consist of outpatient counseling, support group meetings, and follow-up sessions. Depending on where you attend treatment the facility may offer extended care, however, if you attended treatment in a distant city or another state you may be on your own.  You can find alcoholism treatment programs using our alcoholism treatment program locator or with the government's program locator Both list public and private treatment centers. 

Returning Home

Many people who go through alcohol rehab find it difficult to communicate the experience to those back home who have never been through treatment.  This should not come as a surprise as for many the experience is life changing, but it does make it hard.  What can you do?  Seek out others who are in recovery. 

When it comes to finding a support group, a frequent complaint is not feeling like a person fits in.  Other people just find that AA is not for them.  Both can be legitimate complaints, but neither should be used as excuses.  In most major metropolitan areas there are dozens of AA meetings and several each day, so if you don't feel comfortable at one try another.  But what if you just don't find that the AA philosophy is for you?  You're not alone which is why groups like SmartRecovery and RationalRecovery exist.

Going Back to Work After Treatment Many companies contract with employee assistance programs (EAPs) and if you are returning to a job after being away for treatment you might find it helpful to schedule a meeting with an EAP counselor. This person should be able to help you facilitate discussions with a supervisor, employee relations specialist, and human resources.  Be proactive, discuss your treatment, the expectations you have for yourself and clear the air if there were any job related issues surrounding your alcoholism.

Alcoholism Relapse
Yes it happens, not to everyone, but probably as often as not - it is a fact of the recovery process.  There are many things you can do to guard against relapse.  Working hard during treatment and remaining in treatment for an adequate length of time are certainly the best starting places.  During treatment you will learn coping skills, hopefully you will learn them well enough to be able to fall back on them.  If you do slip, have a drink, or a full blown relapse take care of it as early as possible.  People who are embarrassed and try to cover up the situation are often surprised at how quickly one drink leads to several and that their renewed level of drinking can surpass their old level.  Don't let this be you, reach out for help.