Alcohol addiction treatment is care that helps you stop drinking, manage cravings and prevent relapse. Lotus Recovery Treatment Center provides it on an outpatient basis, combining individual and group therapy, relapse prevention planning and Vivitrol to reduce cravings when it helps, through PHP, IOP, outpatient or evening programs.
What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?
For many people, alcohol is intricately woven into their social lives. Coworkers gather after work for drinks, spouses enjoy cocktails on date night and many others unwind with a glass of wine or beer after a long day. This can make it hard to identify when casual drinking has crossed the line into unhealthy drinking.
So what makes alcohol use “unhealthy”? When people drink alcohol despite negative consequences, it’s said that their drinking is unhealthy. Those who drink every day or in binges have an increased risk for developing AUD.
This is a chronic, relapsing condition that occurs because of changes in the brain. It’s important to know this, as just because you stop drinking does not mean the AUD goes away. Our dual diagnosis treatment services help individuals address both AUD and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Alcohol use disorder is not due to a lack of discipline. It is a brain disease that can be inherited. Changes can also occur in the brain with repeated alcohol use, causing you to crave alcohol, lose control of your drinking and require greater quantities to achieve the same effects (tolerance). If you try to quit or cut back, you’re likely to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction
If drinking has started to cost you sleep, health or relationships, outpatient alcohol rehab can help. You get therapy, medical support and a set schedule while you keep living at home.
Lotus Recovery Treatment Center offers outpatient alcohol addiction treatment during the day or evening. Same day appointments are available, and most insurance is accepted.
Lotus Recovery Treatment Center helps people stop drinking and find healthier ways to cope with stress. Our outpatient programs give you a high level of care during the day or evening, and you go home at night. Care includes individual and group alcohol therapy, relapse prevention and psychiatric care, plus holistic therapy options at our Thousand Oaks location.
Signs and Symptoms of an Alcohol Use Disorder
If alcohol is legal and socially acceptable, then how can you tell the difference between casual drinking and a drinking problem? Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that ranges from mild to severe. Severe AUDs are very noticeable because they impact every aspect of life. But, there are also indications that you may be experiencing a mild AUD. By getting ahead of the problem, you can avoid more serious consequences.
The signs and symptoms of AUD are:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Unable to cut down or quit
- Spending a lot of time drinking
- Experiencing strong cravings
- Trouble managing your responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite problems
- Engaging in risky situations
- Giving up previously enjoyed activities
- Drinking more to get the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
When Is It Time for Alcohol Rehab?
When alcohol starts to interfere with your life, you can probably benefit from treatment. At-risk drinking is typically defined by the amount of alcohol someone drinks. Heavy drinking is having 4 or more drinks a day for men, and 3 or more drinks a day for women. However, no amount of alcohol is safe.
Even small amounts on a regular basis can increase the risk for heart disease, pancreatitis, injuries and accidents, liver problems and cancer. If these symptoms appear, our alcohol and drug rehab in Thousand Oaks, CA & Westlake Village CA, provides personalized care to support timely intervention.
Binge drinking is also a concern and is defined by the amount of alcohol a person drinks in 2-3 hours. Men who binge drink consume 5 or more drinks in 2-3 hours, while women who binge drink consume 4 or more drinks in 2-3 hours. Engaging in this type of heavy drinking can lead to serious injuries, a higher risk for certain diseases and an increased risk for AUD.
However, more important than how much you drink is how the alcohol is affecting you. Once alcohol starts to interfere with your life and loved ones begin to express concern, it’s time to seek help. Even mild AUD is deserving of quality treatment services. Our Thousand Oaks, CA, team also offers mental health outpatient therapy for clients needing structured support without inpatient care.
How Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Works
Outpatient alcohol rehab means you come in for treatment, then go home the same day. You choose the level that fits:
- Partial hospitalization (PHP) for daytime structure most weekdays, often right after detox
- Intensive outpatient (IOP) for several sessions a week
- Outpatient or evening sessions as you get steadier
Most people step down over time. Alcohol rehab in Thousand Oaks lets you practice sobriety at home from your first week.
Alcohol Detox Before Treatment
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so it’s important to undergo detox under medical supervision when necessary. Withdrawal symptoms may include sweating, anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. Medically managed detox helps you get through withdrawal safely with appropriate medical care and monitoring.
Lotus Recovery Treatment Center does not provide on-site medical detox or withdrawal management. Individuals who require detox should complete this process with a qualified medical provider before beginning outpatient alcohol addiction treatment.
Once detox is completed, if medically necessary, individuals can begin the recovery process at Lotus Recovery Treatment Center Services. Our outpatient programs provide structured therapy, mental health support, and relapse prevention strategies to help clients address alcohol addiction and work toward long-term recovery.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options
01
Medications
There are three medications approved by the FDA for treating AUD: naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. These medications lessen cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms and rebalance chemicals in the brain.
At Lotus Recovery, our medical team offers Vivitrol for alcohol use disorder, a monthly shot that reduces cravings.
02
Mutual Help Groups
These groups include 12-step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous, where participants support one another in their recovery.
03
Family Counseling
This form of therapy helps families face the consequences of alcohol use and identify harmful behaviors such as codependency and enabling.
04
Counseling and Behavior Therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy are two popular options for treating AUD. The goal is to help individuals adjust the patterns of thinking that led to alcohol use while strengthening their commitment to abstain from alcohol.
When Alcohol Use and Mental Health Overlap
Many people drink to cope with anxiety, depression or trauma. When both are present, our dual diagnosis program treats them together. If you need a stable place to live during treatment, we offer sober supportive housing.
Call (805) 856-6690 to talk about outpatient alcohol addiction treatment. Our admissions line is open 24/7, and most insurance is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of alcohol addiction treatments do you offer in Thousand Oaks?
Outpatient alcohol addiction treatment through PHP, IOP, standard outpatient and evening programs. Care includes individual and group therapy, relapse prevention, psychiatric care and Vivitrol when it helps.
How long does alcohol addiction treatment in Thousand Oaks typically last?
It depends on your needs. Many people start in PHP or IOP for several weeks, then step down to outpatient care for a few months.
Do you offer alcohol detox in Thousand Oaks?
Lotus Recovery does not provide on-site medical detox. If you need medically supervised detox, you complete it with an outside medical provider first, then start outpatient alcohol addiction treatment with us in Thousand Oaks.
What happens after completing the treatment program in Thousand Oaks?
You can step down to outpatient or evening sessions, keep seeing your therapist and join support groups. Your team builds an aftercare plan with you before you finish.
How does alcohol rehab differ between inpatient and outpatient options?
Inpatient rehab means living at a facility. Outpatient rehab means you attend therapy on a schedule and go home each day, so you practice new skills in real life with support. Lotus Recovery offers outpatient care only.
What measures are taken to prevent relapse after completing an alcohol rehab program?
You leave with a written relapse prevention plan that covers your triggers, coping skills and who to call. Ongoing therapy, support groups and Vivitrol, when appropriate, add protection.
How does outpatient rehab work for alcohol?
You attend therapy, group sessions or medical appointments on a set schedule, then go home. The number of hours depends on whether you are in PHP, IOP or standard outpatient care.
Is outpatient rehab effective for alcohol?
Yes, for many people. Outpatient care works well when you have a safe home and do not need 24 hour medical supervision. It also lets you practice new habits in your daily life right away.