Defining the Problem ......
The problem is showing and you are starting to look for help. This is good, but you need the right tools to fix the problem. Some times they are not easy to find nor are the correct ones for the job. This is the other reason why this website was created. Sometimes you are directed to a specific program or center and they are not equipped to handle you at the stage you have gotten to. They are more interested in the dollar end of your placement with them then your wellbeing. I hate to have to point this out, but it is true and you should be aware of it. This is why researching what is available and how they address alcoholism is very important. “Knowledge is power”. If you do not trust yourself to make the right decision ask someone to help you. If they are in a close relationship with you they already know that you need help and will more then likely be relieved that you are acknowledging that you too have finally come to this conclusion. If you have been to AA and have a sponsor they may also be someone you can go to in helping you choose. Your doctor or clergy may be another. The important part is to get to the correct place that offers the correct treatment for you at this moment in time.
There is a link to a treatment locator below that searches your area for different facilities. They will all have descriptions that tell you about themselves and what types of programs are offered. It is important that to figure out what type of help you need. I am not an expert and neither are you, but I have come to learn that if you are physically addicted you will need more then just counseling, a treatment or recovery program will be what you need to find. Under Type of Care: you will need to locate one that is a Non-hospital residential (24 hour). Another thing you need to take note of is the Primary Focus description. Some will state only substance abuse treatment services where others will offer mix of mental health and substance abuse services. If you believe that there may be underlying causes involved which are contributing to the addiction (Post Traumatic Stress, or mental disorder, etc) , just the substance abuse treatment may not give the help that is truly needed. A center that will address more then just the substance abuse would be a better choice.
Please do not confuse counseling with treatment. Counseling will be a part of the treatment in a facility, but it is done mostly as out patient as part of the recovery phase. If you require detoxification you need more then what counseling alone can give right now. It is more important that you get your mind and body rid of the chemical that has been poisoning it. Then when the time comes for counseling you can again go back through the listings again and find one that will work for you.
I decided that there must be an easier way to find the information. I found a tool towards the end of my Internet search that could have saved me time and energy had I know about it right from the start. Please keep in mind the above suggestions while you are going through the listings. I did not realize until later the importance in choosing the correct kind of facility or focus of treatment would make to the person involved. By luck I just happened to choose correctly.
The link below will take you to that website. It lists the facilities and programs in your state and area. It will get you started.
Look up the centers in your state and locality. These listings also include website addresses (for the facilities and programs that have them) along with a detailed description of what they offer in the way of treatment, the forms of payment that are accepted and even a map. If not go to www.mapquest.com and put in the address of the facility and your street address to create a map on how to get were you will be going.
Go to the center’s website if one is given, it will give you a more detailed look at the treatment center and many have an 800-number that can be called in time of crisis and will assess you over the phone for help, but it must be YOU, the person who needs the treatment, to make the decision to enter the treatment center. No one else, other then a judge, not spouse, parent, child or sibling can do it. This is the law and it is there to protect your rights.
Your decision on what action and when to do it may take you by surprise. The human body will only take so much alcohol and when it decides enough is enough you may not have a lot of time to do anything more then get to the emergency room and from there to a treatment center. Treatment centers are not hospitals and you need to be “stable” before you will be accepted. Keep this in mind when physical illness is the reason you call their 800-crisis line for acceptance to a treatment center. Some will have arrangements with local hospitals. You may need to get directions for the hospital they work with so do not hesitate to ask.
