Getting Help is Possible
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) varies in severity and in the combination of physical dependence, psychological symptoms, life complications and personal circumstances. Treatment options for alcohol addiction will differ by person. Below are the main approaches, plus how each one works and who might benefit most.
1. Detoxification (Medically Supervised Withdrawal)
When someone has been drinking heavily over time, stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms that range from mild (nausea, tremors, anxiety) to severe (seizures, delirium tremens). Medically supervised detox means staying in a hospital, residential facility or detox center with medical staff who can manage the physical effects—with medications, monitoring, hydration and nutrition. Once stabilized, a person transitions into ongoing treatment.
Who benefits most:
- Anyone with moderate to severe AUD, especially with physical dependence or past withdrawal complications.
- Those whose health would be at risk if they tried to detox alone.
- Also necessary before more intensive therapies for people whose body needs to be stabilized first.
2. Behavioral Therapies/Counseling
These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), brief interventions, acceptance/mindfulness-based therapies and 12-step facilitation therapy. The idea is to help people recognize triggers, manage cravings, change behavior and thinking patterns, set goals, build coping skills, improve social supports and plan for and deal with relapse.
Who benefits most:
- Those with mild to moderate AUD or people after detox.
- Those who wish to continue living at home (outpatient) or with flexible schedules.
- People who like structured therapy, or who respond well to therapy and psychological support.
3. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
There are FDA-approved medications that can help reduce cravings, lessen the reward or pleasure from drinking or make drinking unpleasant:
- Naltrexone (pill or injection) helps reduce urges.
- Acamprosate helps with maintaining abstinence by reducing negative symptoms of alcohol cessation.
- Disulfiram causes unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed (flushing, nausea), which acts as a deterrent.
These medications are usually used together with counseling or other behavioral support.
Who benefits most:
- Individuals with moderate to severe AUD.
- Those who have had multiple relapses or struggle with strong cravings.
- People who can adhere to a medication regimen and have medical supervision.
4. Inpatient (Residential) Treatment
In inpatient or residential programs the patient lives at the facility for a period (often 28 days, 60 days, 90 days or longer). Treatment includes group therapy, individual therapy, educational classes about addiction, relapse prevention, life skill therapies, possibly family therapy and often aftercare planning. Sometimes inpatient includes detox, sometimes not (if handled separately).
Who benefits most:
- Persons with severe AUD + medical, psychiatric or social complications.
- Those who lack a safe or supportive home environment.
- Individuals who have failed outpatient treatment or relapsed multiple times.
- People who can commit to being away from their normal life for a period.
5. Outpatient Treatment/Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)/Partial Hospitalization
These allow people to live at home (or in sober living) but attend regular, structured therapy. These therapy sessions may be daily in the case of a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or multiple times per week for an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). These often include group therapy, individual therapy, behavioral interventions and sometimes include medications as well.
Who benefits most:
- Those with moderate AUD who can maintain responsibilities (work, child care).
- People who have some stability and support in their home and community.
- Those who prefer less disruption from daily life and lower cost than inpatient.
6. Mutual Support/Peer Groups
Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, LifeRing Secular Recovery, Women for Sobriety and others provide peer support. Meetings are typically free or very low cost. These offer ongoing community support, accountability, shared experiences and sponsorship. They may follow 12-step models (AA), or non-12-step or secular approaches.
Who benefits most:
- Individuals who need ongoing support outside formal therapy settings.
- People who benefit from peer connection, shared stories and regular meetings.
- Those looking for long-term recovery maintenance and relapse prevention.
Matching Treatment to Need
Choosing the right treatment depends on:
- Severity of the AUD (mild/moderate/severe).
- Co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, PTSD, anxiety).
- Physical health and degree of dependence (whether detox is needed).
- Support at home (family, sober living, safe environment).
- Ability to commit time and (possibly) funds or insurance.
- Preference (religious or secular, individual vs group therapy).
Often a combination works best: detox → inpatient/residential → outpatient + medication + peer support. Treatment is rarely “one and done." Aftercare and continuing support is essential to prevent relapse.
Treatment Centers Across the USA
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Hazelden Betty Ford is one of the most recognized addiction treatment providers, with locations in states like Minnesota, California and Florida. They offer detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, family therapy, mental health support, sober living and aftercare. Online treatment is also available. This center is best for people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who want evidence-based, comprehensive care with strong medical, psychological and family support.
American Addiction Centers (AAC)
American Addiction Centers runs facilities in several states, including Texas, Florida and Nevada. They offer all levels of care, from medical detox and residential treatment to outpatient, IOP and PHP programs. AAC specializes in treating people with both addiction and mental health issues, and many locations accept insurance. This makes it a good choice for those needing flexible, accessible care with the option to move between treatment levels.
Cliffside Malibu
Cliffside Malibu in California is a high-end rehab center focused on privacy and personalized treatment. Programs include one-on-one therapy, holistic care and activities like art and outdoor therapy. It is designed for clients who want luxury amenities and individualized attention, and who can afford premium care or have insurance coverage.
Malvern Institute
The Malvern Institute has multiple campuses in Pennsylvania, offering both inpatient and outpatient programs. Their approach combines clinical therapies with 12-step principles, allowing patients to step down gradually from residential care into outpatient support. This center works well for people in the region who want continuity of care within the same treatment network.
Keep reading to learn about effective ways to cope with drug addiction.