Inpatient Alcohol Rehab in San Diego

AA Rehab

"AToN Center offers an extensive, comprehensive and integrated approach to co-occurring disorders with various evidence-based and holistic treatment modalities that enhance all aspects of sobriety. With the person-centered and team approach residents can individualize their treatment at AToN to suit their personal lifestyle on their healing journey to recovery".

Fact-Checked and Approved by Karen Yazzie-Meyer, CADC II, CTCS, GIP
AToN Center is a premier inpatient alcohol rehab facility located in San Diego. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol misuse, our comprehensive and compassionate addiction treatment program is here to provide the support and guidance you need. At AToN Center, we understand the challenges of alcohol dependence and the toll it can take on individuals and their families. We treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental disorders through state-of-the-art addiction treatment and dual diagnosis treatment. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to helping you achieve lasting recovery and reclaim a fulfilling life. With a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of drug and alcohol misuse, our inpatient alcohol rehab program offers a nurturing environment for your healing journey.

WHAT IS ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?

Alcohol use disorder, commonly referred to as alcohol addiction or alcoholism, can manifest in individuals regardless of their background or circumstances. Extensive research has been conducted to understand the underlying causes of alcoholism, but a definitive answer remains elusive. 

While genetic factors may contribute to the development of alcohol addiction, psychological and behavioral factors can also play a significant role. Many psychologists have adopted the biopsychosocial model, which posits that addiction to alcohol can develop due to combined biological, psychological, and social factors. 

Substance addiction, including alcoholism, can impact parts of the brain dedicated to impulse control, motivation, and cognition. The severity of alcohol abuse varies across a spectrum; ranging from mild to severe, contingent upon the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed, as well as a person’s genetic predisposition toward alcohol-related health issues.

  • Increased usage of alcohol or quantity
  • High tolerance for alcohol and lack of hangover
  • Drinking during inappropriate times such as while working or at school
  • Avoiding situations when alcohol is not present
  • Avoiding family members
  • The desire to consume alcohol every day
  • Hiding your drinking or alcohol use
  • Depression, increased lethargy, or other emotional problems
  • Changes in relationships; choosing to be around people that drink heavily
Blood alcohol levels past a certain amount can cause intoxication. Symptoms usually begin with changes in coordination and slurred speech. As a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) increases, they may begin to experience other adverse effects, such as loss of inhibition, mood changes, impaired judgment, and memory loss. Severe alcohol use can cause respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, and even death.

Prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to dependence, causing the body to exhibit withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is discontinued. These withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Tremors or shaky hands, that could affect handwriting
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
    Irritability
  • Nightmares
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms carry life-threatening risks. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Furthermore, severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures and respiratory distress can result in potentially fatal complications. In the most severe instances, individuals may encounter delirium tremens (DT), affecting approximately 5% of those undergoing alcohol withdrawal. DT symptoms encompass hallucinations (perceiving unreal sensory experiences), delusions (holding false beliefs), fever, confusion, excessive sweating, high blood pressure, and a rapid pulse (increased heart rate).


As per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individuals encountering these severe symptoms should promptly seek alcohol treatment from a qualified provider. Many treatment centers are staffed with trained mental health professionals who can facilitate effective alcoholism treatment within the secure environment of their specialized inpatient facilities.
AToN Center provides private rooms and additional amenities to ensure the utmost comfort during alcohol detoxification. If you suspect that you or someone you are aware of is encountering complications due to alcohol withdrawal, it is imperative to dial 9-1-1 without delay, as these situations constitute medical emergencies.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?

Certain risk factors are associated with an elevated likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder. However, it’s important to recognize that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can become addicted to alcohol. Alcohol itself is inherently addictive, and prolonged, particularly excessive, consumption can lead to addiction. While alcohol use disorder frequently commences in one’s 20s or 30s, it can manifest at any age.

Notable risk factors encompass:

Other factors that could increase the chances of developing an alcohol use disorder include:

Having a family member diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder can elevate the likelihood of receiving a similar diagnosis. The degree of relationship proximity influences the risk level. For instance, if a parent has been diagnosed with an alcohol disorder, there’s a higher probability of the child receiving a diagnosis as well. Conversely, if the child has a cousin or distant relative with such a diagnosis, the likelihood diminishes.
Receiving a diagnosis for other mental health conditions or disorders can heighten the likelihood of being diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder. These co-occurring diagnoses, where a substance use disorder coincides with a mental health condition, are believed to result from three interrelated factors: 1. Shared Risk Factors: Mental health problems and substance use often have common underlying risk factors. 2. Self-Medication: Individuals may turn to recreational drug use, including alcohol, as a means of self-medication to cope with mental health issues. 3. Symptom Exacerbation: Drug use, including alcohol, can exacerbate symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, impulse control disorders, psychosis, and personality disorders.
Individuals who have experienced substantial trauma or high levels of stress have an increased propensity to misuse substances and subsequently receive a diagnosis of a substance use disorder. Exposure to traumatic events, such as the loss of a family member or physical abuse, heightens the likelihood of being diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder.
Although adults may not perceive themselves as easily influenced by peer pressure, our society frequently normalizes alcohol consumption to the extent that avoiding alcohol-related situations and societal pressure can be challenging. For teenagers and young adults, parental influence plays a significant role. Strained relationships with parents can contribute to early alcohol consumption, while permissive attitudes towards drinking and drug use among parents can also impact a teen’s decision to start drinking at a young age.

Getting Help

Similar to other medical conditions, alcohol use disorders are diagnosed by a qualified medical professional. Following an examination, if your doctor suspects that you have an issue, they may recommend a referral to a mental health specialist or an addiction treatment center.

During the exam, your doctor may:

Inquire about your drinking habits
They might discuss your alcohol consumption patterns.
Perform a physical exam
A physical exam will be conducted, along with questions about your overall health, as certain physical signs may indicate a drinking problem.
Seek input from your family and friends regarding your drinking problem
Your doctor will respect confidentiality and seek your permission before sharing any information.
Administer a psychological questionnaire
This may include inquiries about your symptoms, thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns.
Order lab tests or imaging
These tests may be conducted to check for underlying health issues or organ damage. Some lab test results can be strongly indicative of an alcohol disorder.

Do You Need Detox?

If you believe you require alcohol to maintain your daily functioning, it could indicate the need for assistance with a substance use disorder. In certain instances, it is imperative to seek guidance from a qualified medical provider for a safe detox process. Alcohol detox can pose life-threatening risks in the absence of medical supervision.

Alcohol rehabilitation offers the essential support and guidance required to navigate withdrawal effectively. Rehab facilities can provide medication to alleviate the adverse symptoms associated with withdrawal. Although withdrawal symptoms may persist for a week or longer, the most challenging phase typically subsides within the initial 42-72 hours..

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT CENTERS

inpatient rehab san diego ca
Alcohol addiction treatments may include:

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient rehab or residential treatment provides a highly structured and supportive environment for individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. In these programs, individuals reside at an inpatient treatment program or facility for a designated period, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. Inpatient treatment focuses on addressing the complex aspects of alcohol abuse, including the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of alcohol and/or chemical dependency.

Through a combination of individual counseling, group therapy, holistic approaches, and medication-assisted treatment, inpatient rehab fosters a safe transition toward long-term recovery from alcohol abuse.

Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment employs various medications to achieve specific objectives, such as diminishing cravings, creating an aversive reaction to alcohol consumption, or neutralizing the addictive, euphoric, and sedative effects of alcohol, making it unappealing to drink. These medications encompass:
Causes unpleasant symptoms while you drink alcohol which usually causes individuals to want to avoid alcohol consumption
Blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of certain drugs and has been reported to reduce cravings
Works by resetting the chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) to bring them back to a normal state

Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals to understand the relationship between negative thoughts and behaviors, and helps to identify and affect change through therapeutic exercises. It also assists individuals in developing coping strategies and ways to deal with stress, as well as cravings.

Engaging in counseling that incorporates family and spouses can contribute to repairing and enhancing your interpersonal relationships. Establishing a robust support network is an essential component of a more successful and healthier recovery journey.

Interventions consist of brief, individual or small, confidential group counseling sessions, typically limited to a maximum of four sessions. During these sessions, the counselor provides insights into your alcohol abuse patterns and associated risks. They collaborate with you to establish achievable goals aimed at transforming your behaviors throughout the treatment course.

A counseling technique that helps people get through their fear of getting treatment and stopping their alcohol or drug misuse. It allows patients to become internally motivated, identifying ways to want to get better. 

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient programs for alcohol use disorder focus on a flexible and effective approach to recovery. Rather than staying at a residential facility, an outpatient program provides structured therapy and support while allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines and responsibilities.

Outpatient programs often involve individual counseling, group therapy, and educational sessions to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Support groups play a crucial role in outpatient treatment, providing a sense of community and shared experiences.

AToN Center in San Diego goes a step further by offering an aftercare program that helps residents find suitable outpatient treatment options and ensures ongoing support throughout the recovery process. We also have our own alumni support groups to help our residents stick with recovery.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS FOR ALCOHOL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

AToN Center, a leading San Diego alcohol rehab and treatment center, offers a specialized dual diagnosis program to address co-occurring disorders. Recognizing the intricate link between mental health disorders and substance use disorders, AToN Center provides evidence-based therapies and treatment modalities that effectively address the symptoms of addiction, as well as any underlying mental health issues that may exist.

With a multidisciplinary team of experts, AToN Center creates a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore the complex interplay between mental health and alcoholism and/or addiction.

GET HELP AT ATON TREATMENT CENTER IN SAN DIEGO

AToN Center’s San Diego luxury rehab center has experienced, professional, staff. We offer substance use disorder treatment programs specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.

We recognize that a single treatment framework doesn’t successfully meet the needs of every individual that is seeking lasting recovery. While the 12-Step and SMART Recovery® models are effective at alcohol and drug treatment, we believe clients will benefit more from an approach that integrates different frameworks and incorporates the best practices from each. 

In addition to our evidence-based treatment plans, we also provide holistic healing services that include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy, among others, to support our clients’ recovery goals at our luxury rehab.

AToN Center’s San Diego rehab is a sanctuary staffed with highly trained psychologists and recovery personnel. Our high clinician-to-resident ratio (3:1) allows for daily care of our residents.

If you’re seeking help for alcohol misuse in California, contact AToN Center’s San Diego rehab center to learn more about our programs and services.