A number of treatment options now exist for dealing with alcoholism, and the type of treatment depends on the severity of a person’s alcoholism and the treatment resources that are available.  Treatment for alcoholism usually includes abstinence as its goal, but there is a growing number which seek to moderate their alcohol use rather than end it.  Treatment may include detoxification, taking prescribed medications, attending support meetings, and individual or group counseling.

Alcoholism varies depending on age, ethnicity, income, education, religion, and many other factors.  The treatment for alcoholism which fails to take these factors into account is less likely to be successful than methods which do.

While alcoholism is treatable, the “road” could be less than smooth.  Individuals who are determined to stay sober may suffer one or more relapses before achieving long-term sobriety. Relapses are very common and do not mean that a person has failed or cannot eventually recover from alcoholism.  Recovery from alcoholism, whether seen as sobriety or moderation, can be achieved with sufficient effort, perseverance and time.

First, it must be determined whether inpatient or outpatient care would best benefit the individual.

Inpatient treatment for alcoholism is done in a general or psychiatric hospital or in a center dedicated to treatment of alcohol (also known as inpatient rehab centers).  It is recommended for the following individuals:
  • with a coexisting medical or psychiatric disorder
  • with delirium tremens
  • who are a danger to themselves or others
  • who have not responded to a previous treatment for alcoholism
  • who have a disruptive living environment

Inpatient Addiction Treatment Options.

A typical inpatient treatment regimen may include the following components:
  • A physical and psychiatric evaluation to identify any physical or mental disorders
  • Detoxification – which involves managing withdrawal symptoms, complications, and the physical effects of alcoholism
  • Treatment with medications in some cases
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • An introduction to support groups which promote the treatment for alcoholism.

Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Options.

People with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms are usually treated as outpatients.  Newer studies strongly suggest that alcoholism can be effectively treated in a doctor's office.  

AA or Another Way.

Non-traditional treatment for alcoholism has always recognized that 12-Step models work for some individuals but not for most, at least not for very long.  While AA is generally seen as an effective mutual help program for recovering alcoholics, not everyone responds to AA's program and its character.

Many believe that the only way to control the devastating addiction of alcohol is total abstinence.  According to a number of researchers and some who have struggled with alcohol, the long-held views of AA and other 12-step programs are only helpful to a small segment of the population. Abstinence alcoholics say, may be the only remedy for some people, but not necessarily for others.  These individuals are helped to make an informed decision about whether to pursue moderation over abstinence, and go on to define goals specific to their needs, examine the negative effects of their alcohol use, identify their own triggers, and learn to take control of their behavior.

http://www.AAalternative.com
http://www.HabitDoc.com
http://www.AddictionInfo.org
http://www.SelfHelpGroupLocator.com