What Kind of Treatment is there for an Alcoholic?

Alcoholism IS a treatable disease and, of course, treatment is dependent on the severity of the individual’s alcoholism.  Because alcoholism is an physical and mental addiction, treatment typically can cover both these aspects.  The goal is to get sober and prevent a relapse.

Part of the treatment may include detoxification (or detox).  Detox is a safe method of flushing out the alcohol that’s in your body and treat the physical addiction.  Alcohol detox typically takes place in a hospital or treatment center where there are medical professionals to oversee the process.  Medication may also be needed to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.  Detox alone does not overcome alcoholism.

Detoxification treatment is then followed by a combination of supportive therapy and self-help groups.  The alcoholic needs to identify the reasons that they drink.  What are their triggers?  What leads them to drinking?  Counseling will then go to work on teaching them to find coping strategies that don’t include alcohol.  Along with learning these coping strategies, the alcoholic will also need to learn how to take steps to improve dealing with work, family, society and other areas of their lives that may be difficult and stressful.  Treatment and recovery support you in making positive changes so you can live without alcohol.

Relapses are common and this is why it is important that even after successful recovery, ongoing support is provided.  Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous provide the ongoing support needed to help alcoholics remain sober. 

Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the more well known support groups available, but may not be everyone’s style.  However, there are no shortage of recovery programs available each taking on a unique approach.  Recovery is a long-term process.

How Successful are Alcohol Treatment Programs?

If completion of a treatment program is grounds for success, then we are looking at an almost 100% success rate.  However, the question needs to be asked - How many relapse?  Studies suggest that one year after completing an alcohol rehabilitation program, 33% are still sober.  An addition 40% are substantially improved but still indulge in heavy drinking occasionally and the remainder have relapsed completely.  In comparison, those that quit without the aid of a treatment program have a 5% success rate.

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