The American Psychiatric Association publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It lists criteria that have to be met to be diagnosed with a disorder. In the case of alcoholism, three of the following criteria need to be met:
- tolerance indicated by an increase in the amount of alcohol needed to feel intoxicated
- withdrawal symptoms when cutting back or stopping the use of alcohol
- drinking more alcohol than intended
- consistent desire to cut down on alcohol use
- spending a large amount of time obtaining, using and recovering from alcohol use
- social, occupational and recreational activities are given up
- continuing to use alcohol even though it causes physical and psychological problems
Dependency Level
If a person is dependent on alcohol, simply cutting down on consumption of alcohol will not be effective. The person must aim for a goal of alcohol abstinence.
Resident Treatment
Most people with alcoholism deny they have a problem and will enter treatment reluctantly. In the United States many residential treatment programs include abstinence, individual and group therapy, participation in alcoholism support groups, educational lectures, family involvement, work assignments, activity therapy and use of counselors and professional staff.
A typical residential treatment program involves:
- detoxifications and withdrawal
- medical assessment and treatment
- psychological support and psychiatric treatment
- emphasis on acceptance and abstinence
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group of people recovering from alcoholism. It's a sober peer group that is an effective model for achieving total abstinence.
AA is built around a 12-step program in which honesty is necessary to complete all 12 steps. It is a support group in which people who are dependent on alcohol realize they are not alone in their battles.
This is a free group and the only thing required is a willingness to try to remain sober.
Al-Anon
People who are dependent on alcohol aren't the only people who need help with a drinking problem. Family members and friends of a person who is dependent on alcohol can also suffer from the effects of alcohol.
Al-Anon is a group formed for that particular reason. Family members share stories so they can gain a greater understanding of how alcoholism affects the family. It emphasizes the need to learn detachment and forgiveness.
Alternative Medicine
The insertion of hair-thin needles under the skin, also known as acupuncture, can relieve alcohol cravings and alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms. It can also reduce anxiety and depression which leads some people to drink and abuse alcohol.
Local alcohol support groups can be found in the phone book and via the internet. A doctor, counselor or pastor can also refer a person to a group.
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