Alternative Alcohol Rehab Programs
Although most mainstream alcohol rehab programs do a great job of helping their patients get a new lease on life, there are many reasons why some people seek alternatives. Perhaps you do not have the money for a full inpatient treatment program, maybe you are put off by the 12step process, or perhaps you have tried and failed in the past with mainstream programs. Whatever your reason for seeking alternatives, there are numerous options available. Before doing anything else, you might want to talk to your doctor about what he or she recommends. Beyond that, here are some options to consider.
Outpatient treatment Not all alcohol rehab programs require their patients to stay full-time. Some allow recovering addicts to recover at home with the help of regular doctor visits. This is not an option for everyone, though. If you are a serious addict with a long-time addiction, it is nearly impossible to recover this way without giving in to relapse. However, it is a worthwhile option to consider if your addiction is not too serious and you have strong will power.
Self-organized rehab Rather than relying on existing organizations to help you with your drinking problem, you can organize a mutually supportive group of people to help each other through the process. This is particularly useful if you have a few friends who might want to quit at the same time as you. It can even work if you collaborate with people quitting other things besides alcohol. The point is to provide each other a support network while holding each other accountable.
Secular rehab Many people are bothered by the faith-oriented aspect of many alcohol rehab programs. While must medically reputable programs do not push spirituality too hard, there is no doubt that the "higher power" does play a large role in programs that honor the highly successful 12-step path. If you are worried about this element, there are many alternatives. Meanwhile, you can also attend a mainstream alcohol program for most aspects of your treatment while choosing your own addiction therapist and support group. If there is an explicitly non-religious alcohol support group in your area, contact them to find out what alcohol rehab programs they recommend.
Religious rehab On the other end of the spectrum, many people find that faith is not a large enough aspect of mainstream alcohol rehab programs. If you are in this group, contact your place of worship or any other religious institution to find out whether they offer any resources for alcoholics in need of help. At the least, if the institution is highly involved in the community, they should be able to put you in touch with programs or support groups in the area.
Sources: http://www.benchmarkcenter.com/articles/give-up-alternatives-clinical-treatment-centers/ http://ezinearticles.com/?Alternative-Alcohol-Rehab-Programs&id=6420473