Alcohol Rehab Program

The Pennsylvania Model of alcohol addiction recovery is based on using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy to help the alcoholic deal with alcohol cravings. Cravings under the Pennsylvania Model are believed to be neuro-chemical reactions and are treated with medications that help moderate alcohol intake, such as Naltrexone and Acamprosate.

Dr. Joseph Volpicelli of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine who has been studying the effects of Naltrexone since the early 80’s believes that by limiting cravings an individual can break the cycle of excessive alcohol intake.

Once the cycle of craving has been interrupted through medication the Pennsylvania Model then applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Motivational Enhancement Therapy to help an individual change the drinking habits and personal relationship to alcohol that has developed from long term alcoholic tendencies.

Under the Pennsylvania Model alcohol addiction is still considered a disease, however they do not believe that everyone should be treated in the same way. Because of the varied personal, social and biological history of each drinker they believe that every person needs individualized treatment.

Their acronym for treatment is BRENDA:

B - Biopsychosocial Evaluation
R – Report to patient on Assessment
E – Empathetic understanding of the patients situation, offering necessary support
N – Needs. Determining key needs that need to be met in order to achieve recovery
D – Direct advice to the patient on how to meet those needs
A – Assessment of reaction of patient to advice and changes in strategy to address problems

Assisted Recovery Centers of America offers recovery from alcohol addiction using the Pennsylvania Model.