Find help for substance abuse
Friends and family members of people who have an alcohol addiction can benefit from professional support or by joining programs like Al-Anon. A drug addiction treatment lapse signals the treatment plan needs adjusting, not that you’ve failed. Clinicians may step you up to a higher level of care, tweak medications, or increase counseling frequency.

Two main components of professionally led treatment
Research shows that online therapy can help improve symptoms of those who are living with alcohol use disorder or similar concerns. Another research study conducted a literature review and found that Internet interventions are effective in reducing adult alcohol consumption. While getting sober is an important first step, it is only the beginning of your recovery from alcohol addiction or heavy drinking. Before starting the treatment process, a person must first recognize their condition and have a desire to quit drinking.

Treatment Locators
- Before your meeting, prepare what you will offer as far as support for someone with alcoholism.
- Many individuals will transition to a second-stage facility with less structure or continue with their group support meetings.
- Recent research suggests that an integrated, stepped strategy produces better success rates and long term results compared to one-size-fits-all programs.
- Relapse prevention techniques like therapy, counseling, support groups, and medication may help a person remain abstinent from alcohol.
Approximately 7.9 million Americans classify as dual-diagnosis (with any substance and any disorder). Among this population, alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance, alcohol addiction help much like in the population as a whole. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an alcohol problem, get support from a licensed therapist. Search our directory, compare programs, and start recovering today. One of the most important steps in the journey to an addiction-free life is to stay on track once you’ve started. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access to take advantage of these flexible options for care and support.
Seek emergency medical help if you experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms:
When you’re ready to heal, these treatment options can help you make sense of your trauma. Trusted resources include national hotlines for immediate help, support groups, and professional therapist locators. A person with alcohol addiction may prioritize alcohol, continue drinking despite negative consequences, and/or become consumed by acquiring, drinking, and recovering from alcohol. While medications can improve an individual’s chance of recovery, they work best when paired with evidence-based treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Medical detox can occur at a residential facility, a separate treatment facility, or even at home, depending on the severity of your alcohol addiction. Some short-term effects of alcohol are relatively minor, while others can pose a greater risk to the drinker’s health—especially if more alcohol is consumed in a short period of time.
- Integrated treatment lowers relapse and suicide risk while improving overall quality of life.
- The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD.
- Some offer full services to cover mental health and medical care and other support.
- Some people with an alcohol use disorder will go to great lengths to obtain and use alcohol, even if it means lying or putting themselves at risk.
- A health provider can not only diagnose alcoholism, but can refer you to top-rated rehab facilities and walk you through the recovery process.