Alcohol Rehab in Mission Viejo
Alcohol use disorders can cause excessive drinking that endangers the drinker and those around them.
Alcohol abuse has many short-term and long-term health risks, including liver disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and a weakened immune system. Alcoholism can also lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
Alcohol addiction can damage work and personal relationships and create financial and legal problems. These are some of the many reasons for seeking help to recover from alcohol dependence. Substance abuse treatment can help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, improve their overall health and well-being, and rebuild their relationships and lives.
This page offers crucial information about alcohol use disorder and California Care Recovery’s inpatient alcohol treatment program, which can be a valuable resource for individuals and their loved ones seeking alcohol rehab in Orange County. Substance use disorder can be treated and it is advised to seek addiction treatment as soon as possible.
What is Alcohol Detox & Rehab?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. It includes conditions commonly referred to as alcohol dependence, abuse, addiction, and alcoholism.
Alcohol use disorder is classified as a brain disorder and can range from mild to severe. Recovery begins with detox and continues through a structured rehab program. Professional treatment helps individuals detox safely and build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
What Is Alcohol Detox?
Detox is the natural process by which the human body rids itself of toxins. For someone with alcohol use disorder, detox involves clearing alcohol from all tissues, cells, and organs—primarily through the liver. This process can bring on uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms, so medical supervision is essential.
During alcohol detox at a treatment center, individuals receive both medical and psychological support to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the process.
What Is Alcohol Rehab?
Once detox is complete, the rehabilitation process begins. Alcohol rehab typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, and sometimes medication to support ongoing recovery. Aftercare programs are also an important part of rehab, helping individuals maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
People seeking alcohol rehab can choose from various levels of care, including inpatient treatment at California Care Recovery in Mission Viejo, outpatient programs, or a combination of both depending on their needs and lifestyle.
How Alcohol Rehab Is Different from Other Drug Rehabs
The purpose of any detox program is to make the body’s natural withdrawal process safer and more manageable. This includes minimizing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Because each substance affects the body differently, medical professionals create customized treatment plans based on the specific drug being detoxed. As a result, alcohol detox may differ significantly from detox for other substances.
Key differences between alcohol detox and other drug detox programs include:
- Length of Detox – Detox from alcohol typically takes less time than detox from substances like opioids or benzodiazepines. However, the severity of alcohol dependence can still lead to dangerous symptoms that require close monitoring.
- Medications Used to Support Detox – Medications used during alcohol detox may include benzodiazepines to manage withdrawal symptoms. The FDA has approved three medications to help individuals maintain sobriety after detox: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
- Medical Care Required – Alcohol detox often requires specific medical attention for potential liver and kidney complications. In contrast, detox from other substances may involve more support for the respiratory or digestive systems, depending on the drug involved.
The Dangers of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox can be dangerous. In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening or even fatal.
The risk of complications increases significantly when individuals attempt to detox alone without professional medical support. This risk is especially high for people who have been struggling with alcohol addiction for a prolonged period or who have consumed large amounts of alcohol just before trying to quit. Individuals with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) should always seek medical supervision when beginning the detox process.
The dangers of acute alcohol withdrawal can include:
- Delirium tremens (DTs): Characterized by hallucinations, mental confusion, and disorientation
- Cognitive impairment and delirium: May result in chronic memory problems and reduced mental function
- Psychiatric symptoms: Such as severe anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
The most effective and safest way to reduce the risks of alcohol detox is to begin the process in a residential treatment facility with medically supervised care. This ensures immediate access to the support and treatment needed during withdrawal.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD) begins the detox process, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms that vary in severity. Early symptoms typically occur within the first few hours and may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Headache or migraine
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Between 24 to 72 hours after the last drink, more severe and potentially dangerous symptoms may appear, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Lack of physical coordination
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
What to Expect at our Alcohol Treatment Center in Mission Viejo
The good news is that no matter how severe alcohol addiction may seem, recovery is possible. With a combination of behavioral therapies, peer support, and in some cases, medication, individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can experience life-changing transformations.
Entering a treatment center typically involves five main components:
1. Assessment
The process begins with a comprehensive assessment. Treatment specialists will ask questions about your physical and mental health, substance use history, family background, and current symptoms. This evaluation helps build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Alcohol Detox
Detox is the next step, during which alcohol is safely removed from the body. Some individuals may require only light medical supervision, while others may need medication to manage more intense withdrawal symptoms. Detox usually lasts about one week.
3. Residential Rehab
After detox, clients begin residential rehab. This stage typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). These therapies help individuals better understand their addiction and develop healthy, alcohol-free coping strategies.
At California Care Recovery, our residences are located near scenic beaches and serene ocean views—offering a peaceful, inspiring environment that supports healing. Clients also have access to a variety of holistic and recreational activities, including:
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Weight training
- Cardio workouts
- Paddle-boarding
- Art therapy
Alcohol Rehab with California Care in Mission Viejo
Undergoing alcohol detox alone can be dangerous. The safest way to detox in Orange County, CA, is to enter a premier alcohol treatment center, such as California Care, that is staffed by trained professionals who can monitor, prevent, and treat potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms before they cause problems.
California Care’s medical and psychiatric experts utilize evidence-based, individualized clinical care. We use evidence-based practices to ensure that each client’s treatment is tailored to their unique situation. No two addictions are the same, so no two addiction treatment programs are the same.
At California Care Recovery, we strive to live each day to our fullest potential. And, likewise, there is no limit to what a client can accomplish at our Orange County rehab center. Our facility, based in Mission Viejo, is dedicated to supporting individuals seeking addiction recovery services or dual diagnosis treatment.
We can help each person achieve their goals and maintain sobriety regardless of their unique challenges. Contact us today to learn more about our substance use disorder program and how we can help.