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Treating alcohol problems more effectively

Understanding that alcoholism is a chronic, relapsing disease similar to asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure can improve how it is treated.  Effective treatment for these chronic diseases includes early identification and intervention, behavior change by the patient, medication, and continuing care.

In recent years, many advances have been made in alcoholism treatment. The use of brief interventions, psychotherapy to strengthen patient motivation, and new medications that target brain chemistry have now made it possible for physicians to treat alcoholism as a chronic condition.

People being treated for serious alcohol problems often have alcohol-related illnesses, drug problems, and mental health disorders at the same time.  The presence of these co-occurring disorders may require a higher level of services.

Find out more about effective alcohol treatment: 

Active Ingredients of Effective Alcohol Treatment

Other Resources:

Chronic Disease Comparison Chart (PDF, 32 K)