Alcoholism is a serious problem worldwide. In the United States, alcoholism is the most prevalent of the nation's addictions. Alcohol and drug use can progress into abuse and even addiction so insidiously that sometimes people do not realize that it has become a problem for them and those around them. Research shows that the risk for developing alcoholism does indeed run in families. Currently, researchers are working to discover the actual genes that put people at risk for alcoholism. Some people develop alcoholism even though no one in their family has a drinking problem. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person's environment influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. No two people are alike, and the same can be said for addictions. If you are suffering from an alcohol or drug problem, alcoholism recovery programs are available to help you break that addiction. While the end goal is the same, to end the addiction, the same path is not right for every person.

Treatment programs have varying success rates, but many people with alcohol dependency make a full recovery. Alcoholism recovery programs will give you tools, but you have to take those tools and implement them in your life. Scientific research has shown that participation in support groups, combined with other treatment efforts, is more effective in helping alcoholics remain sober than participating in treatment by itself. Used as an aid for detoxification from alcohol and drugs, acupuncture treatment also helps during the early stages of recovery by reducing cravings, promoting regular sleep patterns, and giving a feeling of well being.

There are many different options for your recovery. There is Alcoholics Anonymous, where members of AA are given a spiritual model of recovery by seeing the accomplishments of sober members of the group, they have help available 24 hours a day, and learn that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking. SMART recovery uses cognitive methods to help people with alcoholism recover. LifeRing recovery and SOS are two other nonreligious programs.