Alcohol Treatment Program

Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Wilmington, DE

Alcohol is legal, widely accepted, and often part of daily life. This explains why it can be so hard to recognize when it’s become a problem. Maybe you’ve tried to cut back and couldn’t. Maybe the consequences are piling up, even if everything looks “fine” from the outside.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition, and treatment is available. With the right support, it’s possible to regain control, restore your health, and build a life that doesn’t rely on drinking to get through the day. At Lotus Recovery in Wilmington, Delaware, we provide comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment.

Our substance use disorder treatment programs include an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program (OP), medication assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, evidence-based individual therapies, group therapy, and supportive aftercare resources.

When Drinking Crosses the Line

Alcohol problems don’t always look the same. Some people keep jobs and relationships together for a while. Others see obvious consequences right away. Here are common signs—shared without shame or judgment:

  • Physical signs: needing more alcohol to feel the same effect; morning shakiness; sweating; headaches; poor sleep; stomach issues; frequent colds or illnesses.
  • Emotional signs: anxiety when alcohol isn’t available; irritability; mood swings; guilt or worry about drinking; using alcohol to cope with stress, grief, or trauma.
  • Behavioral signs: hiding or minimizing alcohol use; failed attempts to cut back; drinking earlier in the day; missing obligations; conflicts at home or work; legal or financial problems.

If you see yourself here—even a little—it’s worth talking with a professional. “High-functioning” patterns are still risky and often progress over time.

Curious about alcohol addiction support?

Find out what alcohol addiction treatment can do for your life. Reach out to our addiction specialists today.

Why Quitting Cold Turkey Isn’t Always Safe

Stopping alcohol suddenly can trigger withdrawal, which ranges from mild symptoms (anxiety, tremor, insomnia) to serious complications such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). Those risks rise with heavy, long-term use or a history of withdrawal.
If you drink daily or heavily, don’t go it alone. Our team helps you decide what’s safest. Some people need a short medical detox before stepping into IOP or OP. Others can taper with medical oversight and begin outpatient treatment right away. Either way, you’ll have a plan that puts your health first.

How Alcohol Addiction Is Treated Today

Effective treatment blends medical care, counseling, skills, and support. At Lotus Recovery, your plan is individualized and may include:

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program offers more structure than regular outpatient. In behavioral healthcare, an IOP is often a step down from a more structured and demanding level of care, like residential treatment. However, it can also be the starting point for a person’s journey of recovery. An IOP includes:

  • Structured treatment several days per week with daytime or evening options.
  • A weekly mix of individual therapy, group therapy, and family involvement as appropriate.
  • Focus on cravings management, relapse-prevention skills, sleep and stress strategies, and rebuilding healthy routines.

Outpatient Program (OP)

An outpatient program is often a step-down from more intensive levels of care, like an IOP or residential treatment. It offers stability and ongoing therapy to help you maintain recovery.

  • Step-down level of care with fewer hours per week.
  • Ongoing therapy to strengthen coping skills, protect progress, and address work, family, or legal stressors while you live at home.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Alcohol

MAT is often used during the detoxification stage to help lessen the effects of withdrawal. Medically-supervised detox is essential in many cases, as the effects of alcohol withdrawal can be severe.

Vivitrol can be used to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. Vivitrol is the brand name for an injectable version of naltrexone. It is used for treating alcohol and opioid dependency.

Medication alone is not enough, however. MAT is used in conjunction with evidence-based therapies and supportive resources.

Evidence-Based Therapies (Individual & Group)

Lotus Recovery uses numerous evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches for residents of Wilmington, DE, and surrounding communities. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Group therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Family therapy
  • 12-step meetings
  • Anger management
  • Trauma therapy

Aftercare & Recovery Support

Recovery doesn’t stop when treatment ends—it shifts. At Lotus Recovery in Wilmington, we start aftercare planning early so you leave with a simple, written plan: who you’ll see, what you’ll practice, and when you’ll check in. We tailor it to your work, family, and health needs.

Aftercare matters because healing continues for months. The brain is rebalance­-ing, sleep and mood are settling, and everyday stress can still trigger urges. Regular follow-ups add accountability, catch slips early, and keep skills sharp that are used for managing cravings, setting boundaries, and caring for your body.

We connect you to practical help such as medical and mental health referrals, family education, employment or housing resources, alumni and peer support groups. Remember, you’re not alone.

Will I Have to Give Up Drinking Forever?

Many people worry about “forever.” We meet you where you are and talk honestly about your goals. For some, abstinence is the safest and simplest path. Others begin with harm-reduction steps while we build skills and stability. We’ll help you choose an approach that matches your health history, risks, and priorities, and we’ll revisit that plan as you progress.

Why Early Help Can Change the Story

Alcohol problems tend to progress, but they’re highly treatable. Getting help sooner can prevent health complications, protect relationships and work, and make change easier. You don’t have to hit a “rock bottom.” If drinking is taking up too much space in your life, that’s enough reason to reach out.

Alcohol in Delaware: What the Numbers Say

  • According to Delaware Health and Social Services, in 2022, 53.6% of Delaware adults reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. 14.0% reported binge drinking during that period, and 5.5% reported heavy drinking. These figures come from Delaware’s Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS).
  • A 2024 report published by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD) estimates that 15.7% of Delaware youth ages 12–20 used alcohol in the past month, and 11.5% engaged in binge drinking. Among ages 18–20, the estimates were 37.0% for any past-month use and 29.9% for binge drinking.
  • The Delaware Office of Highway Safety noted that from 2019–2023, Delaware recorded 5,504 impaired-driving crashes, including 246 fatalities and 442 serious injuries; 41% of traffic fatalities were related to impaired driving.

What Alcohol Addiction Treatment Looks Like at Lotus Recovery

We understand addiction, and more importantly, we understand how to treat it.  At Lotus Recovery in Wilmington, Delaware, we meet each person where they are in their treatment and recovery journey. Our approach includes:

Compassionate Assessment

We start with a thorough evaluation of your health history, withdrawal risks, mental health, medications, and goals. Together, we pick the safest starting level of care.

A Plan You Can Live With

Your schedule matters. IOP and OP sessions are designed to fit real life—work, school, caregiving—and include options for daytime or evening participation.

Whole-Person Support

We address sleep, nutrition, pain, stress, and relationships. If you’re using alcohol to manage anxiety, trauma, or depression, we’ll treat those issues too.

Care That Adapts as You Recover

As cravings drop and life stabilizes, we step you down in care, adjust medications if needed, and keep building skills for long-term recovery.

Aftercare That Keeps You Connected

You’ll leave with a clear plan and people to reach out to. You’re not doing this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will treatment take?

It varies. Many people spend several weeks in IOP, then transition to OP and aftercare. Your timeline is personalized and reviewed often.

Usually, yes. We’ll help you choose a schedule that fits your job and family responsibilities.

Relapse can happen, and it’s not a failure. We’ll help you learn from it, reinforce your plan, and continue forward.

No. Medications like naltrexone don’t create a “high.” They reduce cravings and support brain recovery while you build new habits and are always accompanied by therapy. 

A quiet, honest conversation can be the start of real change. Let Lotus Recovery lead you to a life of sobriety and enhanced well-being.

With Lotus Recovery, You’re Not Alone

If alcohol is getting in the way of the life you want, we’re here with respectful, evidence-based care in Wilmington, DE. Whether you’re ready to stop, curious about cutting back, or worried about someone you love