How to Get Help for Alcohol

It is impossible to create a one-size-fits-all treatment plan for alcohol abuse or addiction. According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 15.2 million Americans battle alcohol abuse and addiction each year. Luckily, a variety of treatment options exist for individuals who realize they need help with alcohol.



It can be difficult to recognize the difference between healthy alcohol consumption and excessive alcohol consumption. Signs of alcohol abuse include guilt or shame about drinking, hiding drinking habits from others, engaging in risky activities and using alcohol as a way to relax. Signs of alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, include increased alcohol tolerance levels, lack of interest in daily activities, difficulty limiting alcohol intake and withdrawal symptoms, such as shaky hands or depression.



Don't ignore the signs of alcohol abuse or addiction. Find the method of treatment that works best for you.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your insurance company. Alcoholism is a recognized medical condition. Treatment options such as medication and rehabilitation are available under many health insurance plans.

  If privacy is a concern, you may wish to choose a treatment option that does not require health insurance. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals with a history of substance abuse or alcoholism, but you may not want your employer to know that you are seeking help for an alcohol-related problem. An employer cannot ask for details of your treatment, but he can require you to bring a doctor's note before allowing you to return to work or paying sick leave benefits. If your doctor's note or work release comes from a well-known substance abuse rehabilitation center, your employer will know that you are receiving treatment for a condition related to drugs or alcohol.

• 2

  Use your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to find treatment options. EAP records are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as well as the Confidentiality Law. Any treatment you receive from your EAP will be kept confidential.

• 3

  Speak with an admissions nurse at your local mental hospital. Substance abuse and mental illness often go hand in hand, but help is also available for individuals without a mental health condition. Mental hospitals offer inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for alcohol abuse and addiction. If you are not comfortable receiving treatment at a psychiatric hospital, ask the nurse to recommend other appropriate treatment options.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor. He can prescribe a medication to curb alcohol-related cravings. Specific vitamins may also be recommend to compensate for nutritional deficiencies related to alcohol abuse.

• 5

  Attend a support group. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most well-known groups, although it certainly isn't the only alcohol support group. Other support groups can be found at psychiatric centers and hospitals.

• 6

  Join an online support group. Not everybody is comfortable discussing their alcohol dependence in front of a room full of strangers. Locate online support groups by using a site such as Daily Strength, an online support group finder with access to over 500 communities.

• 7

  Participate in an online forum. This will allow you to connect with others on your own time if your schedule is too hectic for meetings and support groups. SoberRecovery.com offers an online forum for alcoholism. Miracles In Progress has several forums for recovering alcoholics of all ages.

• 8

  Stay busy. Find activities and events that do not involve alcohol. Avoid friends and family members who encourage you to drink.

• 9

  Take care of your body. Eat well, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.