In 2006, alcohol accounted for 40% of all admissions for drug and alcohol treatment to publicly funded rehabilitation facilities in the United States. It is still the leading substance abuse problem everywhere in the U.S. and is a special threat to young people. Underage drinkers not only have the highest proportion of DUI incidents, but also have the highest chance of ending up with an alcohol dependency that will require treatment by the age of 40.

Treatment for alcohol abuse and dependency should be undertaken as early as possible, and the treatment program chosen with care. Ineffective programs that result in repeated detoxification and treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can actually make alcohol dependency worse, according to a 2004 report published by the American Family Physician. Because of alcohol’s long-term effect on the neural transmitters and receptors in the brain, withdrawal of alcohol can cause a host of symptoms ranging from shakiness and tremors to full-blown delirium tremens and hallucinations. A “kindling” effect in the brain caused by repeated detoxification can actually increase alcohol cravings and worsen withdrawal symptoms.

It is well, therefore, to thoroughly research available alcohol treatment programs. There are thousands to choose from across the United States, but not all are exclusive to alcohol rehabilitation, and not all offer the same range of care and type of programs. In general, a comprehensive alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program will include detoxification and management of AWS through inpatient or outpatient care as required; drug therapy to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and reduce the chances of relapse; and counseling to address emotional dependency, anger, and other underlying causes and side-effects of alcohol abuse; and long-term support.

Parents of teenagers and college students should take note of the chart below. Per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s findings in 2006 after a nationwide survey of drug and alcohol treatment, nearly 25% of all admissions for treatment for alcohol and drug abuse were aged 18-25. Worse, the younger an alcohol problem starts, the greater the chances of dependency developing. Couple that with the fact that the criminal justice system is the #1 referral source for young people into alcohol treatment (52% of first-time admissions), and parents should worry where their children are every night.

Alcohol treatment is often determined by the length and frequency of abuse. SAMHSA reports that in 2006, among alcohol-only treatment admissions, patients reporting less than daily use were more likely to receive outpatient treatment, while those reporting daily use of alcohol more often required detoxification or residential care services (55%). Early treatment is likely to be less expensive, and certainly less damaging to careers, relationships, and health, than if the alcoholic struggles with the addiction for years before finally seeking treatment. The average age of admission for alcohol treatment in 2006 was 50.
All studies indicate that the earlier a person begins drinking, the greater the chances of dependency; the longer the drinking continues, the more difficult it is to treat. Help for alcohol dependency should be sought as soon as possible, before the cravings put the alcoholic into the 98% of drinkers who are not ready to give up alcohol.