Monument Alcohol Treatment Review: Price, Services & How It Works

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects a large percentage of people living in the U.S. A study done by the NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) reveals that 14.5 million people ages 12 and older suffer from AUD.

As this study was conducted before the pandemic, it’s safe to say that the numbers have since increased, with multiple factors like job security and job loss, loneliness and anxiety leading to more people using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Luckily, the pandemic has also prompted the growth of telehealth institutions that offer at-home treatments for people suffering from different issues, one of which is Monument Alcohol Treatment.

What is Monument Alcohol Treatment?

While quite new, Monument Alcohol Treatment is an online telehealth platform designed to help clients connect to professionals to help change their relationship with alcohol.

The platform started in May 2020, when Monument’s founder Mike Russell struggled with seeking support to battle his alcohol addiction. Since then, therapy and medication management has increased to 18 states, with plans to increase in the near future.

How Does it Work?

As an online alcohol treatment program, every part of the process is done online, giving you much-needed help from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Your journey with Monument’s program starts on the homepage, which greets you with a message saying “Online alcohol treatment on your terms.” From there, the sign-up is a straightforward process that shouldn't take much of your time and only requires a nickname and a summary of your medical history.

Once you’ve signed up, you can either join Monument’s free, moderated support groups or subscribe to a monthly membership for treatment. For the free support groups, each meeting is therapist-moderated to ensure all information is correct.

If you wish for a paid monthly membership, you will be given access to one-on-one therapy sessions with licensed professionals, whom you can speak with via a scheduled video call. From there, you and your physician can decide whether you need medication or not, while also talking about any factors that fuel your AUD.

It’s worth noting that Monument goes the extra mile by recommending in-person supervision for safety since it’s a condition where online care alone won’t be enough.

What Are Monument’s Medication Options?

Much like any other health condition, alcohol use disorder is treatable with prescribed medication, something that Monument also provides.

If your physician decides you need medication as part of your alcohol treatment, Monument can send a prescription to either its partner pharmacy or your preferred one.

The two medicines that Monument often prescribes are:

Naltrexone – This is recommended for people who want to cut back on drinking or stop altogether. By disrupting your body’s reward centers involved in drinking alcohol, you can help prevent alcohol cravings. More specifically, this drug prevents your endorphins from binding to your receptors, making alcohol less appealing.

Common side effects include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle pain and some dizziness. Because of this, consulting a professional beforehand is very important.

Disulfiram – The other common medication is Disulfiram, also known by its brand name Antabuse. This medication is for those who want to stop drinking completely, as it increases your sensitivity and causes hangover effects to be immediately present. Because of this, it’s effective for stopping drinking.

Its side effects include drowsiness, tiredness, headache, acne and a metallic taste in the mouth. This medication is only prescribed to people who are completely abstaining from alcohol.

Monument Pricing

One of the best features of Monument is its affordable pricing, offered through four different treatment plans, which includes:

Community Membership: Free!

Physician Care Plan: One-time payment of $45 then $9.99 a month

• One initial physician appointment
• Medication management (if needed)
• Unlimited chat messaging with your physician
• Access to free community forums and support groups

The Total Care Plan, bi-weekly: $149 a month

• Two therapy appointments a month with a therapist specializing in addiction
• Unlimited doctor appointments
• Medication management
• Unlimited chat with physician and therapist
• Access to free community forums and support groups

The Total Care Plan, weekly: $249 a month

• Everything in the total care biweekly plan
• Four therapy sessions with a therapist specializing in addiction

Subsequent follow-up appointments are not included with the plan costing $45 each. Monument also works with major insurance providers.

The Monument Difference

What sets Monument apart is how easy and convenient it is to use. With online therapy, you can schedule appointments and communicate with your doctor from the safety of your home, making it easier for those who struggle with face-to-face meetings. The free community forums and support groups also make it accessible for anyone who doesn't have the budget to pay for therapy.

It also offers one of the most comprehensive alcohol treatment plans for recovery at an affordable price, with its professional and licensed team working hard to erase the culture of being shamed for addiction.

This holistic approach to alcohol abuse recovery makes the first step easier for many.

Conclusion

Today more than ever, many people turn to alcohol abuse because of factors like stress and anxiety and it’s often hard to shift gears once you start. Luckily, if you have any desire to change your life for the better, then Monument is worth it.

By making alcohol abuse treatment more accessible to anyone and backing it up with a community of specialized physicians, therapists and community members, positive change is easier to achieve.

You may learn more about Monument by clicking here.