A recent American clinical study examined the effect of perceived criticism on relapse back to substance abuse, and found that the perception of criticism was a very significant factor leading to relapse. Families can best help in the recovery process by remaining encouraging and supportive, and additionally attending both therapy with the alcoholic, as well as some form of family support organization.

Clinical studies indicate that a brief intervention with a professional for people displaying substance abuse behaviors, but who do not yet have addictions, can influence tremendous behavioral change. The best way to deal with drug or alcohol dependency and abuse is never to let it occur in the first place. While we are very unlikely to curtail trans-cultural human urges towards the consumption of mood altering substances, through better prevention and intervention, we may be able to limit the numbers of people who progress from use to abuse.

The National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has determined that there is a "lost decade" between the age of onset of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependency and the age of first treatment.

You never need to let a loved one hit rock bottom before intervening - in fact, if you do wait that long, the odds of successful treatment are lower