Therapist talking with a distressed woman during an alcohol addiction counseling session
Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Alcohol addiction, commonly known as alcoholism or ‘alcohol use disorder’, is a disease that affects people from all walks of life.
  • Alcohol addiction can be challenging to recognize and can lead to a range of severe health issues and long-term physical and psychological problems.
  • Hence, people should talk to health professionals to seek help and join an appropriate alcohol detox clinic.
Reading time: 7 min

Alcohol is a popular psychoactive that is commonly consumed in social settings. Alcohol addiction, commonly known as alcoholism or ‘alcohol use disorder’, is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. It is important to note that people with alcohol addiction cannot control their actions. 

Alcohol addiction develops when a person consumes an excessive amount of alcoholic drinks, and its misuse occurs when it is taken in a harmful way or when an individual is dependent on alcohol. Alcohol addiction can be challenging to recognize and can lead to a range of severe health issues and long-term physical and psychological problems. Poor mental health usually haunts those who are dependent on alcohol. Hence, people should talk to health professionals to seek help and join an appropriate alcohol detox clinic.

Alcohol rehabilitation services can help people solve their problems, reduce the harm of drug use and develop skills to live without drugs. A person’s recovery begins the moment they check in. After that, they are interviewed about their health and addiction, and medical detox (as required) is recommended. After detox, the individual is engaged in family therapy, education sessions, behavioral therapy, and more to overcome alcoholism.

At first, the alcohol clinic experience can be intimidating; nevertheless, physicians help people in the form of acute detoxification and prescribe medicines to reduce their alcohol cravings and prevent relapse from alcohol and other drugs.  During one or more initial interviews of an individual, staff members ask questions about the medical history, substance abuse or any other underlying or co-occurring conditions. Then, the treatment team crafts a program tailored to a person’s specific needs.

In the opinion of national guidelines, alcoholism clinics UK intake is typically a straightforward process to complete a series of administrative processes designed to ensure that everyone at the treatment facility is safe and the patient has a successful recovery process.

The first step in treating alcoholism in any treatment program is alcohol detox. Oftentimes, the longevity and severity of alcohol use disorder play an essential role in developing withdrawal symptoms. Addicted people can develop severe physical and psychological symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens as a part of withdrawal symptoms.

Physical symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Shakiness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Sweating and clamminess

Psychological symptoms

The most severe alcohol detox withdrawal symptoms are hallucinations, seizures, and high-grade fever. Although uncommon, the most dangerous symptom of alcohol detox is called delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening. Since some withdrawal symptoms can be severe, the alcohol detox should be monitored by a medical professional. In addition, treatment specialists determine which medicine will help alleviate a person’s discomfort.

After undergoing an alcohol detox program, evidence-based treatment therapy begins. However, in some programs, therapy can commence during detox as well. Most alcoholism clinics utilise some treatment methods, including individual therapy, group therapy, skill-building workshops and family or couples therapy for a happy and healthy life.

Behavioral Therapy

Behind a person’s addiction to alcohol are negative thoughts and intense emotions that strengthen that substance’s hold over their life. Behavioral therapy helps people to get free from alcohol addiction and pursue recovery. There are many ways to treat addiction through behavioral therapies, which are used in reliable, research-based rehab programs. In addition, behavioral therapies are offered in group, family or individual sessions to help people modify their attitudes and behaviours related to drug use, thus helping them stay sober.

A recent survey in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology revealed that behavioral therapy, in combination with medical treatment and motivational therapies, can boost a person’s ability to stay sober and manage alcoholism. Some of the types of therapy are given below:

  • Trauma-focused CBT
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Marriage or Family Therapy

Marriage and family therapy is often integral to the recovery process for those struggling with an addiction. Owing to this, therapy sessions contribute to the rehabilitation process. This kind of support is a massive benefit for those struggling with addiction.

It s important to note that family members or spouses’ behaviours may contribute to drug and alcohol abuse. Sometimes a family member may take on some of the responsibilities the person with an addiction has stopped doing, or they may even provide financial support to the family members of the person with an addiction. This way of helping an addicted individual may help him wean off addiction more smoothly. 

Family therapists believe that problems exist between people, not within people. Supporting a loved one is an essential part of recovery that provides strength and self-esteem to the person in treatment. Family therapy aims to bring clarity to all relationships and to foster repair and closeness if family members choose. 

Education-based recovery support services are designed to help people in their early substance use disorder recovery for achieving their educational goals, along with focusing on the areas of their emotional, social, and physical well-being needed to sustain recovery. Educating the person about returning to a normal routine after treatment is essential. Proper preparation and support can help smoothen the path of a person who can have bumpy life after being at an alcohol detox clinic.

Once a person is aware of his needs, they can work with a therapist to find resources in the local community to help them address these issues and support their post-treatment recovery. Furthermore, motivational and coping strategies can help them avoid relapses after treatment. These resources can include references to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a fellowship of people who come together to solve drinking problems. Conclusively, aftercare programs and services help recovering addicts stay sober for a longer duration of time.

FAQs

Can a person detox from alcohol without professional help?
Detox from alcohol and drugs can be dangerous and life-threatening and can result in people being drawn back to alcohol use. A medically assisted detox can reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety. Since everyone’s detox needs differ, a medical professional can help addicted people get personalized treatment. For most populations, detoxing from alcohol may require 7-10 days or longer. A person should ask themselves if they can achieve this without medical support and professional help and manage the psychological symptoms of alcohol withdrawal by themselves.
What is the purpose of rehabilitative therapy at rehab clinics for alcohol?
These types of treatment options are designed to:
Help a person understand what triggers their addictive behaviour
Teache an individual the skills they will require for reintegration into society
Uncover any deeply rooted emotional problems
Help people understand how their behavior hurts others
Teacher ways to cope with cravings
Help people come to terms with their weaknesses
Teach new ways to think about drugs and alcohol
Does the alcohol detox clinic offer different types of detox?
Yes, most treatment centres for alcohol offer the following two types of detox:

Medicated: Medical detoxification is an essential and life-saving process in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction as it reduces the risk of medical complications. However, the main disadvantage of medicated detox is that it can extend the process of rehabilitation.
Non-medicated: If a person desires non-medicated detox, then this type of detox is called ’cold turkey.’ This process refers to quitting a substance abruptly without the assistance of any prescription medications. Usually, this is the fastest and most reliable way to complete the process.

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