Excessive alcohol consumption is the most widespread substance abuse issue in the United States. Roughly 88,000 people die each year in the U.S. because of alcohol abuse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The financial cost is also astounding — the CDC estimates alcohol abuse costs the U.S. more than $220 billion annually.
If you, or a loved one, could benefit from professional help with alcohol abuse, it’s imperative that you seek assistance as quickly as possible. It’s also critical that you identify a treatment center that is well-suited to the patient’s needs, as this is a key factor in the ultimate success or failure of any treatment program.
Finding the best private alcohol treatment centers
For many people who struggle with alcohol abuse, any public acknowledgment of their problem is a difficult hurdle to clear. Even if someone is honest with regard to the severity of their substance abuse issues, that person may still fear reputational damage from admitting the existence of a drinking problem. That’s one reason why privacy is one of the most common concerns people have when initiating treatment.
Fortunately, there are a large number of private alcohol treatment centers available from which to choose. There are a few steps you should take before beginning treatment, however.
First, it’s important to determine how any treatment will be paid for. If you have health insurance, review your coverage. By doing so, you can discover key information, such as:
- The type of treatment covered (inpatient, outpatient, detox etc.)
- How long insurance will cover treatment
- The need to meet co-pays, deductibles and other expenses
If you don’t have coverage (or your coverage is inadequate) you may always choose to self-pay. Some private alcohol treatment centers will work with patients to help cover costs.
Once funding has been investigated, you can then compile a list of treatment centers by searching online or from a physician or insurance company referral. Finding a treatment program that is well-suited for the patient’s needs and desires is critical, as this plays a large role in the eventual failure or success of recovery.
What to do next
If you, or a loved one, require assistance for alcohol abuse, please seek help immediately. There are a variety of reputable and effective private treatment programs available in most part of the country.