The most successful people stay involved with a program of this kind over many months and years. Sometimes medications such as antidepressants, which are not addicting, can be safely used during recover to help treat the depression, which is often associated with chronic alcohol use. Frequently, people who abuse alcohol will drink more than they intend to drink. They often express to others that they would like to cutback their drinking, but they don't. Their friends and activities are usually limited to those associated with alcohol.
Few people are able to discontinue alcohol use without treatment and committed peer support.
Without help, many people return to drinking and alcohol use may become a lifelong habit. There are some new medications that can be used to help people discontinue the craving for alcohol. These medications must be prescribed and monitored by a physician. If you, a friend, or a family member would like more information and you have a therapist or a physician, please discuss your concerns with that person.