1. Enter Treatment as Early as Possible
The earlier someone with a drinking problem enters treatment, the more likely he will be successful. Over the long-term, heavy drinking leads to stronger addiction and more extensive health problems. If you think you might have a drinking problem, talk to a professional about getting help. If you aren't ready to stop drinking, consider drinking less often or cutting down the number of drinks you consume.
2. The Treatment Approach Should be Specific to the Person
The kind of treatment that is a good match for you depends on many factors, including the severity of the alcohol addiction, age, gender and religious beliefs. Treatment often starts with safely removing alcohol from your body (detoxification). Once drinking stops, medications (e.g. Antabuse) can be used to prevent relapse. Individual and group counseling is offered in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide support throughout the treatment and recovery process. Some programs include other kinds of services, such as job training and parenting classes. In order for treatment to be effective, you need to find a program that fits with your needs and personality.
3. Counseling Plays an Important Role
A critical component of alcohol treatment is gaining a better understanding of why you drink. This may include exploring events from your childhood and analyzing relationships with family members, romantic partners and friends. A patient in alcohol treatment works with therapists to understand triggers in his life that lead him to turn to drinking and to identify healthier alternatives he can use in the future to avoid returning to alcohol. Group therapy can provide you with support from peers who are going through a similar experience. Sometimes therapy will also include family members and romantic partners.
4. Self-Help Groups Provide Ongoing Support
An important part of treatment for many people with alcohol issues is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a 12-step program that provides support and camaraderie for recovering alcoholics. Members receive support to stay sober through regular attendance at meetings and a sponsor whom they can call any time they need a little extra help. While this famous 12-step program has been criticized for many reasons, including its emphasis on believing in a higher power and encouraging cult-like behavior, for many people it is an integral part of attaining long-term sobriety.
5. Relapse is Part of the Recovery Process
The majority of people who complete treatment programs relapse at least one time before maintaining long-term sobriety. Relapse is part of the process and should not be considered a failure. If relapse does occur, appropriate support to stop drinking again should be sought. For some people, on-going long-term therapy or attendance at AA meetings is a necessary part of remaining sober.
