Treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence is aimed at teaching patients how to manage the disease. Most professionals believe that this means giving up alcohol completely and permanently.

The first and most important step is recognizing a problem exists. Successful treatment depends on your desire to change. Your doctor can help you withdraw from alcohol safely. This could require hospitalization in a detoxification center. They will carefully monitor you for side effects. You may need medication while you are undergoing detoxification.

Treatments include:

Medications

Drugs can help relieve some of the symptoms of withdrawal and help prevent relapse. The doctor may prescribe medication to reduce cravings for alcohol.

Medications used to treat alcoholism and to try to prevent drinking include:

• Naltrexone (ReVia)-blocks the high that makes you crave alcohol
• Disulfiram (Antabuse)-makes you very sick if you drink alcohol
• Acamprosate (Campral)-reduces your craving for alcohol

A study showed that an anticonvulsant drug, topiramate (Topamax), may reduce alcohol dependence.

Education and Counseling

Therapy helps you to recognize alcohol’s dangers. Education raises awareness of underlying issues and lifestyles that promote drinking. In therapy, you work to improve coping skills and learn other ways of dealing with stress or pain.

Mentoring and Community Help

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helps many people to stop drinking and stay sober. Members meet regularly and support each other. Your family members may also benefit from attending meetings of Al-Anon. Living with an alcoholic can be a painful, stressful situation.

Here are some general statistics on treatment outcomes of individuals one year after attempting to stop drinking:

• 1/3 remained abstinent
• 1/3 resumed drinking but at a lower level
• 1/3 relapsed completely

If you are diagnosed with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, follow your doctor’s instructions.