Skeptical of the unstructured, one-size-fits-all approach of many traditional recovery programs? We were too.
That’s why our founder Mike built Monument. Medical research informs all of our programming, success means getting you measurable results, and transparency guides everything we do.
Considering a treatment plan, or recently signed up? Here’s the breakdown of how our Physician Care plans and Total Care plans (Weekly & Bi-Weekly) work, starting with Day 1.
What To Expect From Physician Care
Day 1: You’ve signed up for your plan and are ready to make progress. Congrats! That’s an incredible first step. You’ll complete your medical intake form to start personalizing your treatment.
- Answer questions about your medical history
- Answer questions about your drinking habits
- Define your current goal for sobriety or moderation – this can change!
Week 1: Schedule your 1st physician appointment
- You’ll be matched with a licensed physician that has extensive experience treating substance use disorders. You can schedule your first appointment whenever is most convenient for you.
Week 1 (or as soon as you’re available): Meet with your physician for your introductory appointment:
- You and your physician will review your:
- Medical history
- Drinking history
- Alcohol use disorder diagnosis
- Goals for sobriety or moderation
- Medication options
- If they deem it safe and appropriate, your physician will prescribe either naltrexone or disulfiram, which are FDA-approved medications to stop drinking. You can get your prescription filled electronically and delivered to your door or local pharmacy.
- Reminder: this is a judgment-free space, where you can speak honestly and openly
Month 2: Meet with your physician for your check-up appointment to review your progress and make adjustments as needed
- You’ll check in on:
- Medication effectiveness
- Side effects if present (and how to manage them)
- Progress made towards your goals
- Any changes to your health and wellness
Every 3 Months: Meet with your physician to check-in on your goals
- You’ll check in on:
- Prescription refills
- Medication effectiveness
- Progress made towards goals
- Any changes to your health and wellness
What To Expect From Total Care: Physician Care & Therapy
Total Care plans include all of the benefits and appointments of the Physician Care plan, with the addition of specialized therapy on a bi-weekly or weekly basis, and unlimited physician appointments. Therapists will customize an alcohol therapy program to your needs and goals, using modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
Wondering why research suggests therapy is an effective tool for reducing alcohol consumption?
- Cognitive behavioral therapy will help you:
- Develop healthier coping skills to replace alcohol
- Cope with cravings and urges to drink
- Manage thoughts about alcohol and drinking
- Tolerate negative feelings
- Improve problem solving skills
- Build drink refusal skills
- Plan for emergencies and cope with setbacks
- Address anxiety and depression, which influence drinking habits
- Motivational interviewing will help you:
- Establish supportive, enriching relationships
- Identify goals to work towards
- Find your inner motivation to make a change
- Develop a commitment to your goals and formulate an action plan
Reminder: Therapy is a safe space where you can bring your entire self, and know that you will receive judgement-free, compassion-first guidance and encouragement. Here are some tips for how to get the most out of your therapy sessions.
What To Do In-Between Appointments
Regardless of your plan type, you can seek support from Monument at any time, in whatever way works best for you. To help stay accountable to your goals, we recommend the following activities between your appointments:
- Post at least once a week in the anonymous community forum to check in with other members on your progress, and offer others advice. Both giving and receiving support can help reaffirm your commitment to your goals.
- Attend therapist-moderated online alcohol support groups on a range of topics related to changing your relationship with alcohol. Attending groups is great for processing emotions, combating alcohol cravings, practicing accountability, and connecting with others.
- Explore our Reading & Resources to gain further expert insight and read personal stories on topics related to changing your relationship with alcohol
- Complete a weekly self-assessment to track your progress over time. If you’re enrolled in a Total Care plan, you can review this with your therapist.
- Take your medication (if applicable) as directed by your physician
- Message your physician over chat with any non-time sensitive questions. (For emergency medical issues, call 911)
Managing your drinking through quarantine
‘How long should I be in my plan?’
Everyone’s journey is unique, and treatment is personalized to your needs and goals. So, there is no set duration for treatment plans. It’s important to know that you don’t need to see the entire staircase to take the first step. Signing up for online alcohol treatment with Monument is an act of self-care, and seemingly small steps can cascade into incredible progress.
It’s also helpful to remember that changing your relationship with alcohol is often a non-linear journey, complete with ups and downs. Here’s more on what you can expect from your alcohol recovery timeline in regards to your physical and mental health. As long as treatment is beneficial to you, we recommend you continue to engage with your tools and Care Team to build upon your progress and prevent setbacks. You can do this, and we’re here for you along the way.
About the Author
Holli is a licensed mental health counselor/licensed professional counselor in the state of NY and NJ with over 14 years of experience working in the field. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals, and creating a safe place for that to be done. Her therapeutic approach is unique to you and your needs, often utilizing a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance.