Treating Alcohol Abuse

In 2008, 19 million people aged 12 and above needed treatment for alcohol use. Of these, 1.2 million were between the ages of 12 and 17.

Treatment methods for alcohol abuse include inpatient outpatient services, partial hospitalization, detoxification, methadone maintenance therapy, Twelve-step support groups, and sober living houses. Some suggest that a guide for effective treatment should include assistance in physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Is Outpatient Service Right for me?

Outpatient services usually vary in intensity and duration. Programs may include psycho-education, relapse prevention, and individual, family, and group counseling. These typically run 2-6 hours each week. Persons may want to consider outpatient service if:

• They want to incorporate treatment into their everyday work schedule.
• They are without the means to afford inpatient services.
• They do not want to be away from family for an extended period.
• They will receive additional support from family, and home life will provide an alcohol free environment.¹

Research has found that successful prevention and alcohol treatment programs effect significant reductions in heart disease, strokes, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, cancer, HIV, crime, and traffic fatalities. Furthermore, quality alcohol treatment has been shown to improve health, quality of life, and job performance while simultaneously reducing drug use, family dysfunction, and crime.