If you don’t have a plan from an insurance company that is in-network with Serenity at Summit, you may still get covered for your treatment here. To learn more about your payment options, call us at any time.
