People should be aware that formal treatment for an alcohol problem (or any substance use problem) is risky. It can make it harder to get a job of high public trust (with the government or military, or as a lawyer or doctor). It also means that if future doctors see medical records revealing you have a substance problem, you can have a harder time getting painkillers or other needed drugs. Do your own cost-benefit analysis; but my personal conclusion is that it’s always better to attempt to deal with these problems on your own before getting involved in the system. Many people have gotten to abstinence or harm reduction by themselves—Moderation Management is a book that helped me.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to get involved in the system, I’ve seen some great reviews for the Sinclair method (i.e., naltrexone). It’s harder to find that other approaches, but, if it works, it allows people to break the conditioned connection between alcohol and the pleasure/relaxation/anxiety relief or whatever you get from drinking.
People should be aware that formal treatment for an alcohol problem (or any substance use problem) is risky. It can make it harder to get a job of high public trust (with the government or military, or as a lawyer or doctor). It also means that if future doctors see medical records revealing you have a substance problem, you can have a harder time getting painkillers or other needed drugs. Do your own cost-benefit analysis; but my personal conclusion is that it’s always better to attempt to deal with these problems on your own before getting involved in the system. Many people have gotten to abstinence or harm reduction by themselves—Moderation Management is a book that helped me.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to get involved in the system, I’ve seen some great reviews for the Sinclair method (i.e., naltrexone). It’s harder to find that other approaches, but, if it works, it allows people to break the conditioned connection between alcohol and the pleasure/relaxation/anxiety relief or whatever you get from drinking.