Contrary to traditional belief, alcoholics are not always disheveled people who live on the streets and drink during their every waking hour. Most alcoholics are working people who provide for their families; these type of alcoholics are called functioning alcoholics. Signs of a functioning alcoholic are:
• Drinking more than the healthy number of drinks for your gender (3 drinks per day or 7 drinks per week for women and 4 drinks per day or 14 drinks per week for men).
• Building alcohol tolerance, which means needing to drink more over time to get the desired effect.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you do not drink.
• Drinking alcohol as a primary coping mechanism.
• Drinking in secret.
• Having to drink in every situation.
• Legal and/or work troubles that are related to drinking.
• Joking about being an alcoholic.
• Becoming angry when someone mentions the possibility of an alcohol problem.
Alcoholism is a progressive disease. While you may be able to function in the early stages of alcoholism, you will eventually progress to the point that you will lose everything. Treating alcoholism in its early stages is much easier than treating it in its advanced stages.
Outpatient Treatment for Functioning Alcoholism
If you are a functioning alcoholic, outpatient treatment may be an option for you. Outpatient treatment allows you to combat your addiction while still being able to go to work and be present for your family. There are three different types of outpatient treatment programs that you can consider.
Partial-Hospitalization (PHP)
Partial-hospitalization typically consists of six-hour sessions that meet five times a week. Partial-hospitalization is the most rigorous and least flexible of the three programs. However, it is the most effective option, and it is the best for early recovery. Work and school can still be scheduled around PHP.
Intensive-Outpatient (IOP)
Intensive-outpatient typically consists of three-hour sessions that meet three times a week. IOP is almost as rigorous as PHP, but it is more flexible. Treatment centers typically host a day session and an evening session to accommodate work and school schedules.
Outpatient
Outpatient treatment is the least rigorous. It typically consists of one to two sessions per week that meet for one or two hours. Outpatient is not recommended for early recovery.
Seacrest Recovery Center is an outpatient treatment center that is located in Eatontown, New Jersey. Their Phase Back to Life program consists of all three types of outpatient treatment, starting with the most rigorous and progressing to the least rigorous. Clients have the option of living at the facility during the first two phases while still being able to go to work or school during the day. Call them today (833) 762-3765