The first challenge in tackling alcoholism is that many people with alcohol issues don't recognize when their drinking has become a problem. In spite of this tendency to underestimate the problem, and the frequent state of denial on part of alcohol dependent individuals, research published in recent years has shown compassionate counseling to produce overall better results than the more aggressive intervention styles of the past. Once the disorder has been diagnosed, there are three stages in the treatment of alcoholism: intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation. As mentioned earlier, confrontational intervention is usually not very effective. Honest dialog and genuine concern on the part of family members, close friends, and/or employers have proven far more productive.

If a person has been identified as alcohol dependent, the goal is to achieve complete abstinence. Any exception to total abstinence is likely to derail the entire effort and reverse any progress that has been made up to that point. Individuals who are "only" problem drinkers may be able to exercise moderation and still be successful, although complete abstinence would be a safer approach. However, a trial of moderation can be attempted and may be an effective way to deal with the problem. If it fails, the abstinence approach would be the next step.