Alcoholism affects 17.6 million Americans, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Symptoms include craving, dependence, tolerance and loss of control. There are several types of treatment for alcohol addiction.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous® (AA) is a "fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism." AA uses what is known as a "twelve-step program" to sobriety. Abstinence is its key feature. AA has more than two million members and meetings can be found in almost every community.
Psychotherapy
Working with a psychologist to overcome alcoholism can be very beneficial. Psychologists use several different methods to help modify drinking problems. By identifying circumstances that trigger drinking and enhancing the motivational factors to quit, psychologists can be very effective. According to the American Psychological Association, treating co-occuring psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety can enhance the chances of recovery.
Medications
In conjunction with a behavior modification program, a medical professional may recommend drug therapy. Naltrexone is a medication that decreases cravings, according to the National Institute of Health. Antabuse, or disulfiram, produces significant nausea and vomiting when even the smallest amount of alcohol is consumed, and Acamprosate lowers relapse rates.
