Treatment for the person with alcohol dependence begins with the recognition of the problem. Alcoholism is associated with denial, allowing the person to believe there is no need for treatment. Most people with alcohol dependence enter treatment under pressure from others rather than voluntarily accepting the need for treatment. Penetration of the defense mechanisms that have allowed the person with alcohol dependence to continue drinking is difficult, and involves confrontation by the family or people close to the affected person who are aware of the problem. The person should be confronted when sober, not while drinking or recovering from a drinking episode. Once the problem has been recognized, total abstinence from alcohol is the only effective treatment. Supponive programs are available to offer detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare or followup. 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 Alcohol is withdrawn under a controlled, supervised setting.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. Examination for other medical problems is necessary. Liver disease and blood clotting problems are common. A balanced diet with vitamin supplements are important. Depression or other underlying mood disorders should be treated. Often, alcohol abuse develops from efforts to self-treat an illness. Alcohol recovery or rehabilitation programs support the affected person after detoxification to maintain abstinence from alcohol. There are also support groups such as Al-Anon which are specifically designed to help treat alcoholism. This and other groups were formed after the government and science recognized alcoholism as a disease, which was in the late 1950's.
