Another type of treatment program includes Therapeutic Communities (TCs).  TCs are a special type of inpatient treatment program wherein the patients stay at a residence, typically for 6 to 12 months.  Patients who may benefit from TCs include those with a long, unsuccessful history of alcohol dependence, involvement in serious criminal activities, and seriously impaired social functioning.  The principal goal of a TC is to change the individual’s lifestyle by promoting abstinence, elimination of anti-social behavior and the development of employability and pro-social attitudes and values.

On the other hand, outpatient programs use approaches that allow the alcohol addicted individual to remain in their real-life settings.  This type of treatment would be more suitable for individuals who have an excellent support system and who would like to remain gainfully employed while in treatment.  These low-intensity programs offer drug education and support and emphasize group counseling.  Intensive day treatment is comparable to residential programs in services and effectiveness.

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Within both the inpatient and outpatient treatment setting, there are a number of methods that these programs use to treat alcoholism:

Network therapy, wherein specific family members and friends are enlisted to provide ongoing support and promote attitude and behavioral changes.  Network members are considered to be part of the “team” and are not subjects of treatment themselves.

Group therapy, which is typically the most popular approach to addiction, includes groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.  This particular group approach shares an appreciation of the healing power of the connection with others.

Relapse prevention is a cognitive behavioral program, which consists of a collection of strategies intended to enhance self-control.  Specific techniques include exploring the negative and positive consequences of continued alcohol use, self-monitoring to recognize alcohol cravings early on and to identify high-risk situations and the desire to use.

Education issues may include assisting the individual to complete their high school diploma or GED or taking college-level courses.  Research has shown time and time again that there is a positive correlation between education and an alcohol-free lifestyle after treatment.

Life skills tools may offer lessons on personal hygiene, opening a bank account, going food shopping, and keeping a clean house.

Workforce development provides the necessary skills so that employment can be obtained after treatment is completed.

Overall, the best treatment programs are comprehensive and multidimensional.  A wide variety of treatment options should be available for a wide variety of individuals.  Because recovery is a long process, continued support must be provided in order to ensure success and avoid relapse.