Alcohol Treatment for Executives & Professionals

Treatment Options

Three wine glasses — exploring moderation as a treatment approach

Moderation Management

For those who want to reduce, not eliminate, drinking

Not everyone needs to quit entirely. If you've never had severe withdrawal, don't drink daily, and want to explore controlled drinking, moderation management may be right for you.

Set clear drinking limits (days, drinks, situations)
Learn to recognize and avoid high-risk triggers
Track your progress with objective measures
Adjust the plan as you learn what works

Learn More About Moderation →

Hand raised to refuse alcohol — choosing abstinence

Abstinence Strategies

For those who want to stop drinking completely, temporarily or for good

If moderation hasn't worked, if you've had withdrawal symptoms, or if you simply want a clean break from alcohol, abstinence strategies provide the structure and support to help you quit drinking and learn how to thrive without alcohol.

Medication, when needed, to ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse
Cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention strategies
Coping skills to resist social pressures, manage stress, and have fun without alcohol
Resolve underlying emotional and relationship issues that drive repeated relapses

Alcohol Patterns We Treat

Binge Drinking

You can go days or weeks without drinking, but when you start, you can't stop. Blackouts, regret, and "lost weekends" are common.

Daily Drinking

What started as a "night cap" has become a ritual. You're functioning, but you know it's catching up with you.

Gray Area Drinking

You're not an "alcoholic," but you drink more than you intend to. You've tried to cut back on your own without lasting success.

High-Stakes Drinking

Alcohol at client dinners and business events. Your job puts you in heavy drinking situations where inappropriate behaviors activated by over-drinking can seriously damage your career.

What to Expect

The treatment options described below can be utilized separately or in combination, based on an assessment of what's most likely to work best for you. For example, you can choose to have individual sessions only, group sessions only, or a combination of both individual and group sessions. Supplemental medication is also available.

Individual (One-on-One) Sessions

These sessions are scheduled by appointment as frequently as needed to help you get started on the road to change and learn how to manage triggers that contribute to your over-drinking and/or other drug use. Emotional or psychological issues that may be intertwined with your substance use will also be identified and addressed. The planned frequency of sessions will be based on your individual circumstances and needs.

Online Executive Support Group Meetings

These once weekly group sessions led by Dr. Arnold Washton on ZOOM are attended by a small select group of high-functioning executives and professionals (usually 6-9 members). These sessions provide support and encouragement from like-minded peers and a forum to help you stay motivated and apply the skills and techniques to stay on track and achieve your goals. These meetings are private therapy sessions, not self-help AA groups.

Medication to Reduce Cravings and Prevent Relapse

Medication is not for everyone, but when used appropriately it can enhance the effectiveness of behavioral therapy and accelerate your progress. There are FDA-approved medications for alcohol problems that can help you reduce or stop drinking and medications for opioid addiction that can prevent withdrawal, cravings, and relapse.

Medications

Medication is not always needed, but can be very helpful, especially when combined with individual and/or group therapy.

For Alcohol Use

Antabuse (disulfiram)

Creates an unpleasant reaction if you drink, making it effective for preventing relapse.

Naltrexone & Acamprosate

Blunts alcohol's effects, reducing the likelihood of binge drinking episodes.

For Opioid Addiction

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Relieves withdrawal symptoms, blocks cravings, and minimizes relapse risk.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

A non-addictive opioid-blocking drug. While taking it, relapse to opioids is virtually impossible.

Co-Occurring Conditions

Depression, Anxiety & Mood Disorders

Addiction is often intertwined with mood disturbances. We collaborate with addiction psychiatrists who can diagnose and determine the best medication approach.

Signs You May Need Professional Help

You've driven after drinking more than you should have

You've sent emails or texts you regretted the next morning

You've missed morning meetings or shown up impaired

Your spouse or partner has expressed concern about your drinking

You've had blackouts or gaps in memory from nights out

You've tried to cut back on your own and failed

What is Considered an Alcoholic?

The term "alcoholic" often brings to mind someone who drinks daily, can't hold a job, or has lost everything. But for successful professionals, problematic drinking looks different.

Many executives and professionals function at a high level while privately struggling with alcohol. They meet their responsibilities, maintain relationships, and appear successful to the outside world. Yet they know that drinking is a problem.

 You might have a "problem" with alcohol if: You drink more than intended, even after promising yourself you won't
You can stop for days or weeks at a time, but when you drink you often lose your "off switch"
Alcohol affects your sleep, mood, or relationships, even if no one else notices
You've had partial memory lapses, embarrassing moments, or close calls at work due to alcohol
You hide how much you drink or feel shame about your drinking
You've tried to cut back on your own without lasting success
 

You don't need to label yourself as "alcoholic" to get help. Many executives benefit from treatment before their drinking creates personal disasters or becomes obvious to others. Early intervention means more options, including moderation, and less disruption to your career, relationships, and self-esteem. We understand just how difficult it is for highly successful intelligent people to come to grips with having a "problem" and admitting the need for professional help. We can offer you a self-respecting path forward without sacrificing your pride and putting your accomplishments at risk.

Dr. Arnold Washton

Clinical Psychologist | Author

For over 50 years, Dr. Washton has helped executives, physicians, attorneys, and entrepreneurs address alcohol problems without derailing their careers. He pioneered moderation-based treatment for professionals who aren't ready for complete abstinence, or don't need it at all.

His clients include Fortune 500 executives, managing partners at law firms, surgeons, and entrepreneurs. Treatment is structured around your schedule, with telehealth options for those who travel frequently.

Executive Alcohol Treatment: Confidential Care for Professionals