What is the best alcohol dependence treatment?

In my opinion, this is a complex question, because the problem itself can be very complex, and people can be unique.  In other words, people are different, and what works for one person might not work for everyone.

Certainly there are a variety of programs out there that attempt to help people to stop drinking, and new options are popping up from time to time.  In addition, most of these methods for quitting can be combined to form a unique strategy.

For example, someone might go to counseling on a regular basis and also use medication that is designed to help control cravings for alcohol.  These two approaches could be combined to form their ideal solution.  If this works for them, then that is great.  But obviously, this approach would not work for every alcoholic who tried it.  Many would simply end up relapsing and quickly realize that they need a different form of support.

Another example of a treatment for alcohol dependence are 12 step meetings such as AA.  People who are trying to quit drinking might simply attend these meetings on a daily basis and be able to stop drinking based on the support and guidance that they receive there.  Again, this does not work for everyone.  In fact, most people find that the 12 step program does not keep them sober.  We can fault the individual for this, or we can fault the program, but in the end it does not matter.  The fact remains that AA does not work for the majority of people. However, it does work well for some, and it can also be part of an overall recovery plan.

And so you should see that one of the main ideas here is that of customization.  No single path in recovery will work for every person.  That is an old idea that is quickly being discarded as useless, because the evidence is overwhelming that different people have different needs in recovery.  You have to find what works for you.

This is your personal responsibility.  You have to find what works.  Do not expect others to do this for you.  If someone says “go to AA, you just have to want it bad enough, and it will work for you,” then take their advice but test as you go.  If it does not work well for you, then adjust.  Find new resources.  Don’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting things to change.  Try new tactics for recovery.