Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism)

Prevention

There is no absolute way to prevent alcoholism. However, strong family support and solid relationships with non-drinking friends can help. Children of alcoholics can contact Alateen by calling (888) 425-2666.

Treatment

Once a person has lost control of his or her drinking, it is difficult to go back to drinking moderate amounts. Thus the goal of treatment of alcohol dependence is usually to stop drinking alcohol completely.

The first step in this process is detoxification (stopping drinking and getting treatment to prevent dangerous withdrawal symptoms). Depending on your symptoms, detoxification can be done as an outpatient, or as an inpatient in a hospital or drug treatment facility. During the withdrawal process, your doctor probably will prescribe a class of antianxiety drugs called benzodiazepines for a few days to lessen withdrawal symptoms. After that, a medication called naltrexone (ReVia) may be used to help lessen the craving for alcohol. As an alternative to naltrexone, an older medication called disulfiram (Antabuse) may be prescribed. Drinking alcohol while taking disulfiram causes nausea and vomiting. This is meant to be an incentive not to drink impulsively in response to craving.

After detoxification, most alcoholics need some form of long-term support or counseling to remain sober. Recovery programs focus on teaching a person with alcoholism about the disease, and helping him or her to learn new coping strategies to deal with the stresses of everyday life without turning to alcohol. Many patients benefit from self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

If your doctor suspects that you have any alcohol-related damage to your liver, stomach or other organs, you may need additional tests and treatments for these problems. Your doctor also will suggest a healthy diet with vitamin supplements, especially B vitamins.