You might begin to worry that your drinking has gone from a casual activity to full-blown alcoholism. If you find that your life is negatively impacted by alcohol, yet you cannot stop drinking, you might need inpatient rehab for alcohol abuse. You might also worry about a loved one who has been drinking more recently or appears to be developing an issue with alcohol. Alcohol abuse is a common mental health and social problem among adolescents and adults living in the United States.

Alcohol Abuse in the U.S.

According to a 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “14.5 million (nearly 15 million) people ages 12 and older” had alcohol use disorder (AUD). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people with AUD might continue to increase as current surveys are conducted to include data from 2020 and 2021. Many people might have turned to alcohol or other substances to cope with the challenges of the pandemic.

If you or someone you love was drinking more throughout the pandemic and cannot stop even as life goes back to normal, you might need inpatient rehab for alcohol abuse. Many people struggling to control their drinking might have left their alcohol abuse untreated due to social distancing and safety concerns throughout the pandemic.

When Do I Need Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol Abuse?

Inpatient rehab for alcohol abuse is one of the most intensive types of treatment for AUD. During inpatient rehab, you will live in your rehab facility throughout your treatment. Many facilities offer step-down services to help you continue treatment when inpatient care is no longer needed so you can transition back to your everyday life while still having professional support.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) lists the following as signs of alcohol abuse:

• Drinking more or for longer than you intend
• Failed attempts to quit or cut down on drinking
• Spending a lot of time drinking or dealing with side effects, like tiredness or “hangovers”
• Persistent thoughts and obsessions about drinking
• Alcohol use makes it difficult to fulfill family, school, or work responsibilities
• You keep drinking even when alcohol disrupts important relationships in your life
• No longer engaging in hobbies or pleasurable activities in order to drink
• Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence, like reckless driving or unprotected sex
• Continue to drink, even if alcohol negatively affects your mental health
• Find yourself drinking more and more to feel the same effect (developing a tolerance)
• When you don’t drink, you have alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like trouble sleeping, tremors, nausea, sweating, fever, etc.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, you might need inpatient rehab for alcohol abuse. When you identify as a “casual drinker” yet find symptoms like these getting worse, you might need help before developing an alcohol use disorder. You might also harm yourself with risky behaviors or ruin valued relationships if you don’t get a handle on your alcohol abuse.

Inpatient rehab can help you whether you are early in the stages of developing a disorder or you have been drinking for years, and other forms of treatment have not been effective.

Quick Facts About Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol Abuse

• Most inpatient treatment programs last at least 30 days, and some programs last for 90 days or more.
• Since addiction is a “complex brain disease,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), inpatient rehab might be completely or partially covered by your insurance.
• Many treatment facilities offer payment plans and financial aid to help you cover the costs of rehab.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) states that you can use FMLA leave for substance abuse treatment when your healthcare provider refers you to inpatient rehab. 
• Your employer cannot fire you for going to rehab if you take proactive steps to treat AUD before your disorder affects your work performance.
• Many substance abuse facilities can provide inpatient rehab for alcoholism near you, and others might accept clients from out of state.

The Benefits of Inpatient Rehab for Alcoholism

Inpatient rehab for alcoholism and alcohol abuse has many benefits for you or your loved one, including:

• Medically supervised detox to help you get healthy and alcohol-free again
• A supportive environment with access to professionals 24/7
• Structured daily activities, including individualized and group therapy sessions to help you with any underlying issues driving your addiction
• Holistic therapy and alternative treatment methods that you can practice at home after you leave rehab
• A safe place to begin your recovery and sobriety without being triggered or tempted to drink alcohol
• Peer support with like-minded individuals going through similar struggles
• Continued support after treatment, like outpatient services and sober living

Inpatient Rehab for Alcoholism Near You in Orange County, CA

Be proactive about your drinking if you are concerned about developing an alcohol use disorder. You need to find an inpatient alcohol rehab center near you that offers individualized care in a safe, supportive environment. Don’t wait until your drinking gets worse. Contact the rehab admissions at Gratitude Lodge today to begin inpatient alcohol rehab and find a recovery that lasts.