How to Find Treatment for Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a serious illness that creates rifts in a family, bad health and suffering for the alcoholic and their loved ones. Treatment options are extremely varied and finding the appropriate treatment for the individual is an important part of beating alcoholism and regaining a healthy life. Treatments vary from joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous to getting personal counseling, but finding the best option makes beating alcoholism easier.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to a doctor. Alcoholism is a challenge to overcome and sometimes breaking free of the addiction to alcohol takes a little help from a medical professional. Doctors can prescribe a medication that helps stop the drinking by making the alcoholic very sick after drinking even a small amount of alcohol. For some, this treatment alone can break the habit. For others, further treatment is needed, but this can help get started.

• 2

  Try a 12-step program. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most famous 12-step program for alcoholism, but there are others available. These are located in many communities around the country. Counselors, psychologists, doctors and other professionals can give details about locations in your local area. Alcoholics Anonymous has proven successful for many members that stick with the program and other similar programs have success as well.

• 3

  Look into local rehab centers. Like a 12-step program, information about local centers is available through many medical facilities, counselors or other similar professionals. Social workers are able to help alcoholics that want or need help through a rehab center by helping them get into the center or locating the most ideal center for the situation. There are two types of rehab centers: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient rehab centers take the alcoholic out of the environment for a specific period of time, detoxify the body and get them started on an alcohol-free life. Many inpatient centers are unsuccessful due to the stress outside the facility later, though some individuals do well with an inpatient center. Outpatient centers meet with the alcoholic for specified time periods through the week and help them with counseling and other needs. The alcoholic is not removed from the environment. Outpatient centers are slightly more successful than inpatient.

• 4

  Talk to a psychologist. A local psychologist is a good option for alcoholism when the problem started due to emotional stress or similar situations. Make sure to go to a psychologist that works with adults. Ask a doctor for a recommendation, as the many options can be confusing. Keep in mind that many psychologists are specialized in certain areas and the appropriate psychologist is one that provides counseling for drug or alcohol addiction.