If you are alcohol-dependent, alcohol rehab could help you improve your health and wellbeing and stop drinking for good. Many people find it's the best way to beat their alcohol dependency on a permanent basis.

It's understandable to have many questions about alcohol rehab and we aim to look at some of the most common ones in this article.

What is alcohol rehab?

The term rehab is a shortened version of ‘rehabilitation'. During rehab, clients will go through a personalised treatment programme which aims to rid their system of alcohol so that they can stop drinking and readjust to an alcohol-free life.

Treatment usually takes place in a specialist rehab clinic but non-residential services are also available.

Who is rehab aimed at?

If alcohol is causing negative issues in your life, alcohol rehab could help. If you're noticing signs of alcohol-dependency, such as drinking by yourself, drinking when you wake or feeling out of control of your drinking, a stay in a rehab centre could help you beat alcoholism.

If you are worried about drinking too much alcohol, speak to your doctor or an addiction professional to provide support and information. They will be able to refer you to a rehab provider. At many places, it's also possible to refer yourself.

What is alcohol detox?

At most rehabilitation clinics, clients can undergo detox. Detox is carried out at the beginning of the treatment programme in order to clear the body of alcohol toxins. It can reduce alcohol cravings but they may not be eliminated altogether.

Once alcohol is out of the system the client can concentrate on changing their habits and thought processes related to alcohol.

Stopping drinking suddenly can have unpleasant and serious side effects, including being sick, shaking, perspiring and even hallucinating. That's why detox should always be carried out under medical supervision otherwise it can be dangerous. Experts can provide drugs and supervision to counteract the worst of detox side effects.

After detox

Detox is not the end of recovering from alcoholism, it is the beginning. Many people also need therapy, counselling and ongoing support to help them change their drinking habits for good. Ongoing aftercare is the best way to stop drinking permanently.

Can I talk to my family?

Individual clinics will have their own guidelines around visits and contact with external people. In a lot of cases, telephone calls are allowed and there are designated times for visits. Some clinics may carry out some level of monitoring and clients will be made fully aware of this. This is to make sure clients are safe and that there is no alcohol consumption taking place.

You and your family will be able to ask any questions that you'd like to know before you check into a rehab clinic. Experts will be on hand and happy to answer your concerns and queries.