Treatment Guide
If you are seeking help for alcohol addiction, please know that there are many resources in place to help you.
Alcohol use disorder has physical, behavioral, social, and spiritual facets. A successful treatment plan will use many strategies and pathways to address each part of this complicated disease. Use this guide to learn about the options that are available, and talk to your doctor, therapist, or other caregiver to form a treatment plan that is right for your circumstance.
In each section, we have included links to resources that can help you take the next step and make contact.
Please note that The Peter G. Dodge Foundation is not a treatment provider. This information is provided as a guide and educational resource.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
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What is AUD?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the clinical term for alcohol addiction or alcoholism. It is a chronic, relapsing medical condition that requires long-term care.
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Screening Tools
There are a number of methods a health care provider can use to screen for AUD
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Health Consequences
AUD is a serious illness. Drinking too much and too often is connected to negative health conditions, some of which can be fatal.
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Detox & Clinical Treatment
Sometimes known as ‘rehab,' treatment in a clinical environment typically begins with a period of detoxification and employs multiple strategies during an intensive period of therapy to achieve sobriety.
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Mutual Help Groups
These peer groups meet online or in person to listen to each other and support each other in recovery. They are usually free of charge and moderated by group members.
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Medication
There are medications to help manage cravings for alcohol that are non-addictive and have low incidence of side effects. Prescription medications should always be administered under the care of a qualified physician.
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Counseling
Counseling with a licensed therapist can be an important part of a successful treatment plan. A counselor specializing in addiction will be familiar with techniques that are effective for AUD, and can treat any co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.
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Friends & Family
Resources for family members and friends of those with AUD can help them understand their experiences and begin healing.
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Long-Term Recovery
People do recover from alcohol use disorder and lead healthy lives. Learn what long-term recovery means and how it can benefit you.
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Resource Directory
Access points for resources in our treatment guide as well as other sources of information on AUD.
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