With so much advice around this can seem somewhat daunting for the addict who has arrived at a point in life where they feel they have the strength to stop drinking alcohol.

The first step might be going to a doctor.  In general we can expect our GP to be informed of local options available to the alcoholic, such as alcohol rehabilitation centres and fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous.  But does a leaflet from an organisation really help the person in need of help to make the right choice?  What will be the right choice?

There are different types of alcoholics and what ‘hitting rock-bottom’ is for one might be totally different to the ‘rock-bottom’ experience of someone else.  It is therefore natural to conclude that one type of alcohol rehabilitation will not fit all.  So where to go from here?

Since there are a lot of different types of alcohol rehabilitation organizations and programs, it is sometimes difficult to know what to opt for.  Some centres focus on maintenance or reduction and others focus on total abstinence.

Then there is the option to get treatment from government funded centres which offer treatment either free of charge or with payment assistance.  Or you can opt for private treatment centres that usually require payment up-front by the individual or via  their medical insurance.

Residential Alcohol Rehabilitation

Most alcohol rehabilitation centres have a team of experts who work out a treatment plan together.  But it is also not unusual for residential rehab centres to work with a 12 Step Programme.  Some actively collaborate with Alcoholics Anonymous by organising transport to AA meetings.  Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the oldest and probably best known organisations offering a 12 Step Programme to fellow recoverers.

Their approach is non hierarchical and consists of help offered by people who are themselves already in the recovery process and now lead a life of sobriety.

A good example of such collaboration is Los Olivas, a residential rehabilitation centre in Andalusia in Spain.  For more information about this type of alcohol rehabilitation go to www.losolivosrecovery.com or read “I have been in recovery since 1992” page 82 of ‘Cheers, the hidden voices of alcoholism’.