Schuckit: There is no magic cure for alcohol and drug dependence.

Narrator: This is Science Today. If you're looking for a program to help you kick alcohol or drugs, don't keep looking for the perfect one. Psychiatrist Marc Schuckit of the University of California, San Diego says that, depending on your own personal taste, any one of most reputable programs are likely to be of help.

Schuckit: Almost all of the programs deal with helping your motivation to get as high as possible to stop, helping you to keep that motivation there, helping you to say, geez, if I take alcohol and drugs away from my life, it leaves a big void. How do I fill that void and restructure my life? And how do I avoid getting back into alcohol and drugs?

Narrator: Schuckit recommends asking a doctor or other health care professional for a referral within your own community.

Schuckit: Basically it's best if you pick a program in your community, so that you can follow through with that program.

Narrator: Schuckit has written a book called Educating Yourself About Alcohol and Drugs, aimed at anyone who thinks they or a loved one might have a drug problem. For Science Today, I'm Steve Tokar.