Treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence usually includes group therapy, one or more types of counseling, and alcohol education. You also may need medicine. A 12-step program often is part of treatment and continues after treatment ends.

Treatment doesn't just deal with alcohol. It will help you manage problems in your daily life so you don't have to depend on alcohol. You'll learn good reasons to quit drinking.

Treatment helps you overcome dependence, but it doesn't happen all at once. Recovery from alcohol abuse or dependence-staying sober-is a lifelong process that takes commitment and effort. You may be in group therapy or counseling for a year or more.

Recovery helps you stay sober and adjust to life without alcohol. It helps you avoid a relapse, which happens when you slip up and drink again. Most people relapse, so it's best to accept it and move on.

Your family and friends are affected by your treatment. They can benefit from education, family therapy, and Al-Anon or other self-help support groups.

Can you quit on your own?

If you are abusing alcohol and not dependent on it, you may be able to cut back or quit on your own. But most people need help when they quit drinking.

If you want to quit, talk to your doctor. If your doctor thinks you can quit on your own, he or she can help you find support and give you medicine that will help you safely withdraw from alcohol. Your doctor also may prescribe medicines to help you stay sober. When you get a doctor's help, treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence is safer, less painful, and quicker.

Alcohol problems: How to stop drinking

If you can't stop drinking alcohol on your own, a treatment program can help you get through the first cravings for alcohol and learn how to stay sober.

Getting started

You might start treatment with your family doctor, or your doctor may recommend that you enter a treatment facility. A friend may bring you to a self-help group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, or you might go to a clinic that deals with alcohol abuse. You may just decide you drink too much and want to cut back or quit on your own.

You may have a treatment team to help you. This team may include a psychologist or psychiatrist, counselors, doctors, social workers, nurses, and a case manager. A case manager helps plan and manage your treatment.

When you first seek treatment, you may be asked questions about your drinking, health problems, work, and living situation. Be open and honest to get the best treatment possible. Your treatment team may write a treatment plan, which includes your treatment goals and ways to reach those goals. This helps you stay on track.

Do you need detox?