Learning More About Alcohol Rehab

Larry Luttrell, founder of sober living homes The Discovery Program, The Liberty House, and The Liberty Ranch joins us for our discussion on alcohol rehab:

Moderator: What’s the best way to tell if someone has a drinking problem? 

Larry Luttrell: It varies, and every person is different.  There are a few questions that everyone can ask themselves, and a yes to any is a sign of a drinking problem that might require alcohol rehab.  For example, do you drink first thing in the morning?  Do you feel guilty about your drinking?  Do people often criticize your drinking?

John: What do you say to people who are resistant to alcohol rehab? To people that can go it alone?

Moderator: Some people do go it alone and are successful, but I wouldn’t recommend it.  Usually, people don’t make the necessary changes in their life to facilitate recovery from alcohol addiction.  People hang out with the same friends, the same circles of drug or alcohol addiction.  Constantly being exposed to drugs or alcohol greatly increases the risk of relapse.  An alcohol rehab facility, among other things, provides a buffer from friends or family members that also abuse.

Moderator: Do people ever worry about being in drug or alcohol rehab with other addicts?

Larry Luttrell: Yes, it’s often a concern for people.  Sometimes when people suffer from addiction and need rehab, they don’t understand that there’s a bunch of people just like them, suffering from the exact same plight.  People often feel isolated during addiction.  I tell people that the best thing they can do is go to a meeting and listen.  Listen to the stories of people who struggle with addiction.  It’s such a great support system. Building a support system for some people is easier inside a rehab than outside. 

Moderator:  What’s a typical alcohol anonymous meeting like?

Larry Luttrell: Alcoholics anonymous is anonymous.  It's simple:  it has no opinion on who you are, where you're from, what you do for a living. It could care less.  it is only interested in how it can help you with your alcohol or drug problem.  There are twelve steps thats suggested for members follow. These meetings are either in speaker/participation, speaker, or participation meeting. 

Moderator: What is life like for someone in an alcohol rehab center?

Larry Luttrell: In our sober living homes, we have a basic structure that we stick to: 12 Step Meetings, Peer Meetings & Raps, Daily Goals, Addiction Treatment Outpatient and Drug Addiction and Alcohol Day Patient Treatment Programs, Drug and Alcohol Relapse Prevention, Recovery Resident Family Meetings, One on One Raps, Alcohol Awareness, Family Treatment, Newcomer Meeting, and Exit Plans.

Moderator: Do you believe that drug and alcohol rehab is not just for the patient, but the family as well?

Larry Luttrell: Absolutely.  Often times, when people come in, their relationships with their families are shattered.  People often enter drug or alcohol rehab after months or even years of lying and stealing from their friends and family.  We give the option of family meetings because we believe rehab is more than just staying clean, but also rehabilitating relationships.

Moderator: What’s the one piece of advice you would give to someone contemplating rehab for drug and alcohol abuse?

Larry Luttrell: If you are considering any type of drug or alcohol rehab, make sure there is a resident manager.  Make sure it is structured.  Make sure there is accountability and responsibility going on among the members or community.  If it’s just a "hotel" forget it.  Residents should have to do chores, have regular attendance at house meetings....etc. etc.

See Related Articles:
Alcohol Detoxification
About Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Ten Warning Signs of Alcoholism
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Sober Living Homes
Effects of Alcoholism