DESPITE THE EFFORTS of law enforcement, families, and school- and community-based programs, alcoholism prevention does not always work. Alcoholism, however, is treatable, and the sooner a person is able to acknowledge a need for help, the better are his or her chances for recovery. The types of programs suitable for alcoholics vary. The severity of an individual's drinking problem and available community resources, for example, are factors to be considered when choosing rehabilitation programs. Some alcoholics seek treatment in hospital or residentialcare settings. In these cases, they move into the facilities until they can get their drinking under control. Other alcoholics may select treatment on an outpatient basis: This choice is most appropriate for patients who do not want to interrupt their daily work or living arrangements. In both options, treatment may include detoxification, which is the process of slowly and safely...