After many years of working in the alcoholism treatment profession, as well as my own personal recovery journey, I am still baffled by the extent of untreated alcoholism. For every alcoholic in recovery, there are at least eighteen alcoholics still drinking.

In addition, only 25% of those who begin treatment and recovery are able to maintain continuous sobriety. Why do some “get it,” and others do not? While pain, the threat of loss of job and career, marriage or health are good motivators, they don't always result in sobriety.

Perhaps some alcoholics are not convinced that continued drinking will eventually lead to these losses. Others are likely unconvinced that they have permanently lost control of how much they drink, when they will drink and their behavior when drinking. In other words, they believe that on their own, without help, they can “control” and manage their drinking.

What we do know is that the earlier the treatment, the better the chances of success, similar to other diseases. Make no mistake about it, alcoholism is a progressive disease. Multiple research supports the notion that the progression continues, even with sobriety. Thus, if I relapse after 20 years of sobriety, I do not pick up where I left off 20 years ago, but rather resume as if I had been drinking continuously during that time.

The good news is that alcoholism is treatable. For more information about alcoholism, and various treatment options, call MOLAP for professional, confidential assistance at 800-688-7859