Alcohol Abuse Prognosis
Abstinence is necessary for successful alcoholism treatment. Alcoholics cannot resume social drinking without risking a return to dependence. Many feel they are the exception to the rule; however, for every 10 people who say they will stop drinking, only 4 do. Motivation and intervention by family or friends can help the alcoholic achieve abstinence.
Recovery from alcohol dependence is possible. DSM-IV reports one study in which 65% of patients who abused or were dependent on alcohol abstained for at least a year following treatment. Another study showed 40% to 60% of alcoholics abstaining for longer than 1 year.
Over 700,000 people per day receive treatment for alcohol dependence. Approximately 20% of people with alcohol dependence achieve long-term sobriety without treatment.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 03 Apr 2001
Reviewed by: Debra Emmite, M.D., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 31 Mar 2008
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