There are several alcohol addiction treatment services in the Vancouver area. Most places treat alcohol and drug addiction with a 12-step method. Although a 12-step method can be a good starting point, evidence-based treatments can provide a more therapeutic treatment process, resulting in long-term sobriety. Alcohol use disorder has a spectrum consisting of mild, moderate and severe. Alcohol addiction is also progressive, meaning if a person is considered mild or moderate, eventually if they do not stop drinking they will become worse over time. Thus, treating alcohol use disorder as early as possible will help avoid further devastation to the individual and the loved ones around them.
The World Health Organization has developed a 10-item screening tool to detect the severity of alcohol use disorder. I encourage everyone to take the quick screening test, especially if you have any of the following are applicable to you: attempted to quit or cutdown with little success, end up drinking more or longer than you intended, hide your drinking from others or have alcohol stashed in your house, have experienced problems at work or in your relationships because of your drinking and continued to drink, have persistent obsessive thoughts and cravings to drink, or have acquired a tolerance which requires you to drink more to achieve the desired effect.
Alcohol Addiction Withdrawal Treatment
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if not treated by medical professionals. Depending on the severity of the individual’s alcohol use, a medical withdrawal treatment facility (Detox) may be necessary to stabilize the individual prior to beginning any therapeutic treatment. It is highly recommended that you seek professional advice prior to attempting to stop drinking.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Since there is not a single treatment method for all, meeting with a professional addiction counsellor to formulate an individualized treatment plan will increase the success of recovery. This plan usually will include either an inpatient or outpatient treatment process. We realize not all people can just put their lives on hold for 30-90 days, thus outpatient treatment has become a significantly effective alternative. The biggest benefits of outpatient treatment are flexibility and individualization of the drug treatment plan.
Choosing the Right Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program
Addiction recovery involves multiple methods and resources. When deciding on what is the best option for you or a loved one, we recommend acquiring the help of a qualified addiction specialist. In doing so, you will be given options that will best suit your needs. Do your research about facilities and service providers as your life may depend on it. There are hundreds of alcohol addiction treatment facilities in Vancouver and all-over British Columbia. If you or a loved one need help, please reach out to your local community services agency or contact us for immediate help. We have never met anyone that has said that after they had stopped drinking that their life got worse. Pacific Interventions has always prided itself of giving the truth about recovery. This is not an easy journey, but it is absolutely worth it.
