The person with alcohol dependence often has little recognition of the problem. Alcoholism is associated with denial, allowing the person to believe there is no need for treatment. The person should be confronted when sober, not while drinking or recovering from a drinking episode. Often people enter treatment only after their family, doctor, or the legal system pressures them. Once the problem has been recognized, total abstinence from alcohol is required.
Programs are available to offer detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare or follow-up.
Because alcoholism creates victims of people associated closely with the alcoholic, treatment for family members through counseling is often necessary. Detoxification is the first phase of treatment. Alcohol is withdrawn under a controlled, supervised setting. Tranquilizers and sedatives are often prescribed to control alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification usually takes 4 to 7 days.