How is alcoholism treated?
Treatment programs use both counseling and medications to help people stop drinking. Alcoholism treatment works for many people, but there are varying levels of success. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others can’t stop drinking for any length of time. Q: How is alcohol abuse identified? A: A person can abuse alcohol without actually being an alcoholic. He or she may drink too much and too often but still not be dependent on alcohol. Some of the problems linked to alcohol abuse include not being able to meet work, school, or family responsibilities; drunk driving arrests and car crashes; and drinking-related medical conditions. Q: Are there any warning signs of alcoholism? A: Yes. These are the warning signs: • Needing a drink to relieve stress • Drinking quickly or gulping down several drinks to “loosen up” • Finding and consuming alcohol is the focus of social or professional activities • Being erratic,
