About Alcohol.org

Alcohol.org is developed and maintained by Recovery Brands.

Alcohol.org is a comprehensive resource for research based information on the nature of alcohol abuse and addiction. A better understanding of how alcohol use can impact the brain and body is key to making positive choices that promote overall health and wellness.

Though its use has been normalized in almost every culture, alcohol is a toxin, and regular use of the substance can lead to medical, mental health, and social problems. Whether the issue is binge drinking, chronic drinking, alcoholism, or somewhere in between, alcohol can trigger an onslaught of negative consequences, not just for the person living with the alcohol use disorder but for their families as well.

The good news is that resources are available that have been proven effective in helping people to stop drinking and start a new life in recovery. At Alcohol.org, the goal is to connect families in crisis with the knowledge, inspiration, and services that will facilitate the process of growth and healing.

Educate

Education is necessary to fully understand the scope of health issues, both physical and mental, that are caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Learning how genetics can influence the development of alcohol use disorders, exploring the neurological and physiological impact of different drinking patterns, and identifying symptoms of different varieties of alcohol use disorders can all help individuals in crisis to better understand the nature of addiction.

Empower

With knowledge comes empowerment – empowerment to accurately identify symptoms of an alcohol use disorder in oneself or a loved one, empowerment to accept that treatment is necessary, and empowerment to boldly make positive choices that will start the process of recovery. Treatment and recovery is not the path of least resistance. It is characterized by hard work, persistence, and bravery. At Alcohol.org, the goal is to help people tap into their inner reserves and find the strength necessary to stay dedicated to the healing process.

Change

Sustained healthy change is the primary focus in recovery, and Alcohol.org offers the tools and resources to turn hope for sobriety into reality. Through comprehensive treatment plans, a range of holistic therapies and treatments, traditional therapy and medical care, and long-term integrated treatment and a community of support, positive change is possible – and Alcohol.org is there to help you every step of the way.

Alcohol.org Content and Contributors

The content provided on Alcohol.org features valuable information to help you and your loved ones determine your needs when it comes to seeking treatment for alcohol abuse. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information available in the field of addiction medicine and behavioral health, and have enlisted an acclaimed team of authors, treatment professionals, and editorial experts to write, review, and update content to check that it meets our high editorial standards. Some of our reviewers include:

  • Scot Thomas, MD: University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
  • Dan Wagener, MA: Counseling Psychology, Lewis & Clark College
  • Lauren Brande, MA: Psychology, Boston University
  • Nicolle Monico, BA: Journalism, Biola University

For permission to reproduce content, please contact us.

Ethics

We commit to high ethical standards, in the interest of being as helpful as possible to those seeking treatment. We aim to make our site as transparent as possible by marking ads to distinguish them from editorial content and disclosing our sponsors. We take steps to ensure our advertisers are licensed, similar to the criteria used by the federally run Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provider directory at SAMHSA.gov.

Our content is impartial and unbiased. We do not endorse or subscribe to any particular recovery method, and we believe that the personal decision to seek treatment is one that should be done autonomously and with the support of all possible information.

We hold ourselves to the highest level of financial integrity, and we do not sell or broker admissions, or engage in unethical “consultant contracts.” If you encounter any marketing practices based on calls made to centers or helplines listed on this site that you feel are deceptive, unethical, or misleading, contact us and we will do our best to correct the situation and help you find a trustworthy provider.

Identifying an Appropriate Treatment Provider

The process of finding a treatment provider can feel overwhelming. Resources, like facility websites or Alcohol.org and the following guide, can help you determine which options are best for you or your loved one.

  • Identify proper accreditation and licensure. Appropriate state licensure is important in determining what services and levels of care are permissible to be rendered at a treatment center. Some facilities voluntarily obtain accreditation from the Joint Commission or CARF, indicating that they have met quality and safety standards that go beyond those required by the state.
  • Determine if the program is a clinical match. Successful outcomes rely on appropriate clinical care. There is no one-size-fits-all method to treatment. When searching for treatment, ask an admissions counselor for details on the clinical program. Are the methodologies utilized evidence-based (meaning scientifically proven to produce better outcomes)? Does the treatment center employ medically licensed healthcare providers? Will the center provide the name and credentials of its providers? Has the treatment center published any outcome studies? Make note of the questions you are asked by the admissions team, and if they ask you for your medical history. This will help you and the facility’s staff determine if your needs match with the clinical program offered.
  • Assess your financial options. Discuss with your insurance provider or an admissions counselor if treatment is “in-network.” If your insurance provider will not cover treatment or a portion of treatment, determine what additional expenses you may have to cover ahead of time, and ask if payment plans are available.
  • Get as much information as possible. Read about the staff’s experiences, skills, and licenses online, and view videos and photos and read reviews to “see” what the treatment experience will be like. Ask an admissions counselor about how the intake, treatment, and discharge process work, and about what happens after treatment.
  • Look for red flags and possible warning signs. Some treatment centers advertise a “cure” or an unrealistic success rate. Others may only ask you about your ability to pay, and then determine a “fit” without getting any medical or clinical information about you. Some possible bad actors will even offer you gifts, cash incentives, help with obtaining insurance, or free travel. These are possible signs of illegal or unethical behaviors that can possibly harm you or your loved one.

Contact Us

Recovery Brands
100 State Street, Suite 300 Madison, WI 53703
[email protected]