Recovery Advantage Program in Illinois

What Is an Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of drinking marked by difficulty in controlling drinking. A person with AUD may drink even when it’s causing physical and psychological problems. They may also experience serious withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop.

Gateway Foundation Is Treating Alcohol Addiction with a New Alcohol-Specific Program

• New program tailored to treat alcohol addiction, allowing patients with alcohol use disorders to receive specialized treatment.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for alcohol dependence and to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Alcohol withdrawal management program, which includes MAT and 24-hour access to medical and nursing care in a non-hospital setting.
• Customized treatment plans with evidence-based practices that address the underlying causes of alcohol addiction.
• Active alumni community with monthly social events and meetings to keep alumni engaged in recovery.
• Full continuum of care that meets the patient where they are in their recovery journey.

The “All or Nothing” Myth

Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism can be mild, moderate or severe. People who are dependent on alcohol can be highly functioning, highly compromised or somewhere in between.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

The approach for treating alcohol use disorder may vary based on the patient’s needs. The main goal of alcohol use disorder treatment is to put an end to alcohol use for the patient and enhance their quality of life. Some of the treatment options for alcohol use disorder include:

• Detox and withdrawal: Treatment may start with detoxification — a form of medically monitored withdrawal that takes about a week. The patient may need to take medication to prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms.
• Psychological counseling: Counseling and therapy for individuals and groups will enable the patient to understand their drinking problem. Family therapy will help family members provide support during the recovery process.
• Oral medications: Some medications help the patient reduce the urge to drink by producing a terrible reaction when they drink. Others help overcome cravings for alcohol immediately after the patient stops drinking.
• Support groups: Support groups can help anyone recovering from AUD abstain from drinking, prevent or manage relapses and make all required lifestyle changes.
• Psychotherapy: AUD usually occurs with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or PTSD. Psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy,” will help treat all co-occurring mental health illnesses.

Insurance Accepted

Insurance plans generally cover most costs associated with Residential Treatment. Gateway is considered a preferred or in-network provider for multiple insurances including:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• United Healthcare
• Aetna