OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow Pictures Health Risks of Alcohol Abuse Slideshow Pictures

Outlook

Several studies have shown that about half of alcoholics who have successfully undergone detoxification will relapse within 6-12 months. Remaining alcohol-free is a very difficult task for most alcoholics.

• Alcoholism is a chronic disease not unlike diabetes or congestive heart failure. If alcoholism is considered a chronic disease, a treatment success rate of 50% does not differ much from the success rates in other chronic illnesses.

• If a person continues to drink excessively after numerous or ongoing treatments, theirprognosis is very poor. Persistent heavy drinkers will often succumb to the effects of alcohol.