Addiction is a chronic disease that affects your brain’s reward center and threatens multiple aspects of your life. Alcohol is one of the most common sources of substance use problems. Alcohol’s legal status and wide cultural acceptance sometimes make people think it’s distinct from other drugs. However, it’s a psychoactive substance that can be very addictive. Plus, a substance use disorder involving alcohol can cause serious medical issues, worsening mental health problems, and damaging relationships. Alcohol use problems have affected millions of people all over the United States and in places like Newburyport, MA.

Alcoholism can affect anyone. Alcohol misuse is common, and some people experience dependence and addiction after a period of excessive drinking. Though alcohol addiction is a chronic disease, alcohol detox and rehab services can treat it. Meanwhile, the addiction and overdose crisis of the past several years has caused an increase in public health concerns that involve drugs and alcohol. If you’re looking for alcohol rehab in Newburyport, MA, you can learn more about alcohol addiction and treatment here.

Alcohol Addiction in Newburyport, MA

The opioid crisis of the past several years has drawn a lot of focus when it comes to public health issues related to substance use. However, alcohol use disorders remain among the most common causes of substance use problems in the country. People seeking treatment for alcoholism make up a large portion of the people in addiction treatment. Alcohol use issues are only worsened by the increased use and availability of opioids. When the two are taken together, they increase the risk of a life-threatening overdose.

In 2020, the United States saw a staggering spike in overdose deaths. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that more than 100,000 people died in overdoses in 2020. More than 75,000 of those cases involved opioids. However, polydrug abuse is common, and alcohol is often mixed with opioids and other substances.

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 61.6 million people aged 12 years of age or older said they engaged in binge drinking within a month of taking the survey. That accounts for 22.2% of the population. The percentage was highest among young adults between ages 18 and 25, many of whom are underage.

In Massachusetts, alcohol is a common part of life, as its residents consume more alcohol than the national average. The state’s per capita drinking rate is 4.76 gallons per person per year, while the national average is around 2.6 gallons annually. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the consumption of alcohol all over the country.

Serenity at Summit Alcohol Rehab in Newburyport, MA

Many people with alcohol use disorders need to address their problem in rehab. Rehab, or addiction treatment services, is a complex process that should provide a multidimensional approach to treatment. Addiction can affect you physically, socially, and psychologically, so effective treatment will work through all these issues. Effective addiction treatment usually follows the continuum of care model that the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) outlines. This model involves multiple stages of recovery with intensive medical treatment as the highest level of care. Where you start on this continuum will depend on your needs.

When you enter an addiction treatment program, you’ll go through an assessment process with medical or clinical professionals. This assessment is intended to find out what you need out of addiction treatment. For many people with alcohol use disorder, treatment needs to start with medical detoxification and inpatient levels of care. In Massachusetts, this may involve what’s called acute treatment services (ATS) or clinical stabilization services (CSS). Serenity at Summit offers these high levels of care for people with significant medical or psychological needs related to alcohol use disorder.

Here’s a breakdown of those levels of care:

Acute Treatment Services

Acute treatment services (ATS) are designed to treat people with acute medical and clinical needs related to a substance use disorder. This usually means treating drug withdrawal with the potential for severe symptoms and side effects. Alcohol is among the most dangerous drugs during the withdrawal phases. It can cause symptoms like seizures and heart complications.

Because alcohol withdrawal is so dangerous, alcohol rehab often requires medically managed inpatient treatment. That means you will stay in a medically managed setting with 24-hour care from medical professionals. You may be treated with medication to avoid or address any medical complications. Acute treatment services may be ideal for people who have other medical needs that are related to or worsened by alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal.

Acute treatment services can also include clinical services like individual and group therapy sessions. As you begin your journey to recovery, you can start to address some of the issues that contribute to your alcohol use disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

Clinical Stabilization Services

Clinical stabilization services (CSS) also involve 24-hour care but at a lower level of intensity than acute treatment services. While acute treatment services involve medically managed treatment, clinical stabilization may involve medical monitoring or clinically managed services. This level of care may be reserved for people who don’t need medical detoxification but still have significant medical or psychological needs. It may also serve as a second level of care for people who complete medical detox.

Clinical stabilization is typically a short-term treatment that lasts for a few weeks. However, there is no maximum, and you can take more time if you need it. It typically involves many hours of therapy each week, including individual and group therapy sessions. You’ll work through a personalized treatment plan that you create with your therapist’s help. You’ll regularly meet with your therapist to assess and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Aftercare

Since addiction is a chronic disease, it requires a lifelong commitment to recovery. Aftercare services can help you continue to pursue that recovery after you complete addiction treatment services. Aftercare may involve regular check-ins to see how you are doing in your recovery and to find out if you need to revisit any treatment level. Aftercare services can help you connect to resources in your community, especially groups that allow you to continue your recovery process directly, such as 12-step programs. You may also be able to connect to other important resources like job placement and housing services.

Alcohol Rehab in Newburyport, MA, FAQ

Alcohol use disorders are among the most common kinds of substance use problems, but they can also be among the most severe. Alcohol addiction can progress to take over multiple areas of your life. It can lead to long-term health issues, including liver disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. For that reason, it’s important to seek treatment as quickly as soon as you recognize a problem. However, there are several common questions about addiction treatment that you may want to know the answers to. Here are some answers to common alcohol rehab questions.

How Long Is Rehab?

The time commitment needed for rehab is a common concern for many people entering addiction treatment. Addiction treatment is complicated, and it may take time to address your substance use disorder and underlying issues. However, the amount of time it will take will ultimately depend on your needs and the progress you make in treatment. Each level of care may have a different standard time frame, but there is no limit to the time you can spend in each level of care. It’s important to take as much time as you need. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends that effective addiction treatment should last for at least 90 days. Spending too little time in treatment may result in limited success and relapse.

How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?

Addiction treatment can be as expensive as other long-term medical treatments, costing up to several thousand dollars. The exact price of your full continuum of care will depend on several variables, including your treatment plan. Another factor is the time you spend in treatment, especially in high levels of care. Other common factors include the specific therapies you go through and the medications you need. The amount you have to pay will also depend on your insurance coverage. Most insurance companies offer some coverage for mental and behavioral healthcare services. However, the coverage you get can change depending on your plan.

Do I Have to Travel?

If you don’t live near Serenity at Summit or another effective drug and alcohol rehab facility, you may need to travel for treatment. But if you live in the Newburyport, MA, area, you won’t have to travel far. Traveling may be beneficial to some people seeking treatment. It can be helpful to get out of the surroundings in which you were in active addiction. Getting away from treatment can feel like you’re getting a new start in your recovery. However, traveling does come with some inconveniences. If you can’t travel, it may not be necessary if other good options are nearby.

What Insurance Carriers Does Serenity at Summit Take?

Serenity at Summit accepts most private insurance companies, and we have several in-network insurance providers that can make getting coverage easier. Most insurance companies offer some coverage for drug and alcohol rehab, but it’s important to be aware of what kind of therapies and treatment services are covered by your policy. If you have questions about insurance coverage and eligibility, call Serenity at Summit at any time.

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