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A helper who shows respect, firmness and kindness with alcoholics is invaluable. Alcoholics need to be given time and need to be listened to, especially at the first meeting. Always be hopeful. Try to classify the alcohol problem, for example:
Home and outpatient treatment carries more risks than hospital treatment but can be very effective. This involves frequent monitoring of the home situation by social and welfare workers and also visiting doctors and nurses. Medication should be controlled, with sedatives and tranquillisers used on a reducing scale and for a period of weeks only. These measures save and lengthen the lives of clients/patients.
Long-term rehabilitation in a residential setting offers the best chance of lasting recovery, and treatment involves frequent monitoring by social and welfare workers, and visiting nurses and doctors. Medications may be given in this setting on a supervised and dose-reducing basis for a period of several weeks only. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an invaluable part of treatment and few alcoholics recover without some exposure to AA.