There are many treatments for alcoholism. Some are effective. Unfortunately, most are not not. And popularity is completely unrelated to which work and which don’t.
Here’s a list of treatments for alcoholism. It includes descriptions of their effectiveness or lack of effectiveness. Statements of effectiveness are based on peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Treatments are in alphabetical order. Each heading is a link.
Acupuncture for Alcoholism or Alcohol Dependence.
Acupuncture has been a therapeutic technique for thousands of years in China. It’s relatively new in the West. However, it’s now popular there as well. That includes acupuncture for alcoholism treatment. For this reason, it’s often offered as a treatment option.
Behavioral Treatment for Alcoholism.
A substantial proportion of doctors in the U.S. believe that alcoholism is a behavioral pattern. Therefore, they suggest behavioral treatment for it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcoholism: Proven Effective.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for alcoholism is very effective. It focuses on beliefs and thinking. That’s because thoughts cause feelings and behaviors.
Herbal Medicine for Alcoholism Treatment: Effectiveness.
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of treatment for drinking problems. In fact, there are many plant origins of modern pharmaceuticals.
Holistic Treatment for Alcoholism: Its Effectiveness.
Holistic treatment attempts to heal the whole person (mind, body and spirit). To do so, it focuses on treating the person rather than the alcoholism itself. .
Homeopathy for Alcoholism Treatment: Its Effectiveness.
Homeopathy is based on the theory that “like cures like.” Homeopaths treat patients by first identifying their symptoms. They then give them very highly diluted doses of substances. Those substances, in large doses, create those symptoms.
Hypnosis for Alcoholism Treatment: Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy.
Hypnotists lead alcoholics into a trance-like state. Alcoholic can become better at problem solving. Thus, they’re able to develop ways for eleminating their own addictive behaviors.”
Medicines for Alcoholism Treatment: Medical Therapy.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medicines for treating alcoholism.
Meditation for Alcoholism Therapy: Its Effectiveness.
Meditation for alcoholism has a long tradition. It has been practiced for thousands of years. It’s long been associated with Eastern religion and philosophy.
Naturopathic Medicine for Alcoholism: Effectiveness.
Naturopathic medicine for alcoholism is a holistic approach to health. It might include diet and nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Also hydrotherapy, exercise, spinal manipulation, and massage. In addition, its may use electric currents, ultrasound, and light.
Nutritional Therapy for Alcoholism: Evidence about Effectiveness.
There is strong evidence that alcoholism and alcohol abuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Alcoholics are often deficient in vitamins A, B1, B3, C, D, E, and K. They also tend to be lacking in the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Therefore, using nutritional therapy for alcoholism treatment has a logical basis.
Orthomolecular Treatment for Alcoholism: Effectiveness.
Orthomolecular treatment is often called megavitamin therapy. It’s based on the belief that insufficient vitamins, minerals and other substances cause diseases . “Ortho” is from the Greek word meaning “correct.”
Sinclair Method for Treating Alcoholism: An Effective Medical Treatment.
The Sinclair Method of alcohol abuse or alcoholism treatment is unique. It enables most alcoholics to drink in moderation. The technique uses naltrexone or a similar substance.
Spiritual Help for Alcoholism: Discover Its Effectiveness.
Spiritual help for alcoholism is widely used. It’s central to Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s also often used in other approaches to healing.
Resources: Treatments for Alcoholism
Web Pages
Understanding Alcoholism: Its Nature, Causes & Possible Cure.
Alcoholics Drink Moderately? Is That Ever Possible?
Is Alcoholism a Progressive Disease?
Is Alcoholism an Allergy to Alcohol?
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
Readings on Treatments for Alcoholism
Benzie, I. Herbal Medicine. Boca Raton, FL: CRC, 2011.
Cho, S., and Whang, W. Acupuncture for alcoholism. A systematic review. Alco Clin Exper Res, 2009, 33(8), 1305-1313.
Dasgupta, A. Prescription or Poison? The Benefits and Dangers of Herbal Remedies. Alameda, CA: Hunter, 2010.
Dell, C., et al. Resiliency and holistic inhalant abuse treatment. J Aborig Health, 2005 (March), 1-12
Galanter, M., et al. Assessment of spirituality and its relevance to addiction treatment. J Sub Abuse Treat, 2007, 33, 257–264. P. 263,
Han, J., et al. Acupuncture. In: Lowinson, J., et al. (eds). Substance Abuse. Philadelphia: 2005.
Hoffer, A. and Saul, A. The Vitamin Cure for Alcoholism. North Bergen, NJ : Basic Health, 2013.
Hoffer, A. and Saul, A. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health, 2013.
NCCAM. Homeopathy: An Introduction. NCCAM Pub. # D439, 2013.
NIAAA. Alcohol and Nutrition. Rockville, MD: NIAAA Alert No. 22, p. 1
Priester, E., et al. The frequency of prayer, meditation and holistic interventions in addictions treatment. Pastoral Psych, 2009, 58(3), 315-322.
Telles, S., et al. Research on traditional medicine. Evid-Base Comp Alt Med, 2014, Supp., 25-30.