Alcoholism treatment depends upon the severity and nature of the alcoholic and their personal level of motivation. Some people are able to recover without help, the majority of alcoholic individuals need outside assistance to recover from addiction. With support and treatment, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.

Some users may come into treatment voluntarily and have the support of family, friends, and workplace; others may be sent to treatment by the courts against their will and have virtually no support system. Recovery from alcoholism is possible for both scenarios if the individuals applies the knowledge they learn to their life once they have left treatment.

It is important to keep in mind that many alcoholics don't realize their drinking has gotten out of control. In many cases, it's the objective voice of a friend or family member that brings the problem to the alcoholic's attention. It is important that family members and friends don't cover-up for the alcoholic by making excuses for problem behavior, or by trying to conceal the problem. This, typically referred to as 'enabling', generally only makes the problem worse, because the alcoholic is allowed to maintain the illusion that there's no problem. Instead, family members and friends should try to help the alcoholic recognize the destructive effects of the disease, and provide the support necessary to guide the alcoholic toward recovery.

Detoxification is only the first stage of alcoholism treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug use. Detoxification safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping alcohol use. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts achieve long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly indicated precursor to effective alcoholism treatment.

The appropriate duration for an individual in treatment depends on his or her problems and needs. Research indicates that for most patients, the threshold of significant improvement is reached at about 3 months in treatment. After this threshold is reached, additional alcoholism treatment can produce further progress toward recovery. Because people often leave treatment prematurely, programs should include strategies to engage and keep patients in treatment. There are no quick fixes for alcoholism. The knowledge and life skills one learns during intensive alcoholism treatment must be integrated into everyday life.