Alcohol Treatment Options

If you need support for alcohol use, there are several professionally led treatment options and mutual-support groups available. Many providers now offer telehealth services, making it possible to access care through phone or video sessions.

This guide outlines available treatment options and additional resources.

Professionally Led Treatment

Many healthcare professionals and treatment programs offer telehealth alcohol treatment. These services may include:

• Talk therapy sessions by phone or video

• Virtual medical appointments

• Ongoing monitoring and medication management

Telehealth can provide flexibility and increased access to care. Insurance coverage for telehealth services has expanded in recent years, though coverage varies. It is recommended to check directly with your insurance provider regarding specific benefits.

Finding Telehealth Alcohol Treatment

The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator can help locate:

• Treatment programs offering telemedicine or telehealth

• Therapists with addiction specialties who provide video counseling

• Doctors specializing in addiction medicine

👉 Explore treatment options here:https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/

When searching, you can filter for “telemedicine/telehealth.” If a program does not list telehealth, consider contacting the provider to confirm availability.

Computer-Based Treatment Programs

An effective computer-based program may also provide support.

CBT4CBT™ is a web-based cognitive behavioral therapy program developed with funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It teaches seven skills designed to help individuals reduce or stop drinking.

Learn more about CBT4CBT™:https://cbt4cbt.com/

A licensed physician or therapist can prescribe this program and monitor progress.

Mutual-Support Groups

Mutual-support groups can provide connection, accountability, and encouragement.

Many groups offer online meetings and communities. Because groups vary in format and philosophy, exploring different options may help you find a good fit.

You can explore mutual-support groups through the Alcohol Treatment Navigator:https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/

While peer groups are an important source of support, they are typically not led by licensed clinicians. Some concerns may require consultation with a trained healthcare professional.

Additional Resources

If you would like to begin with immediate tools or educational materials, consider:

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) — Online support groups, apps, and podcasts:https://www.asam.org/

Rethinking Drinking — Tools and guidance to evaluate drinking patterns and cut back if needed:https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/

Choosing Evidence-Based Care

Regardless of how treatment is accessed — in person or via telehealth — it is important to look for approaches that are evidence-based.

Evidence-based treatments are supported by large, well-designed research studies. The Alcohol Treatment Navigator provides guidance for identifying higher-quality care options.

Key Takeaways

• Telehealth alcohol treatment is widely available.

• Insurance coverage for virtual care may vary.

• Mutual-support groups offer online options.

• Computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs are available.

• Evidence-based treatment approaches are recommended.

Access to alcohol treatment is available through multiple formats, including virtual care.