Many people abuse alcohol, yet they are not defined as alcoholics. While the two are similar, they differ greatly in a number of ways. Unlike alcoholics, alcohol abusers don't experience an overwhelming craving for alcohol. They can take it or leave it. Also, alcoholics develop a physical dependence, which in time leads to a complete loss of control over their drinking.

Alcoholism is a disease. If left untreated, its effects can be extremely serious--even fatal--both for the alcoholic and to others. However, most alcoholics cannot quit solely on willpower alone. In order to maintain any length of sobriety, they need some form of an alcohol rehab program. There, they will learn not only how to live life without alcohol, but they will be given the tools to do so.

The goal of all alcohol rehab programs is to teach the alcoholic about the changes they need to make to live without alcohol. Patients are taught new ways of acting and thinking to help them stay away from alcohol and drugs. For example, counselors will typically discuss ways they can avoid situations leading to alcohol abuse. Later, the group or the individual may practice the refusal skills they need to say "no." Most alcohol rehabs provide various therapy programs including counseling, behavioral therapy, lectures, group therapy and discussion groups.

There are several different types of rehab programs for alcoholics to consider. However, most of them are all focused around the 12-step program, Alcoholics Anonymous. This is for good reason; many studies have shown that the rate of recovery is higher among those rehab programs who use Alcoholics Anonymous. On the other hand, AA isn't for everyone. In these cases, there are many alternative programs available.

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