Treatment programs for alcoholism usually involve multiperson treatment teams which can include, among others, social workers, counselors, doctors, and nurses. These individuals work together with you, the friend or family member, to deliver the best all-around care possible, to move along the road to recovery.

The first step in the treatment process is usually the establishment of a treatment plan based on information gathered by a counselor or other healthcare provider. The information requested might be factual in nature, like the type, amount and duration of alcohol abuse, or possibly personal information like work or school performance and mental health issues. The person gathering the information might ask you to give your thoughts and express your concerns about your friend's or relative's behavior and history. This is a time to speak freely and honestly about the situation so your friend or family member can be thoroughly assessed and receive the most appropriate care.

The road to recovery from alcoholism is not an easy one, and may involve medication, counseling and support groups, or a combination of both. No single treatment type is right for everybody—treatment must be tailored to each individual patient to work properly. Determining which of these treatment types is the best choice is an important outcome of the treatment plan.