Detoxification may take 3 to 4 days. This may include social, medical, and psychological therapy. Social treatment involves family members and focuses on problems in the home and at work. Psychological therapy usually involves group therapy sessions to understand the illness and why you drink. At local chapter meetings you can meet other alcoholics, share experiences, and receive encouragement.
Meetings are open to anyone who has a drinking problem and wants to become and stay sober.
Phone numbers for local chapters of AA are usually listed in the phone book. Families of alcoholics can join a related organization called Al-Anon. For families of someone who does not recognize his or her drinking problem, Al-Anon meetings can help build understanding and strength before forcing the person into treatment. It's very hard to keep denying an alcohol problem if your family is attending Al-Anon. The symptoms of a hangover may last 24 hours.