You should start by calling your doctor, who will do a thorough physical exam and try to determine the extent of the problem. Self help groups have had a high success rate and are run by people who are recovering alcoholics themselves. One benefit of this type of treatment is that it requires no hospitalization. Individual or group psychotherapy is available from professionals specially trained in dealing with problems related to alcoholism. This can be done in or out of a hospital.
Social therapy involves both self-help procedures and psychotherapy.
It tries to help the person change the way they interact with others and lead their life so that alcohol is not part of it. Detoxification involves slowly stopping all alcohol use while protecting the patient from side effects of rapid withdrawal. This is followed by the administration of drugs that block the craving for alcohol. This type of therapy often requires a short-term stay in a hospital Drug therapy often includes taking a medication called Antabuse, which makes an alcoholic violently ill if he or she takes a drink. If you think you or someone you know is suffering from alcoholism, get help immediately.