Next Steps

Follow-up

The alcoholic must first make the decision that he or she must stop using alcohol. Without such a resolve, achieving long-term sobriety is unlikely.

• To avoid an impulsive relapse, the person's home should be alcohol-free.

• The person should enroll in a social support group or counseling program. Also, social situations that encourage alcohol consumption should be avoided.

• If medication is prescribed to help maintain sobriety, the person must take the medication according to a strict schedule. Meeting with a counselor is mandatory. When the urge to relapse becomes strong, the person should immediately contact a member of his or her support group and discuss the urge.