Treatment:

Completely stopping the use of alcohol is the ideal goal of treatment. This is called abstinence. A strong social network and family support are important in achieving this.

Completely stopping and avoiding alcohol is difficult for many people with alcoholism. There will be times when it is difficult. You should aim to avoid drinking for as long as possible.

Some people who abuse alcohol may be able to simply reduce the amount they drink. This is called drinking in moderation. If this method does not work, you should try to quit drinking completely.

DECIDING TO QUIT

Many people with alcohol problems do not recognize when their drinking gets out of hand.

The ideal approach to treatment is to help the person realize how much their alcohol use is harming their life and those around them.

Studies find that more people with alcohol problems opt for treatment when their family members or employers are honest with them about their concerns, and try to help them see that drinking is preventing them from reaching their goals.

Withdrawal from alcohol is best done in a controlled, supervised setting. Complications from withdrawal can be life threatening. For more information, see: Alcohol withdrawal

Your health care provider should order blood and urine tests to check for health problems that are common in people who abuse alcohol.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT

Alcohol recovery or support programs can help you stop drinking completely. These programs usually offer:

• Counseling and therapy to discuss alcoholism and its effects and how to control your thoughts and behaviors
• Mental health support
• Medical care

You may be treated in a special recovery center (inpatient), or you may attend a program while you live at home (outpatient).

Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent you from drinking again.

• Acamprosate is a drug that has been shown to lower relapse rates in those who are alcohol dependent.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces very unpleasant side effects if you drink even a small amount of alcohol within 2 weeks after taking the drug.
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol) decreases alcohol cravings. It is available in an injectable form.

You cannot take these medications if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. The medications are often used with long-term treatment with counseling or support groups.

Depression or other mood or anxiety disorders may be noticed after you stop drinking. These should be promptly treated.

It is important that the patient has a living situation that supports their need to avoid alcohol. Some programs offer housing options for people with alcoholism or alcohol abuse.

Support Groups:

Support groups are available to help people who are dealing with alcoholism.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and specific steps for people recovering from alcohol dependence. The program is commonly called a "12-step" approach. There are local chapters throughout the United States.

AA offers help 24 hours a day and teaches that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking.

AL-ANON

Family members of a person with an alcohol abuse problem often need counseling. Al-Anon is a support group for partners and others who are affected by someone else's alcoholism.

Alateen provides support for teenage children of people with alcoholism.

OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS

Several other support groups are available.

• SMART recovery teaches you have to change your thoughts and behaviors to help people with alcoholism recover.
• LifeRing recovery and SOS are two nonreligious programs that offer support for people with alcohol abuse.
• Women for Sobriety is a self-help group just for women.
• Moderation Management is a program for those who want to reduce how much they drink. It recommends abstinence for people who cannot do this.

See also: Alcoholism - support group

Expectations (prognosis):

How well a person with alcoholism or alcohol abuse does depends on whether or not they can stop drinking.

Alcoholism is a major social, economic, and public health problem. Problem drinking can affect every part of a person's life. If you have an alcohol problem, abstinence can help improve your mental and physical health and possibly, your relationships.

Treatment programs can help you quit. However, drinking again after treatment is common. It is important to have a good support system.

Complications:

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can increase your risk of many health problems, including:

• Bleeding in the digestive tract
• Brain cell damage
• Brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Cancer of the esophagus, liver, colon, and other areas
• Changes in the menstrual cycle (period)
• Delirium tremens (DT's)
• Dementia and memory loss
• Depression and suicide
• Erectile dysfunction
• Heart damage
• High blood pressure
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis
• Nerve damage
• Poor nutrition
• Sleeping problems (insomnia)

Alcohol use also increases your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and violence.

Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can lead to severe birth defects in the baby. See: Fetal alcohol syndrome

Calling your health care provider:

Seek immediate medical care or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if:

• You or someone you know has alcohol dependence and develops severe confusion, seizures, or bleeding