Alcohol Rehab in Orange County, California

If you’re wrestling with alcohol issues, it’s easy to feel alone. Whether it’s the anxiety of hiding drinks, worrying about what the future will bring, or strained relationships, the emotional and physical effects of alcohol can take their toll on life.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious condition that affects over 27 million American adults, contributing to the deaths of roughly 178,000 people every year in the United States.^1,2 Coping with this condition can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A Better Life Recovery is a compassionate, supportive alcohol rehab center that can help you break the cycle and find true alcohol recovery.

On this page, we’ll guide you through our comprehensive alcohol rehab program in Orange County, including:

Medical alcohol detox and stabilization
Residential alcohol treatment
Effective therapies for alcohol addiction
Dual diagnosis care
What to expect
Answers to frequently asked questions
Taking the first step toward recovery

Understanding Alcohol Addiction and Why Treatment Works

The effects of alcohol are often underestimated due to it being a socially acceptable legal drug. Yet, it is still a drug that people can become dependent on, and it can negatively affect the brain, body, and a person’s mental health.³

Without treatment, long-term alcohol use can increase the risks of injury, heart failure, stroke, liver disease, sexual problems, and cancer, to name just a few.3 Furthermore, excessive drinking can shorten lives by an average of 24 years.²

This information emphasizes why treatment for alcohol addiction is so important. Treatment removes the physical dependence on alcohol (detox) and addresses underlying issues that would otherwise keep you returning to it as a coping mechanism. Treatment is an essential part of long term recovery for addiction, and A Better Life Recovery is here to help you.

Our Orange County Alcohol Rehab Program

At A Better Life Recovery, we understand that alcohol abuse treatment isn’t as simple as “just stop drinking.” That’s why our residential alcohol treatment programs are designed to provide you with compassionate support from the start.

We offer fully comprehensive substance abuse treatment. With a board-certified psychiatrist on-site, experienced staff, and a small staff-to-client ratio (1:2.5), you’re guaranteed dedicated and compassionate support.

Also, we know that no two people face the same challenges, which is why we create individualized alcohol treatment plans designed for your unique needs.

What’s more, we have Joint Commission accreditation – a sign of excellence in the healthcare industry. This means we have been externally assessed as meeting specific standards for providing high-quality care and safety to our clients. Therefore, you can rest assured that you’re being cared for in the best possible way.

The following sections will walk you through the specifics of alcohol treatment programs, starting with medical detox.

Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal

An alcohol detox clears alcohol from your body and brain so that you can begin treatment with a clear mind. However, detox is not always an easy process, with research suggesting that up to half of all people with AUD experience some type of withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking.⁴ In fact, for a small percentage of people, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if not managed appropriately.⁵

A medically supervised detox can take the potential danger out of this process by ensuring your detox is planned and overseen by experienced professionals. This includes:

Round-the-clock medical supervision and care
Medication management for safety and comfort
Monitoring of vital signs and symptoms
Treatment of withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, or seizures
A safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for detoxification
Treatment plans designed to provide a seamless transition to residential care

With this intensive, compassionate care, treatment can be adjusted in line with your needs, providing you with the supportive alcohol rehabilitation you deserve.

Our Comprehensive Alcohol Treatment Program

A Better Life Recovery approaches alcohol treatment in two phases: medical detox, followed by residential alcohol treatment. These are explored in the following sections.

Phase I: Assessment, Detox, and Stabilization

Phase one of our alcohol treatment program begins with an initial psychiatric evaluation. This allows us to assess any existing mental health disorders, better understand your current mental, emotional, and physical condition, and design your personalized treatment plan. An assessment is the vital first step before your medically-supervised detox can begin (see previous section for more details on this process).

Phase II: Residential Alcohol Treatment

Phase two of our inpatient alcohol rehab program focuses on therapy and relapse prevention while you continue receiving 24/7 support and supervision. Therapy is crucial for recovery because it allows you to explore and begin to understand why you drank, how addiction took hold, and ways you can move forward. The next section takes a closer look at the therapies commonly used in treating alcohol addiction.

Evidence-Based Therapies for Alcohol Addiction

Evidence-based therapies are the cornerstone for successful alcohol addiction treatment, offering proven methods to replace destructive habits with healthy, sustainable coping mechanisms. Talk therapy allows you to explore and understand the root causes of your addiction so that you can move forward without alcohol dependence. Therapy can come in different forms, such as individual, group, or family, which we discuss in more detail below.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy takes place on a one-to-one basis between you and a licensed therapist. Evidence-based therapeutic approaches for alcohol addiction recovery include:^6-8

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured therapy that helps you change unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to alcohol dependence.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy: This approach builds and strengthens motivation to change drinking behaviors. It helps you identify pros and cons, form a plan to make changes, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to carry out this plan.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT incorporates mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication skills development to help you recognize and change alcohol-oriented behaviors for healthier ones.
Trauma therapy: Trauma therapy can help people process past traumatic events that may be leading them to use alcohol to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.

Group Therapy

Group therapy, such as the 12-step program used in AA meetings, helps you work through treatment and recovery alongside peers.6 Group settings allow you to develop new skills and coping mechanisms, process your recovery journey, learn from others, and receive peer support that shows that you are truly not alone.

Family Therapy

Family therapy involves partners or other family members in the treatment process. This approach can help improve communication, heal relationships, set healthy boundaries, and strengthen family support, which can increase the chances of staying sober.⁶

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders are very common with AUD. In fact, nearly half of all people with AUD have a dual diagnosis, such as an anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD.^9,10

Treating co-occurring disorders is crucial with AUD, as they can make each other worse, often causing people to return to using alcohol, as well as contributing to mental health symptoms.

At our Orange County facility, we specialize in dual diagnosis because co-occurring disorders are so common. This is why we integrate psychiatric care into alcohol rehab – to give you the best chance of all-round, long-term recovery.

Medication Management for Alcohol Addiction

Medications can also be used to help make alcoholism treatment more comfortable and safe. Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications to treat AUD, which are:¹¹

Naltrexone, to reduce cravings
Acamprosate, to maintain abstinence
Disulfiram, to deter the use of alcohol

Additionally, other medications may be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or to treat co-occurring conditions. It’s important to remember this is all carried out under medical supervision, and ongoing monitoring is often needed to ensure a safe recovery.

What to Expect in Our Orange County Alcohol Rehab

Seeking treatment can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what awaits you. To help ease these worries, here is what you can expect when you choose A Better Life Recovery in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, for alcohol rehab:

In-depth initial psychiatric evaluation
Medically-assisted detox
24/7 clinical support
Staff who specialize in addiction treatment
Evidence-based treatments
One-to-one therapy and group therapy sessions
Recreational activities
Comfortable bedrooms
Chef-prepared meals
Free Parking

Furthermore, our facilities are gender-neutral and LGBTQ+ friendly, providing the support, privacy, and confidentiality you need in a safe, healing environment.

Why Choose A Better Life Recovery for Alcohol Treatment?

While millions of adults struggle with alcohol problems each year, studies show that less than one in ten receive the treatment they need.⁵ By reaching out to us, you can become one of the few who successfully break the cycle.

Here at A Better Life Recovery, we treat addiction as the chronic illness that it is, focusing on long-term recovery. When you choose us, you benefit from:

Accreditation: We’re Joint Commission certified for high standards of quality and safety
Specialized staff: Our team includes a board-certified psychiatrist on-site and experienced addiction specialists
Integrated care: We have expertise in dual diagnosis and customized treatment plans
Personalized support: Our client-to-staff ratio is small (1:2.5), ensuring dedicated attention
Long-term success: We offer comprehensive aftercare and alumni programs

We also believe that cost shouldn’t prevent you from accessing the help you need, which is why we accept most major insurance plans.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Break free from alcohol addiction today. Your journey to a healthier, sober life starts here. Contact us online or through our 24/7 admissions helpline at (866) 710-9128 to arrange a free, confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Rehab

Choosing the right recovery center often brings up many questions for people. To help you make the right decision, we’ve provided the following answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about alcohol rehab.

How Long Is Alcohol Rehab?

Alcohol rehab lengths vary depending on individual needs, and long-term recovery is a lifelong process. Still, a very rough guide to treatment times is as follows:

Detox: Typically 5-7 days
Inpatient treatment: 30-90 days
Outpatient alcohol treatment: Several months

Is Alcohol Detox Dangerous?

Detoxing from alcohol can bring withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and DTs (delirium tremens), and in some cases can be life-threatening without medical supervision. This is why a medical detox is so important: it ensures safety and comfort while clearing the toxins from your body.

Can I Detox From Alcohol at Home?

Although it may be possible to detox from home, it is not recommended due to the potential dangers.

How Much Does Alcohol Rehab Cost?

Treatment costs vary depending on the length of the program and services required. However, most insurance providers cover treatment, and payment plans are also available to ease financial pressures.

What Happens After I Complete Alcohol Rehab?

Aftercare ensures you receive continued support and therapy after leaving alcohol rehab. Additionally, A Better Life Recovery offers alumni programs and relapse prevention programs.

Will I Have to Attend AA?

In Orange County, 12-step facilitation is part of our program, and we can help you find meetings and sponsors. AA attendance is encouraged but also flexible.

Can My Family Visit During Treatment?

Absolutely, we encourage family involvement in your treatment. There are scheduled visiting times as well as family therapy sessions. Also, virtual visits are available for families who live further away.

What if I Relapse After Treatment?

Relapse is common, as with many medical conditions, but it is not a failure. This is why we offer continuing support after you leave our program. Plus, you are always welcome to return for additional treatment if needed.