Does my friend need alcohol addiction treatment?

Question:

I have a friend who stopped drinking alcohol two days ago and she has been experiencing what seems to me like withdrawal symptoms. She's always craving alcohol and gets clammy hands. I told her these are signs that she should get herself treated for addiction but she won't listen to me. Am I right? If so, what can I do?

Answers:
Your friend does have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. (other signs would be restlessness, insomnia, dreams of alcohol, hallucinations...) These are indeed signs that she should get herself treated for her alcohol addiction. The best thing you can do is to get her checked up by a doctor and he will then assess your friend's condition. Your friend needs to be treated for her withdrawal. If she's not swayed by your pleas, you can do an alcohol intervention for her.

Just see how she does over the next couple weeks. If she stays away from it then she's ok to quit by herself. If she is overcome by the cravings/symptoms and starts drinking again, then she needs help.

Does my friend need alcohol addiction treatment?

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