Alcoholism (cont.)

Medical Author:

Joachim Gruber, MD, PhD

Coauthor:

Brett Roth, MD

Coauthor:

Dennis C Daley, PhD

Medical Editor:

Michael D Burg, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Anthony Anker, MD, FAAEM

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.

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.

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