Residential Alcohol Treatment Programs in Alberta

In Canada, approximately 7.1% of the general population is struggling with an alcohol addiction. Despite the fact that alcohol is a legal substance, the addiction to it causes several problems. When a person is addicted to alcohol they sometimes struggle with other, more serious addictions, have trouble maintaining gainful employment, have family problems, break laws, and drive while under the influence of alcohol.

Drinking in Alberta

In Alberta, 80% of everyone over the age of 15 drinks alcohol. While this seems like a lot of people, most of them are responsible and only drink in moderation. It is estimated that 7.9% of Alberta's general population struggles to drink responsibly. At first that doesn't seem like a big problem, not when you consider that 14.1% of the general population regularly smokes cannabis, but when you look consider that 35% of all fatal car accidents in Alberta is the result of at least one of the drivers drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel, things seem a bit more serious.

It is impossible for an alcoholic to overcome their addiction on their own. Without fail, no matter how much an alcoholic promises that they will never touch another drink again, something always happens and the person falls off the wagon. The only way a person can make the transition from alcoholic to recovering alcoholic is to enroll in one of Alberta's     alcohol treatment programs.

There are two types of alcohol treatment programs in Alberta Canada. The options are residential alcohol treatment programs or outpatient treatment programs. There are pros and cons to both alcohol treatment programs.

Alberta's Residential Alcohol Treatment Programs

Residential programs are equipped to take patients who are unable to walk past a bar or grocery store without getting a drink. They take the patient in for a pre-determine period of time. The patient lives there and is usually not allowed off the property, making it impossible for the person to get a drink as long as they are a part of the alcohol treatment program. In addition to making it impossible to get their hands on a bottle of wine or can of beer, the patient receives intense group and individual counseling. Many patients like Alberta's residential alcohol treatment programs because they feel safe, and keep the rest of the world at bay. While the alcoholic is a resident of the program, the only thing they have to worry about is conquering their addition. While a patient is enrolled in one of Alberta's residential alcohol treatment programs will have their activities closely monitored 24 hours a day.

Alberta's Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Programs

For some people, a residential alcohol treatment programs simply isn't an option, for these there is the option of an outpatient treatment program. Residential treatment programs are very expensive; the outpatient programs are substantially more affordable. Typically an alcoholic can find an outpatient program that is close to where they work. The outpatient program makes it possible for the alcoholic to continue to work and take care of their children while also getting counseling.

The type of treatment that works best depends on the individual, it is important that they look at all the pros and cons and choose the treatment that best suits their personality and personal situation.

Treatment Facilities in Alberta

The Residential Treatment Centers of Canada is a residential and sober living community that specializes in helping those who have both a physical and emotional dependence to alcohol and drugs. This is a 12 step community that helps people get over their dependence, help treat withdrawals, and educate them with new life skills for re-integrating back into the communities around Alberta.

Wood's Homes is located in Calgary and has an extensive alcohol rehabilitation program for both young people and adults. They also have more than 25 programs of treatment to choose from depending on the level of addiction.

Action North Recovery Centre in High Level is for both men and women who are struggling with a severe addiction to alcohol. Many of the residents are people who have been alcoholics for many years and are facing a long withdrawal process. They treat both the person and the disease for a high long term success rate.

Serenity Ranch in Lacombe is a male and female alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre that has both three week and six week programs to choose from. This rather unique treatment program involves everyone on the ranch as they are also recovering addicts. It is truly a community that sends people back with a renewed commitment to live a life free of alcohol and drugs.

Reference: www.alcoholism.about.com/cs/pro/a/blprocan_2.htm