Effective help with alcohol abuse and dependence is hard to come by, despite large numbers of treatment programs. The problem is that a majority of these programs have grown from a single - and ineffective - male model whose business success has long overridden client needs despite dismal outcomes.  The result, for women, is that most options omit a number of the research based components...

While A.A. with its 12-step approach has helped millions of  people over the last 60-plus years, there is no evidence that A.A. is better than other approaches for everyone.

Brief interventions -- either in person or by telephone -- are a very powerful and effective way to help people reduce their intake of alcohol or drugs to a more responsible level, and even quit completely.

Let's take two examples here, one being pornography and one being gambling. How would we desensitize someone to these sort of stimuli?

Dual diagnosis services are treatments for people who suffer from co-occurring disorders -- mental illness and substance abuse. Research has strongly indicated that to recover fully, a consumer with co-occurring disorder needs treatment for both problems.

Many people with alcohol problems aren't going to find services readily available. It can be a matter of distance, of a lack in confidentiality (who wants to be seen parking their vehicle outside the local rehab storefront?) a difference in philosophy, or any of a dozen other reasons. That leads to seeking help from afar and that precludes a year's ongoing physical involvement.

"I think my husband would do best coming to your accelerated outpatient program. But I want the SOB to suffer like I have! What's the most punitive, ninety day, residential program you know of?" Obviously there are a number of factors to consider when picking a treatment program, and some are emotional as well as practical.

Addiction can be difficult for both the addict and their family members. What can be even more difficult is finding the right treatment for an individual. What is treatment? How do you know how to choose the right program? What questions should one ask a treatment provider? In this film, leading experts answer these questions and offer knowledge on evidence-based treatments (those proven effective). They detail the first steps to take to find the right program for an addict, ideally a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.

Theories take control out of the hands of the addicted person when, in fact, only by taking control over addiction can a person put an end to it. They often need drug detox and drug rehab to help them - but millions of people have overcome addiction. And anyone can do it given the right tools.

Finally, good. effective treatment for alcohol related problems is available. Multiple outcome options, individually developed, cost effective, time limited, and without stigma or life long adherence to rituals and self-deprecation.