Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Alcohol problems: Helping someone get treatment

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What resources are available to help you get treatment for a person who has an alcohol use problem?

Information, education, and support often are needed before you can help someone stop drinking. The following resources can assist you in getting help for someone with an alcohol use problem or help you cope with living with or caring about someone who drinks.

  • Al-Anon is a group that helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the drinking problem of a relative or friend. Al-Anon has meetings all over the world.
  • Alateen is a recovery program for young people affected by the drinking problem of a friend or relative. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members.
  • Your doctor, counselor, or other health professional can provide you with information and literature to assist you in helping someone with an alcohol use problem.
  • Local or national alcohol treatment hotlines can direct you to local organizations that can assist you in helping someone with an alcohol use problem.

For more places to get help, see the Other Places to Get help section of the topic Alcohol Abuse and Dependence.

Test Your Knowledge

  1. You may seek advice, education, and assistance from many sources to help someone with an alcohol use problem to receive treatment. These include Al-Anon, Alateen, your doctor, a counselor, a local hospital, or an alcohol treatment hotline.

    1. True
    2. False

Continue to Why? - Why the action is important? Why do I need to help a person who denies having a problem?
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Author: Jeannette Curtis
Paul Lehnert
Last Updated: February 15, 2008
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
James R. McKay, PhD - Psychology

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