De-Addiction Counselling: A Step Towards Combating Alcoholism

Do You Suffer from A Drinking Problem?

Choosing to attend a de-addiction counseling program is the first step to solving your drinking problems. However, for that, you must understand that you have a drinking problem that must be addressed and combatted. Gaining an insight into the problematic effects of drinking excessively is the first major step toward recovery. Some of the common signs of drinking problems include:

• A feeling of guilt or shame while drinking
• Hiding your drinking problems from your loved ones
• Dependence on alcohol to tackle stress
• Binge drinking tendencies
• Frequent alcohol consumption
• Drinking patterns that negatively impact social functioning

Recognizing your drinking problems is the first step to cutting off alcohol abuse. Once you realize the problem at hand, it is easy to get rid of it by reaching out for help. Excessive alcohol usage can cause neurological changes that need professional medical supervision.

Alcohol-related Health Problems

Unhinged drinking habits can cause irreparable harm to your body and mind. Alcohol intoxication results in coordination loss, thus resulting in grievous car accidents and indulgence in risky behavior due to its impact on impulse control, like unprotected sex. The severity due to excessive alcohol intake can lead to poisoning and death. The temporary effects of alcohol abuse that beget immediate de-addiction therapy include sexual problems, difficulty in sleeping, panic attacks, anxiousness, bouts of depressive behavior, and increased blood pressure. There is also the risk of unplanned pregnancy and suffering from sexually transmitted diseases owing to unbridled sexual activities under the effect of alcohol.

Continued drinking habits over prolonged periods can result in serious health problems like liver damage under the effect of alcohol, heart diseases, stomach problems, brain damage, cancerous tumors, and inflammation of the pancreas. Drinking habits, if continued, can also be the cause of painful death in many.

People with heavy drinking habits also face problems in keeping up with their daily work schedules and maintaining relationships with their colleagues, friends, and family. Besides, they are at an increased risk of violence or becoming victims of physical and sexual abuse. Alcohol abuse counseling can help those who are facing difficulty in overcoming alcohol addiction. This is especially helpful for those unable to quit their alcohol dependence and are at a high risk of being addicted to drugs or narcotic substances.

Alcohol-related Financial Troubles

Compulsive drinking habits can cause you to lose a lot of money on alcohol. Be it arranging for drinks at social gatherings or consuming alcohol on whims and fancies, buying alcohol costs a lot of money and can make a dent in your monthly budget. Drinking too much sabotages your finances in a way that you cannot even comprehend.

Inhibitions are considerably lowered when you drink alcohol, thus prompting you to make compulsive purchases. An intoxicated person spends more time and money at the bar than planned. Researchers often refer to the ‘beer goggles effect’ that makes an item look more attractive and the price tag much more enticing under the effect of alcohol, thus increasing the likelihood of making unplanned purchases. Alcohol intoxication can also inhibit and impair impulse control, contributing to shopping sprees or making large investments or purchases without necessary contemplation.

Work productivity is greatly reduced, thus a negative effect on work potential. As employment prospects and, consequently, salary potential are considerably lowered, the financial condition of the family suffers a setback, thus causing stress and an added reason to drink. The financial strain can also cause damaged relationships in the family and negatively impact family dynamics.  

Alcohol Abuse Treatment through Counseling

Alcohol addiction counselling is the first step in treating alcohol addiction. Professional counselors advise their patients against further addiction while providing them with the necessary guidance to live an alcohol-free life. Irrespective of how long one may have struggled with drinking problems or the grievousness of the alcohol use disorder problem, alcohol de-addiction methods are incomplete without proper counseling.

What does De-addiction Counseling Do?

De-addiction counseling helps you understand the social aspects of alcoholism and how to deal with these aspects whilst abstaining from the consumption of alcohol. The doctor not only briefs the patient on these matters but also the family of the patient. This method can help one cope with alcohol abuse problems as well as get over it.

The doctor talks about many topics surrounding alcoholism, such as:

• Alcohol abuse and the consequences it has on your life
• The social pressure surrounding alcoholism and how to manage it
• The situations you may find yourself in when you feel the need to consume alcohol and how to abstain from doing so
• Times when you are alone at home and feel the need to drink alcohol
• Anxiety and stress, which lead to the consumption of alcohol, and how to avoid this
• Anger and frustration from not consuming alcohol and how to manage it

De-addiction counseling for alcoholism can be very effective and can help you abstain from consuming alcohol or suffering from a relapse.

How does counseling help to overcome addiction?

1. Understanding the Root Cause of Addiction: It involves delving into the underlying factors, such as trauma or genetics, that contribute to addictive behaviors to address them effectively.
2. Developing Coping Strategies: Individuals learn healthy ways to deal with triggers and stressors that may lead to substance abuse, helping them manage cravings and avoid relapse.
3. Behavioral Modification: This entails identifying negative patterns and replacing them with positive behaviors through therapy, counseling, or support groups.
4. Building a Support System: Surrounding oneself with understanding and supportive friends, family, or peers can provide encouragement, accountability, and empathy during recovery.
5. Relapse Prevention: By recognizing potential triggers and developing strategies to cope with them, individuals can minimize the risk of returning to addictive behaviors.
6. Improving Mental Health: Addressing co-occurring mental health issues like depression or anxiety is crucial for sustainable recovery and overall well-being.
7. Setting Goals and Planning for the Future: Establishing realistic and attainable goals provides direction and motivation, fostering a sense of purpose beyond addiction.
8. Holistic Approach: Integrating various therapies, lifestyle changes, and self-care practices, such as mindfulness or exercise, supports comprehensive healing of the mind, body, and spirit.

Rehabilitation Treatment Programme

The most preferred treatment program for those recovering from alcoholism is rehabilitation. This is because the alcohol rehabilitation counseling treatment program involves guiding the patients through effective and safe medical detox, in which counselors help patients realize the reason behind their addictive habits and ways to get rid of them. Also, during the rehabilitation program, treatment centers help alcoholics manage their cravings and stem factors that trigger their urge to drink.

Be Ready to Tell a Different Story

You know that you can make it happen. It’s only a matter of time before you realize the need to seek counseling for alcohol problems. Healing is the goal that one must pursue to realize happiness and joy at the other end. While receiving alcohol counseling and Deaddiction therapy, it might be hard to come to terms with accepting your addiction, but it can serve as a stepping stone for being an inspiration to many others. Sharing your story can help many others take action and seek help, too.

Expertise and Treatment Approaches at Cadabams

At Cadabams, we not only counsel our patients but also build customized plans that treat addiction on several levels. Based on the need, we also offer inpatient and rehabilitation programs. This allows them access to complete round-the-clock care and receive constant support from our medical staff. For more details of treatment processes, you may contact our staff or visit our site to read our success stories.

We ensure that you get the treatment you need and deserve. Our team of psychiatrists is an expert in psychosocial rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy, which have been proven to be highly effective in treating drug addiction.

We have over two decades of expertise in handling the most complex and severe cases of drug addiction. Our multispecialty team of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and physicians work around the clock and are with you every step of the way. We offer world-class, evidence-based treatment that is fit for all stages and all types of addiction.

Call us on our mental health helpline at +91 96111 94949 or mail us at info@cadabams.org for any queries or support for drug addiction or any drug addiction-related emergencies.

Disclaimer – We strive to treat our patients with dignity and the utmost sensitivity. We understand that addiction is a disease and that it is not a sign of weakness. The term alcoholic, alcoholism, or addicts is used not in a derogatory fashion but to remain relevant to user search trends and common usage. It is important to note that addiction should be referred to as ‘substance use disorder’ to better address the effects of this psychological condition. Words like addict, junkie, etc should be avoided as they place the blame on the individual. Individuals/persons/people suffering from substance use disorder or substance dependence syndrome should be used. In case you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse and share a unique viewpoint on how we can improve this content for our readers, please reach out to us at info@cadabams.org

1. What to expect at my first counseling session for alcoholism?

In your first counseling session for alcoholism, expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment. The counselor will likely ask you about your drinking history, health, lifestyle, and the impact alcohol has had on your life. This session is about understanding your unique situation and discussing goals. Confidentiality is a key aspect, ensuring that the details shared remain private. It's a chance for both you and the counselor to determine the best approach for your treatment and recovery.

2. When should I go for counselling for alcohol addiction?

You should consider counseling for alcohol addiction if your drinking is causing problems in your life, such as health issues, strained relationships, work problems, or legal troubles. If you find yourself unable to control your drinking despite wanting to, or if drinking takes a central role in your life, these are signs that counseling could be beneficial. Early intervention can prevent the progression of addiction, but it's never too late to seek help.

3. Can alcohol addiction be cured?

Alcohol addiction is typically considered a chronic condition, meaning it can be managed but not cured in the traditional sense. Treatment focuses on managing the addiction through various strategies, including counseling, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. Many individuals achieve long-term recovery and lead fulfilling lives without alcohol. The concept of "cure" implies a permanent end without the need for ongoing management, which does not apply to most cases of addiction. However, with the right support and treatment, individuals can regain control over their lives and minimize the impact of addiction.