Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Washington and Oregon

By The Recovery Village Ridgefield

The Recovery Village Ridgefield

About our Editorial Team

Editor Erica Weiman

Erica Weiman

Erica Weiman graduated from Pace University in 2014 with a master's in Publishing and has been writing and editing ever since. She has... read more

Medically Reviewed By Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in... read more

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This medical web page has been reviewed and validated by a health professional. The information has been screened and edited by health professionals to contain objective information on diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Contains bibliographic reference sources. If you are a healthcare professional and you find any issue, please reach out to [email protected]

Updated on 12/15/22

An alcohol use disorder can be successfully treated with support and help, guided by medical professionals and addiction experts.

If you’re interested in alcohol treatment for yourself or a loved one that’s living with an alcohol use disorder, there are many different levels of care:

• Medical Alcohol Detox: If you drink regularly, there will be withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. If you are at this stage when you seek treatment for alcoholism, it’s important that the first step of your treatment be medically-assisted detox. Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous, even deadly, if attempted alone. With medical supervision, you will be kept comfortable throughout the detox process.
• Residential/Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Programs: Also referred to as inpatient treatment, residential treatment programs require patients to stay at the facility where they have access to 24/7 medical care. While in an inpatient treatment program, patients participate in group therapy, individual therapy, substance abuse education, healing activities and recreational therapy.
• Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Programs: Outpatient treatment programs provide a more flexible option for treatment. Patients live at home and commute to the facility throughout the week. They are still able to commit to their own family and work responsibilities.
• Partial Hospitalization Program: A partial hospitalization program (PHP) helps patients transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment. In PHP, patients participate in the same activities as residential patients, but they are permitted to go home in the evenings.
• Intensive Outpatient Program: Also referred to as IOP, this is a more intensive version of the outpatient program, involving more hours per week at the facility.

During detox, benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are often prescribed to help treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which may include:

• Sweating
• Fast pulse
• Hand tremor
• Insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Seizure

After detox, several different medications can be prescribed to help people maintain sobriety:

• Acamprosate can help people stay sober. It is typically started after a person has successfully detoxed from alcohol.
• Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, promoting sobriety. It can be taken by mouth or as a monthly injection.
• Disulfiram is often reserved for those who have failed using acamprosate or naltrexone. People who take disulfiram and then drink are likely to experience unpleasant side effects like:
  • Flushed skin
  • Sweating
  • Thirst
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Light-headedness
• Topiramate and gabapentin can help the patient reduce their drinking. Generally, they are reserved for those who have failed acamprosate or naltrexone.

There is a lot to consider when deciding if inpatient or outpatient care is right for you. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a history of alcoholism?
• Is this the first time being treated for an alcohol use disorder?
• Do you require medical supervision?
• Do you have access to a stable, safe living environment?

The answers to these questions will help you determine which program is best for you. Speak with an addiction specialist who will assess your situation and provide you with treatment recommendations.

Outpatient treatment may be more attractive since it allows you to continue with outside commitments, but if your needs are better suited for inpatient treatment, you need to do what is best for your unique case. Make sure you take the time you need to recover.

Inpatient treatment may be the best option for you if you:

• Have other medical or mental health problems
• Are dehydrated
• Currently or have had severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens
• Don’t have a doctor who can follow up with you
• Don’t have a reliable contact person to check in on you
• Are pregnant
• Have a seizure disorder or a history of alcohol withdrawal-related seizures
• Are considered at risk of suicide

If you are suffering from alcohol addiction and you need to speak with someone, there are several alcohol hotlines ready to take your call.

At The Recovery Village Ridgefield we are here to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and our addiction specialists understand what you are going through. We are here to help. Call 360-605-1883 for a confidential conversation.

If you are considering inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, The Recovery Village Ridgefield is an excellent choice. With the beautiful backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, The Recovery Village Ridgefield is located just 30 minutes from Portland, Oregon as well as Vancouver, Washington.

Give us a call today and speak with one of our compassionate addiction specialists regarding your options. It’s never too late for you to take that first step on your recovery journey.

Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association. “Practice Guideline for the Pharmacological Treatment of Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder.” 2018. Accessed November 29, 2021.
• University of Michigan Health. “Disulfiram.” March 13, 2014. Accessed November 29, 2021.
• PsychDB. “Alcohol Withdrawal.” May 3, 2021. Accessed November 29, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

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