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Help for expats with alcohol addiction issues in Andalucia
Whether it's sipping on a cocktail or enjoying a few beers with friends, most people in today's society class themselves as "drinkers". Most countries in the world have an entrenched drinking culture, and the sun-soaked land of Spain is no exception.
But what if you find you can't stop drinking at the same time as everyone else? What if you start feeling that you don't simply want a glass of rosé, you need one? Do you crave alcohol when there's none in the house?
These are just some indicators of an alcohol dependence or addiction, known in the clinical community as Alcohol Use Disorder. Those inflicted might have told themselves that they can stop whenever they like, but their chances of success are slim without professional help.
Drinking culture in Andalucía
With various expat communities dotted along the coast [1] and in the hills, the Andalucía region is a thriving area of Spain.
Even those who live rurally are in striking distance of larger settlements such as Seville and Málaga, each coming with their own bars, restaurants, and nightlife options.
With consistently good weather and a neverending holiday feeling, even long-term expats are caught up in a cycle of drinking. Sitting on the terrace with a bottle of wine, or going to the local bar for some beers is a casual pastime for both locals and foreigners in Andalucía.
Sadly, more expats than ever are being diagnosed with alcohol addictions, whether they picked up a dependence during pandemic isolation, or found their drinking habit had morphed into something serious.
Worried about seeking help? You're not alone
Seeking help for an ongoing alcohol problem might sound easy, but it's rarely straightforward, especially when you live abroad. Though Spain might not be far removed from their home countries, many expats worry about the standard of Health care offered. It can be hard to place trust in a foreign healthcare system, particularly if you can't speak the local language.
Thankfully, expats can rest assured that the Spanish healthcare system, and particularly the Andalusian region, is home to exceptional healthcare. They'll receive the same quality of treatment for their alcohol addiction as they would at home.
Another reason people avoid seeking help for addiction when they need it is the stigma surrounding alcoholism. Friends and family might not believe that they have a problem, as many people assume addiction is a state of mind rather than an illness. Thankfully, there are myriad ways to seek help in the Analucía region.
Treatment options in Andalucía
Here in Andalucia, there are treatment options to suit every budget and addiction severity. Whether you're starting to question your relationship with alcohol or have a loved one who needs to check into rehab, there's a wealth of support available.
Spain has two primary treatment options: state-funded healthcare and private [2] rehab clinics, and this is often the first decision those struggling with alcohol abuse need to make.
From here, patients can choose supplementary treatments to ensure they stay safe during their recovery, with many expats opting to join local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.
1. State healthcare
As many expats will already be aware, Spain provides accessible treatment to long-term expats, foreigners, and locals via the Spanish National Health System [3].
Operating within this world-class system is the Andalusian Health Service (Servicio Andaluz de Salud, SAS) [4], a community-level service offering preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.
Anyone contributing to social security is entitled to a health card, which is often your key to accessing free healthcare services in Andalucía. Thankfully, this gives anyone living and working in Spain the right to free healthcare, where they'll have access to the same treatment as Spanish citizens.
However, this might leave expat retirees wondering where they stand regarding the national health service and where they can turn for help.
Instead of paying social security, retired individuals can use the S1 form to access Spanish public healthcare. This is even simpler for EU residents, who can use their European Health Insurance Card to access treatment at a reduced cost, or for free.
As a long-term expat, your first port of call will either be your local GP or visit the urgent care department at your nearest hospital. Once again, this will depend entirely on your needs or the severity of your loved one.
For example, if someone's alcohol dependency isn't directly life-threatening, a GP will be able to refer them for specialised addiction treatment. But if someone is suffering from alcohol withdrawal or overdose, seeking emergency treatment and detox is crucial.
Typically, hospitals in the Andalucía region offer outpatient treatment for those battling alcohol addiction.
Rather than stay on-site and work through therapy, outpatients attend pre-organised treatment sessions, such as behavioural therapy or detox management.
2. Private addiction treatment
However, for many victims of Alcohol Use Disorder, outpatient care isn't enough to guide them through the toughest days of their recovery.
Oftentimes, drinking problems begin in the home, and so returning there prematurely can trigger a relapse.
To ensure they receive specialist, alcoholism rehabilitation in Spain [5] while skipping hospital waiting times, many expats opt for private treatment. In Andalucía, there are various alcohol rehab clinics catered towards expat communities in the area.
Unlike hospital treatment, rehab clinics are almost entirely residential, providing integrated bed, board, and various treatments.
While some patients may find it difficult to be away from their homes, this is often needed to overcome alcohol addiction.
3. Fellowship groups
Fellowship groups are a lifeline for most people in addiction recovery, as these community-based networks allow victims of alcoholism the space to connect and share.
Since 1951, the primary support network for those working through their addictions has been the worldwide Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) [6].
AA Spain holds groups across the country, and its methods can be found at work in treatment and correctional centres. As the second largest region in Spain, Andalucía is home to various AA communities, located in both its cities and smaller towns.
Unlike private treatment centres, AA meetings are free to attend and accessible to anyone in the community who desires an alcohol-free life. During online or in-person meetings, members discuss their alcohol addiction stories, share coping mechanisms, and generally support one another through recovery.
However, AA meetings are more than simply listening to others and sharing your story. Members work through the 12-step approach to alcohol addiction recovery, a set of guiding principles proven to make sobriety more achievable.
Those looking for an English-speaking group in their area of Andalucía can check the AA meetings page and browse the various options. Because this region is a popular area for expats and tourists, language-specific meetings are plentiful.
What is the cost of alcohol rehab in Andalucía?
For most people, the prospect of seeking help for their alcohol problem comes with financial considerations.
Residential rehab clinics are famously expensive, but while luxury centres come with a considerable price tag, there are plenty of budget options to choose from in Andalucía.
To attend a programme that includes accommodation, three meals per day, and various treatments, clients pay anywhere between €5,000 and upwards of €20,000 per 28 days.
While one month is considered the standard time for an iterated alcohol recovery programme, some people choose to spend between 60 and 90 days convalescing.
Because private health insurance [7] remains popular among expats and locals in Spain, many rehab clinics accept this as a form of payment.
This makes accessing English-speaking specialists easier and simplifies the referral process for those already struggling.
References
[1] Andalucia Today: Playa de la Victoria and Playa de la Cortadura, Cádiz: Costa de la Luz Beach Guide ! Andalucia Today - Playa De La Victoria And Playa De La Cortadura, Cadiz: Costa De La Luz Beach Guide
[2] Ministerio De Sanidad Ministerio de Sanidad
[3] Andalucia Today: Invest In Your Healthcare in Andalucia ! Andalucia Today - Invest In Your Healthcare In Andalucia
[4] the Andalusian Health Service (Servicio Andaluz de Salud, SAS) Home | Andalusian Health Service - Junta de Andalucía (juntadeandalucia.es)
[5] Rehab 4 Addiction: Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Spain and Near Spain Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment in Spain & Near Spain (rehab4addiction.co.uk)
[6] Alcoholics Anonymous Spain Alcoholics Anonymous Spain - Official Website (alcoholicos-anonimos.org)
[7] AndaluciaToday: 6 Key Factors For Choosing A Good Health Insurance In Spain ! Spanish News Today - 6 Key Factors For Choosing A Good Health Insurance In Spain
