How Do I Get Help for Alcoholism?

Asking “how do I get help for alcoholism?” takes courage. Whether you’re asking for yourself or searching on behalf of someone you love, this question marks a turning point—a moment of honesty that can change everything. We understand how overwhelming this feels, and we want you to know that help is available, recovery is possible, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Alcohol use disorder affects millions of families, and the path to healing involves the whole family working together. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything from immediate crisis steps to long-term recovery strategies, helping you understand your options so you can move forward with confidence and hope.

Get Help Now: What To Do Today

If you’re ready to take action today, here’s what you need to know: getting help for alcoholism can start with a single phone call. You don’t need a formal plan, you don’t need to have everything figured out, and you certainly don’t need to hit “rock bottom.” Reaching out now—while you’re motivated and aware—often prevents the serious health conditions, legal troubles, and relationship damage that come with waiting.

The first step is simply connecting with someone who can guide you. That might mean calling your doctor, reaching out to a helpline, or talking honestly with a trusted family member about what you’re experiencing. What matters most is breaking the silence and taking that initial step toward alcohol treatment.

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger—experiencing chest pain, seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, or thoughts of self-harm—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. These are life-threatening symptoms that require immediate medical care.

For non-emergency support, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP / 1-800-662-4357) offers free, confidential, 24/7 support. Trained specialists provide treatment referrals and information in English and Spanish—no health insurance required. You can also call your primary care doctor the same day to discuss your drinking habits and get a referral.

One critical safety note: if you’ve been drinking heavily and suddenly stop drinking, you may experience dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms including shaking, severe anxiety, sweating, or nausea. Alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious, so please talk to a healthcare provider before attempting to quit drinking on your own. They can determine whether you need medically supervised detox to stay safe.

When Is It Time to Seek Help for Alcoholism?

Many adults in the United States struggle with their relationship to alcohol—far more than most people realize. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 29.5 million adults (about 10.2% of the population) met the criteria for alcohol use disorder in 2023. People with AUD are more likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. Yet only about 7.8% of those individuals received treatment, leaving millions without the support they need.

Here’s what makes this particularly heartbreaking: roughly 1 in 10 children in the U.S. live with a parent who has alcohol problems. The ripple effects of untreated alcoholism touch entire families, making early intervention even more important. There is also an increased risk of developing additional substance use disorders or experiencing relapse, especially for those who self-medicate or have co-occurring mental health conditions.

Consider seeking help if you recognize any of these situations:

It’s important to understand that “high-functioning” alcoholism is still alcoholism. Many people with alcohol use disorder hold jobs, pay bills, and maintain outward appearances of normalcy. But if alcohol is causing problems you keep minimizing, dismissing, or hiding—that’s a sign something needs to change.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) defines AUD as meeting at least two of eleven criteria over the past 12 months. These include craving alcohol, loss of control over drinking, continuing despite harm, and experiencing tolerance or withdrawal. Only a treatment provider can formally diagnose alcohol use disorder, but recognizing the problem yourself is a powerful first step.

Common Signs You May Have an Alcohol Problem

Sometimes seeing specific behaviors written out helps clarify what you’ve been noticing but perhaps not naming. Ask yourself honestly whether any of these apply to you:

Behavioral signs:

• You regularly drink more than you intended, or for longer than planned
• You’ve lied to family members or friends about how much you drink
• You hide alcohol around your home, car, or office
• You’ve experienced blackouts—gaps in memory from drinking
• You need a drink to relax, sleep, or feel “normal”
• You’ve missed work, school, or important obligations due to drinking or hangovers
• Most of your social activities now revolve around drinking alcohol

Physical and emotional signs:

• You experience shaking, sweating, or nausea when you haven’t had a drink
• Your tolerance has increased—you need more alcohol to feel the same effects
• You feel physically dependent on alcohol to get through the day
• You feel guilty, ashamed, or defensive about your drinking behavior
• You’ve tried to stop drinking altogether but couldn’t

If even a few of these resonate, we encourage you to reach out to a doctor, counselor, or addiction specialist. You deserve honest answers and appropriate support.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Stigma

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition—a chronic, relapsing brain disease recognized by every major health authority. It is not a moral failure, a character flaw, or evidence of weak willpower. Understanding this distinction is crucial, both for the person struggling and for family members trying to help.

Here’s what happens in the brain: chronic alcohol use alters your brain’s reward and stress systems, particularly affecting dopamine and opioid pathways. Over time, alcohol becomes less about pleasure and more about avoiding the discomfort of not drinking. The prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making—becomes impaired, making it genuinely difficult to “just stop.”

We recognize that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to treatment. Many people delay seeking help because they fear judgment from employers, friends, or even healthcare providers. This shame keeps an estimated 90% of people who need treatment from ever receiving treatment.

But here’s what we want you to know: doctors, teachers, parents, executives, artists, and people from every walk of life live with alcohol use disorder. Recovery is common when people receive evidence-based care. Talking honestly with a treatment provider is confidential and can genuinely transform your life and your family’s future.

First Steps: Who to Talk to and Where to Start

You’ve recognized there might be a drinking problem. Now what? The good news is there’s no single “right” way to begin. Different paths work for different people, and what matters most is taking that next step forward.

Common starting points include: verifying your insurance coverage for drug rehab.

• Holding an intervention
• Contacting an accredited alcohol rehab center
• Your primary care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant)
• A mental health professional or licensed therapist
• A national helpline like SAMHSA (1-800-662-HELP)
• A local support group meeting
• An addiction medicine specialist

Before reaching out, consider writing down a few concerns and questions. This can reduce anxiety and help you communicate clearly. You might note things like: how much you drink on a typical week, specific incidents that concern you, and what you hope to change.

We also encourage telling one trusted person—a partner, friend, or family member—that you want help. Recovery rarely happens in isolation, and having someone in your corner makes the journey less lonely. Many alcohol treatment centers now offer confidential calls and virtual assessments for admissions, allowing for more privacy and convenience if that feels more comfortable.

Talking to Your Primary Care Provider

A primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is often the easiest and safest first contact for alcohol problems. These healthcare providers see patients with substance use disorders regularly, and a brief intervention in this setting can be surprisingly effective.

What to expect at your first appointment:

Your provider will likely ask about:

• How often you drink and how much you drink at a time
• Whether you’ve tried to quit drinking or cut back before
• Are you able to ‘function’ while drinking
• Your health history, current medications, and any health conditions
• Your mental health, including depression, anxiety disorders, or past trauma
• Whether you experience withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink

Be honest about your drinking—including binge episodes and any morning drinking. This information helps your provider assess the severity of your situation and recommend appropriate next steps. They can screen for alcohol use disorder, order lab tests (such as liver function panels), and check blood pressure and other alcohol-related concerns.

From there, your primary care provider might offer brief intervention and counseling, prescribe medications for alcohol dependence, refer you to an addiction specialist, or recommend a specific level of care such as outpatient counseling or intensive treatment.

Important question to ask: “Is it safe for me to quit drinking at home, or do I need medically supervised detox?” This is essential information that could save your life.

When to See a Mental Health or Addiction Specialist

While primary care providers are an excellent starting point, some situations benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, addiction medicine doctor, psychologist, or licensed addiction counselor. These specialists focus specifically on substance use disorders and co-occurring mental disorders.

Consider a specialist if you’re experiencing:

• Repeated relapses despite previous treatment attempts
• A history of severe withdrawal, seizures, or delirium tremens
• Co-occurring mental health issues like PTSD, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
• Other addictions alongside alcohol (such as opioids or benzodiazepines)
• Previous unsuccessful stays in treatment programs—learn more about the DSM-5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder.

Specialists provide in-depth assessments and can offer integrated treatment for mental health conditions that may be fueling your alcohol misuse. Many people with AUD also struggle with anxiety disorders, depression, or trauma—and addressing these underlying mental health issues is often essential for lasting recovery.

To find a certified addiction specialist, ask your primary care provider for referrals, search your health insurance directory, or use SAMHSA’s online treatment locator at findtreatment.gov.

Treatment Options for Alcoholism

There’s no single treatment that works for everyone, and effective disorder treatment extends far beyond the stereotypes you might have seen on TV. Modern alcohol treatment is evidence-based, individualized, and designed to address not just the drinking but the whole person—including physical health, mental health condition, relationships, and life circumstances.

Treatment typically combines multiple approaches:

• Behavioral treatment (individual or group therapy)
• Medications that reduce cravings or support abstinence
• Support groups and peer connections
• Lifestyle changes and stress management
• Treatment for co-occurring conditions

Other forms of treatment, such as therapy or support programs, are also available and can be effective depending on individual needs.

The right combination depends on your AUD severity, physical and mental health, support system, and personal preferences. Many people move between different levels of care over time—starting with more intensive treatment and stepping down as they stabilize, or stepping up if challenges arise.

Outpatient Counseling and Behavioral Therapies

Outpatient counseling involves meeting regularly with a counselor or therapist—typically weekly—while continuing to live at home and maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. This is often appropriate for mild to moderate alcohol use disorder or as ongoing support after more intensive treatment.

Key evidence-based behavioral therapies include:

Talk therapy also helps develop relapse prevention plans and addresses related issues like relationship conflicts, sleep problems, and learning to manage stress without alcohol.

Many programs now offer online therapy sessions or structured web-based CBT programs, making it easier to access care without disrupting your daily life.

Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs

For those who need more structure than weekly counseling but don’t require 24-hour supervision, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) offer a middle path.

Intensive outpatient programs typically involve:

• 3-5 sessions per week
• 3-4 hours per session
• Living at home while receiving treatment
• Group therapy, individual counseling, and education

Partial hospitalization programs provide:

• Treatment during most of the day (6-8 hours)
• Returning home each evening
• More intensive supervision and structure
• Often includes medication management

Both options usually incorporate group therapy sessions, individual counseling, psychoeducation about addiction, and skills training. They’re particularly helpful for problem drinkers who have supportive home environments but need more accountability and structure than weekly appointments provide.

Residential and Inpatient Rehab Programs

Residential rehabilitation means living at a treatment facility for a set period—commonly 28-30 days, though 60-day and 90-day programs are available for those who need extended care. Research suggests that longer treatment durations often lead to better outcomes, particularly for severe form alcohol use disorder.

What a typical day might include:

• Morning group therapy session
• Individual counseling with a licensed therapist
• Educational classes about addiction and recovery
• Skills workshops (stress management, communication, relapse prevention)
• Peer support activities
• Healthy meals and structured downtime
• Medical monitoring as needed

Residential treatment programs are especially beneficial for people with severe AUD, those with unstable or triggering home environments, or individuals who have tried outpatient care without success. Many centers also offer family sessions, comprehensive aftercare planning, and alumni support groups to ease the transition back home.

Before enrolling, verify that the program is licensed and accredited, ask about staff credentials (including whether they have addiction medicine physicians and licensed counselors), and confirm they use evidence-based therapies rather than unproven approaches.

Medically Supervised Detox and Alcohol Withdrawal

Detoxification—the process of safely stopping alcohol under medical supervision—is often the necessary first step for anyone who is physically dependent on alcohol. This is not something to attempt alone if you’ve been drinking heavily for an extended period.

Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Tremors (shaking hands)
• Sweating and rapid heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety and irritability
• Insomnia and nightmares

Severe withdrawal symptoms (requiring immediate medical care):

• Seizures
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
• Severe confusion (delirium tremens)
• Very high blood pressure or fever

Approximately 5% of people experiencing alcohol withdrawal develop delirium tremens, which carries a 5-15% mortality rate if untreated. Anyone with a history of seizures, delirium tremens, or serious health conditions should receive medically supervised detox rather than attempting to stop drinking at home.

Detox typically takes 2-7 days and may occur in an inpatient setting or, for less severe cases, through outpatient monitoring. Medical teams often use medications like benzodiazepines to manage symptoms safely.

Remember: Detox is only the beginning of the treatment process. It clears alcohol from your system but doesn’t address the underlying patterns and challenges. Ongoing therapy, medications, and support groups are essential for long term recovery.

Medications That Help With Alcoholism

Several FDA-approved, non-addictive medications can significantly support recovery by reducing alcohol cravings, making drinking less rewarding, or helping maintain abstinence. These medications are backed by solid research and are considered standard components of comprehensive treatment.

A common misconception: using medication is not “trading one addiction for another.” Unlike alcohol or opioids, these medications don’t produce a high or create dependence. They work by rebalancing brain chemistry disrupted by chronic alcohol use.

Medications can be used alone or—more effectively—combined with counseling and support groups. Ask your treatment provider whether medication might be appropriate based on your health history, treatment goals, and any other medications you’re taking.

Common Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

Three primary medications are approved in the United States for treating alcohol use disorder, which is often part of a comprehensive approach when people detox from drugs or alcohol:

The choice of medication depends on factors including liver function, kidney function, pregnancy status, and whether your goal is to cut back or stop drinking altogether. Some people try one drink while on naltrexone and find alcohol simply isn’t appealing anymore—a powerful reset for changing drinking behavior.

Future Directions and Personalized Treatment

Researchers continue developing new medications and approaches to match treatments with individual biology and circumstances. This field of “personalized medicine” uses factors like genetics, mental health history, and response to previous treatments to predict which approaches will work best for each person.

What does this mean for you? It’s completely normal—even expected—for your treatment plan to evolve over time. If one medication doesn’t help or causes side effects, another might work better. If a particular therapy style doesn’t resonate, there are alternatives. The goal is finding the right combination that supports your recovery journey.

Choosing the Right Treatment Program for You

Not all treatment programs are created equal, and finding the right fit matters for your success. Before committing to any program, take time to ask questions and compare options.

Key factors to evaluate:

• Does the program use evidence-based practices (CBT, motivational interviewing, FDA-approved medications)?
• Is the program licensed and accredited by recognized bodies?
• What are the staff credentials and patient-to-staff ratios?
• Does the cost align with your health insurance coverage?
• Can you maintain work or family responsibilities during treatment?

We recommend comparing at least two or three programs before deciding. If possible, involve a trusted person in the decision-making process, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Their perspective can provide clarity when everything feels confusing.

Key Questions to Ask Potential Treatment Providers

When calling or visiting a treatment program, having specific questions prepared ensures you get the information you need:

1. What therapeutic approaches do you use? (Look for CBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management, family therapy)
2. Do you prescribe medication for alcohol use disorder? If so, who manages it?
3. What are the qualifications of your clinical staff?
4. How do you handle relapses during treatment?
5. What is your patient-to-staff ratio?
6. Do you treat co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma?
7. What does a typical day in your program look like?
8. How long is your standard program, and is it flexible based on individual needs?
9. How do you involve family or loved ones in treatment if desired?
10. What aftercare services do you provide? (Follow-up visits, alumni groups, referrals to local counselors)

Practical Considerations: Insurance, Cost, and Access

Financial concerns shouldn’t prevent anyone from receiving treatment. Many people are surprised to learn how much of their care is covered.

Insurance coverage:

• Most employer-based insurance plans cover addiction treatment services
• Medicaid and Medicare provide coverage for many treatment options
• The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurance companies to cover mental health and substance abuse treatment comparable to medical coverage

Steps to verify coverage:

1. Call the number on the back of your insurance card
2. Ask specifically about coverage for “alcohol use disorder treatment”
3. Request a list of in-network treatment providers
4. Ask about any prior authorization requirements

For those without insurance:

• Many programs offer sliding-scale fees based on income
• Payment plans can spread costs over time
• State-funded treatment programs exist in most areas
• Non-profit community health centers often provide low-cost services

Telehealth has dramatically expanded access to care, allowing people in rural areas or with transportation challenges to receive counseling and medication management from home.

Support Beyond Formal Treatment

While professional treatment provides an essential foundation, long-term recovery typically requires building ongoing support systems and making lifestyle changes that reinforce sobriety. Think of formal treatment as intensive learning, and ongoing support as daily practice.

Support can take many forms: mutual-help groups, online communities, faith-based programs, secular recovery organizations, family support, and sober social activities. There’s no single “right” type of support—the best choice is whatever helps you stay sober and build a life you enjoy.

We encourage trying more than one type of group if the first doesn’t feel like a good fit. Different approaches resonate with different people, and finding your community is worth the effort.

Mutual-Support and 12-Step Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most widely known mutual-support organization for people with alcohol problems. Founded in 1935, AA now has over 2 million members worldwide. The program is peer-led, free to attend, and available through thousands of in-person and online meetings.

What to expect at your first AA meeting:

• Meetings typically last one hour
• You can listen without speaking—many people just observe initially
• Introductions are optional (“Hi, I’m [name]” is common)
• Anonymity is respected—what’s shared in the room stays in the room
• You’ll hear others share their experiences with alcohol and recovery

Research indicates that regular AA participation correlates with 49% abstinence at one year, compared to 29% without group support. The 12-step model emphasizes admitting powerlessness over alcohol, working through structured steps with a sponsor, and ongoing meeting attendance.

Alternative support groups include:

• SMART Recovery: Science-based, uses CBT and motivational techniques, focuses on self-empowerment rather than powerlessness
• LifeRing: Secular, focuses on “sober self” empowerment
• Women for Sobriety: Specifically designed for women’s emotional needs
• Secular AA: Maintains AA’s structure without spiritual components

Local support groups of all types can be found through online directories, treatment providers, or community centers.

Online and Digital Supports

Technology has expanded options for support recovery. Many apps and web-based tools now offer tracking, education, CBT-based exercises, and peer connection for people working to quit drinking or cut back.

Types of digital support tools:

• Sobriety tracking apps that count days and track progress
• Craving logs that help identify patterns and triggers
• Structured online CBT programs (some prescribed by clinicians)
• Virtual meeting platforms for AA, SMART Recovery, and other groups
• Recovery community forums and social networks

When choosing digital tools, look for those developed or endorsed by reputable healthcare organizations, universities, or established treatment providers. Unverified apps may not provide accurate information or effective strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth expansion, with virtual counseling and online AA meetings surging 300%. Many people find these options provide additional privacy and convenience that supports ongoing engagement.

Support for Family and Friends

Alcoholism affects the entire family, and loved ones deserve support and information too. Living with someone who has alcohol problems can be exhausting, frightening, and isolating. Family members often experience their own anxiety, depression, and trauma that needs attention.

Resources for families include:

• Al Anon: A 12-step program specifically for families and friends of alcoholics, focusing on self-care and healthy boundaries
• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA): For adults who grew up with alcoholic parents
• Family therapy: Professional counseling that addresses communication, boundaries, trust, and relationship repair
• CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training): Teaches family members how to encourage treatment engagement without confrontation—doubles the odds of getting a loved one into treatment

For partners and relatives, individual therapy can help process difficult emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. Family members are encouraged to avoid enabling behaviors—covering up, making excuses, or shielding the person from consequences—while maintaining clear, compassionate boundaries.

Living in Recovery: Self-Care, Triggers, and Setbacks

Recovery is a long-term process with ups and downs, not a single event or a destination you reach and then forget about. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations and prepares you to navigate challenges when they arise.

Three elements are essential for sustained recovery:

1. Self-care: Building a healthy, meaningful life that doesn’t revolve around alcohol
2. Trigger management: Identifying and planning for situations that increase urges
3. Setback response: Knowing how to react if slips or relapses occur

Occasional slips are common in chronic conditions like AUD—relapse rates of 40-60% in the first year are similar to relapse rates for diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. What matters most is responding quickly, honestly, and with renewed commitment.

Daily Self-Care and Finding New Meaning

One of the most powerful predictors of lasting recovery is building a satisfying life that doesn’t need alcohol. When your days are filled with purpose, connection, and activities you enjoy, the appeal of drinking diminishes.

Practical self-care strategies:

• Maintain regular sleep schedules (alcohol disrupts sleep quality, so this often improves significantly in recovery)
• Eat balanced, regular meals (blood sugar stability affects mood and cravings)
• Incorporate physical activity—even daily walks make a difference
• Schedule time for relaxation, hobbies, or mindfulness practices
• Nurture relationships with people who support your sobriety
• Explore new interests or rediscover old ones abandoned to drinking

Addressing ongoing mental health issues—anxiety, depression, trauma—through therapy or medication is a crucial part of self-care. Many people find that when their mental health condition improves, their relationship with alcohol changes fundamentally.

Consider writing down your personal reasons for change and reviewing them regularly, especially during difficult moments. Why does staying sober matter to you? What do you want your life to look like?

Planning for Triggers and Cravings

Triggers are the people, places, feelings, or situations that increase your urge to drink. Recognizing your specific triggers—rather than just avoiding alcohol in general—gives you a strategic advantage.

Common trigger categories:

• People: Drinking buddies, critical family members, romantic partners you drank with
• Places: Bars, restaurants, certain neighborhoods, places you associate with drinking
• Emotions: Stress, boredom, loneliness, celebration, anger, anxiety
• Situations: Parties, work events, holidays, travel
• Times: End of workday, weekends, specific anniversaries

Create your trigger management plan:

1. List your personal triggers honestly
2. For each trigger, brainstorm specific alternative responses
3. Have an exit strategy for high-risk situations
4. Practice saying “no thank you” to drink offers
5. Bring a sober friend to challenging events when possible

Craving management techniques:

• Delay: Tell yourself you’ll wait 15 minutes before acting on the urge
• Distract: Call a supportive person, take a walk, do something engaging
• Urge surfing: Observe the craving without acting on it—cravings peak and then pass
• Challenge thoughts: Question the thoughts telling you that you “need” a drink

Handling Slips and Relapses

A slip is a brief return to drinking—perhaps one drink or one evening. A full relapse involves a longer return to old patterns. Both are signals that something in your plan needs adjustment, not proof that recovery is impossible.

If you experience a slip:

1. Stop drinking as soon as possible—one drink doesn’t have to become twenty
2. Reach out immediately to a provider, sponsor, or support person
3. Don’t let shame keep you from asking for help
4. Reflect honestly on what led up to the slip
5. Identify specific changes to prevent recurrence

Common relapse contributors:

• Overconfidence (“I’ve got this, I can have just one drink”)
• Isolation from support systems
• Unaddressed stress or mental health struggles
• Environmental triggers without a plan
• Skipping therapy, medications, or meetings

Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. The question isn’t “Why did I fail?” but “What do I need to do differently?” Many people in long term recovery have experienced relapses along the way—what distinguishes them is that they got back up and adjusted their approach.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Ongoing Care

Recovery doesn’t end when formal treatment concludes. Ongoing medical care and check-ins help maintain progress and catch problems early.

Questions about long-term management: If you’re looking for information about medically supervised alcohol detox as part of ongoing recovery, learn more about safe, medically supervised alcohol detox at Legacy Healing Center.

• How often should I schedule follow-up appointments?
• How long should I continue taking medication for AUD?
• What signs would indicate my treatment plan needs adjustment?
• Are there support groups or resources you recommend for ongoing support?

Questions about managing health conditions:

• How should I manage other health conditions (liver issues, diabetes, high blood pressure) alongside recovery?
• What health improvements can I expect as I stay sober?
• Are there any medications I should avoid due to alcohol-related liver concerns?

Questions about high-risk situations:

• How can I prepare for holidays, anniversaries, or travel?
• What should I do if I experience a sudden increase in craving alcohol?
• Is there an emergency protocol if I feel close to alcohol withdrawal?

Questions about resources:

• Are there local support groups you’d recommend?
• What apps or online resources have you seen help patients?
• How can my family members seek support for themselves?

Your Next Step Forward

Recovery from alcoholism isn’t just possible—it’s happening every day for millions of people across the country. With the right combination of medical care, behavioral treatment, support groups, and personal commitment, lives are being transformed and families are being healed.

Taking this first step—even just reading this article—shows tremendous courage. You’re doing the right thing by seeking help, and we want you to know that skilled, compassionate treatment providers are ready to support you and your family through every stage of the recovery process.

Whether you start by calling your primary care doctor, reaching out to the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP, or connecting with a treatment center that feels right for you, the most important thing is to take that next step today. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to do this alone.

Together, healing is possible. Your family’s story doesn’t have to end here—it can begin again.