Waukesha Department of Health and Human Services

Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is available in several formats and levels of care. The treatment process address various issues that contribute to a dependence on alcohol (often referred to as alcoholism). Alcohol rehab in Wisconsin provides the tools and supports you'll need to overcome AUD and maintain long-term sobriety.

The goal of drug rehab in Wisconsin is to address drug addiction as a complex issue that involves physical, mental, and relational aspects. During rehab, treatment focuses on each of these areas and gives you the tools you need to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Wisconsin has a range of dual-diagnosis addiction treatment programs for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions, available on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), are used in conjunction with medication management and group therapy to address both disorders simultaneously. By treating both disorders at the same time, you’ll improve your mental health, develop crucial skills to handle stress and resist relapse, and improve your quality of life.

In Wisconsin, dual-diagnosis rehabs offer comprehensive care for individuals facing both mental health and substance abuse challenges. Typically, dual-diagnosis is offered on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on your needs. You can usually expect treatment to include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and experiential therapy to address both aspects of your well-being. You’ll also learn vital skills to overcome challenges and maintain your sobriety.

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Clients who are admitted to an outpatient rehab may be stepping down from intensive inpatient care or may be transitioning directly from a detox facility. Outpatient treatment enables clients to remain in or return to their home, workplace, and community without compromising access to care. Clients engage in addiction counseling and recovery education and may also receive evidence-based complementary therapies, such as yoga, acupuncture, and massage. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is commonly available for clients in alcohol and/or opioid recovery.

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one's body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) support clients’ return to their community following inpatient treatment and may also offer an alternative to hospitalization for clients who are relatively stable following detox. Many intensive outpatient rehabs require clients to participate in a minimum of nine and a maximum of 20 treatment hours weekly. IOP services are also highly customizable and typically include a combination of addiction counseling, recovery-focused life skills training, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and holistic therapies such as meditation.

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.