I haven't seen a "health care professional" (except for two visits to a dentist for cleanings) since I was in a detox facility five days after my last drink. That was to get tested for tuberculosis prior to being moved into a residential rehab.
I used to go to doctors frequently, essentially to drug-seek. I wanted a pill that would replace the alcohol. I found that doctors in general hate alcoholics, but I did find a couple of doctors who were more than happy throw a few kinds of pills at me. Most people who are familiar with my experience will tell you that the pills drastically worsened my condition. I choose to look at the experience as a necessary step to get me where I am now.
One of the things alcohol and alcoholism took from me was my health insurance. I realize that isn't what most people experience, but from that practical standpoint alone, prescription drugs were never an option for me.