Can Alcohol Counseling Help?
Excessive alcohol consumption is an issue that can be addressed through online counseling services. There are many different reasons a person might seek counseling sessions related to alcohol use and addiction. Contrary to popular belief, seeking help from health care providers for alcohol use does not mean someone necessarily has a substance use disorder, although those who do can benefit from counseling as well.
There are many different ways people can relate to alcohol, and a trained therapist can help you examine your relationship with alcohol if you have concerns about it or would like professional support.
What is therapy for substance use?
The most effective kind of mental health treatment is the kind that’s catered to the individual and their current needs and situation. That means alcohol counseling or addiction treatment may look different for different types of people. In general, however, alcohol counseling involves meeting with a therapist or other professional to discuss and work toward improving your relationship with substances.
Substance use exists on a wide spectrum, from not drinking at all to clinical substance use disorder. If you feel concerned that your relationship with drinking may be unhealthy, you can contact an alcohol counseling service no matter where you fall on this spectrum. Some signs that you may want to consider alcohol counseling include:
- You frequently end up drinking more than you planned to.
- You find yourself craving alcohol.
- You regularly give up other activities in order to drink.
- You’ve developed a high tolerance.
- You engage in risky behaviors when intoxicated.
- You’re facing problems with work, relationships with family (including children), your health, or other parts of life because of drinking.
- You want to or have tried to drink less without success.
While not everyone who seeks alcohol counseling has substance use disorder, some do—and a trained mental health professional can help. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is defined as “a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences”. Risk factors include drinking from a young age, genetic predisposition within families, and a history of trauma, but anyone can develop AUD. Alcohol use disorder encompasses dependence and excessive use. The symptoms listed above may indicate that a person has AUD, but a trained mental health professional can do an evaluation, provide a clinical diagnosis, and develop an addiction treatment plan if needed. This treatment plan may include alcohol counseling involving aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Unhealthy substance use can have serious consequences for the individual as well as those around them, such as their friends and family. Some people even experience being angry drunk, which can negatively affect their relationships with their love ones. The physical and emotional issues brought on by AUD are the main reasons why getting treatment is so important. The United States Department of Health and Human Services notes that alcohol use has negative effects on human health. Some effects of heavy use or AUD may include:
- Brain damage
- Increased risk of depression
- Various cancers
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries (falls, car collisions, burns, drowning)
- Liver problems
- Fetal alcohol symptoms if exposed before birth
- Violence
- Trouble with work, money, relationships, or daily functioning
Cultivating a healthier relationship with alcohol or quitting drinking altogether has the potential to improve your life and health (both mental and physical) in a variety of ways. First, alcohol is a depressant or “downer,” meaning that it can make you feel more depressed—particularly if consumed regularly. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, alcohol use can lead to cognitive impairment in adults, including difficulty focusing and remembering information. Eliminating it can improve your mood as a result of a better chemical balance in the brain.
Another benefit of cutting back or quitting is that you may reduce your risk of mental health disorders, like anxiety, as well as your risk of a number of health problems such as heart disease, cancer, cirrhosis, gastritis, dementia, and others. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances are of mitigating the risk of these health concerns. Finally, those who cut back on or quit drinking may also notice an increase in self-confidence, healthier relationships, healthier skin, improved memory, increased productivity, and better financial health. There can be many benefits to recovery from addiction.
Getting treatment for alcohol addiction
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 29.5 million people in the US experienced AUD in 2022. This low treatment rate is likely due to many factors, but treatment can be very effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control, alcohol screening and counseling can reduce the amount that someone drinks on occasion by 25%. If you’re concerned about your substance use, you deserve to seek the treatment or other support you may need during your recovery process, whether that is individual alcohol counseling with a therapist, group therapy sessions at community health centers, family therapy sessions, meetings with support groups, or additional resources like inpatient treatment.
Common formats for substance use therapy
There are two common formats for alcohol counseling. Some may have a preference for one or the other, and some might benefit from doing both. First, there’s individual counseling. These sessions take place one-on-one between the patient and a therapist, social worker, or other psychology/mental health professional. They’ll work with you to examine the impact drinking is having on your life and come up with a plan for reducing or eliminating it from your life if needed.
Group therapy is another common format for this type of counseling. This method of therapy revolves around the idea that talking to and being with other adults who are experiencing the same or similar challenges as you may help you to cope and overcome your own. It can also provide you with plenty of new information that can contextualize your experience and help you move forward.
What counseling may include
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a modality that psychiatrists, psychologists, and other health professionals can utilize to identify underlying issues that are leading to substance use problems. For example, a therapist may help a participant recognize that negative thoughts about their self-worth often prompt them to start drinking. By reframing this thought pattern, the individual may be able to avoid exacerbating a drinking problem, take another step toward recovery, and live a happier, healthier life.
The type of professional help an individual receives may depend on the specific concerns they’re experiencing. Many therapists use holistic therapy—which typically focuses on an individual’s mental and physical well-being—when treating addiction. Other modalities include dialectical behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing. A therapist may utilize brief counseling or longer formats, depending on the client’s treatment and recovery goals. For example, someone with a dependence may want to become and stay sober, which may require more intensive treatment and frequent check-ins.
Detoxification (“detox”) may also be necessary in situations where the body has developed a physical dependence. In this circumstance, the guidance of a medical professional (in addition to an alcohol counselor) is generally recommended since detox can be difficult and even dangerous to do alone. A detox may require medication or inpatient treatment at a rehab facility in more serious cases, as side effects can include shaking, insomnia, confusion, and even hallucinations and convulsions in the most severe situations. Withdrawal symptoms can last for about a week and can be treated with medication, which is another reason it is encouraged to have the support and guidance of a medical doctor during this process to ensure safety and the prevention of more serious consequences.
Your alcohol counselor will likely be able to refer you to a safe detox facility that accepts your health insurance, or a facility that takes uninsured patients.
Finding substance us screening and a counselor
For an individual who is beginning the process of evaluating and potentially adjusting their relationship with alcohol, connecting with the right trained professional can be a major help. Alcohol counselors can treat alcoholism and help therapy participants take an honest look at how alcohol may be affecting their lives. A counselor can provide an alcohol screening to determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary. These mental health professionals can then come up with an action plan and provide support during the recovery journey.
You can find treatment providers in your local area—whether they’re therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, or other types of mental health professionals—usually with a quick internet search. Family members and friends may also be able to make recommendations.
If there are limited options in your area or you prefer to seek treatment from the comfort of your own home, online therapy is another option. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, for example, you can be matched with a licensed therapist whom you can meet via phone, video, and/or chat. A growing body of research supports the efficacy of online therapy in general, and one study found that online therapy was just as effective as in-person therapy for alcohol use specifically. The rate of attrition was also similar to that of in-person therapy, and 82% of participants said they would recommend online therapy to friends and family members.
Therapist reviews
Below, you’ll find reviews of BetterHelp counselors from individuals who have sought their help in improving how they relate to alcohol.
“Rebecca is a phenomenal counselor, her background and experience in a few areas like the judicial system and drug and alcohol treatment offers great insight for those who may have loved ones working through those issues. They are highly available, always willing to open up additional appointments if you can’t find a time that works for you, respond quickly through chat. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in working with cognitive behavioral therapy to reach out and see if they are available for a chat.”
“Samantha Toney has been a very positive influence in my life since I began counseling with BetterHelp. She helped me navigate my way through the end of my relationship and coping with my partner’s addiction as well as becoming a single mother. I highly recommend her to anyone going through struggles in life no matter what they may be.”
“She checks in with me if I have not gotten back to her. Which is wonderful. I do not feel judged and feel better and see there are healthy solutions to my stress anxiety and substance abuse.”
Takeaway
If you’ve started to notice that alcohol is having a negative impact on your life, you may benefit from some form of alcohol counseling. A trained professional who has experience helping people explore their drinking habits can provide support as you navigate this situation. Treatment for alcohol use disorder and other alcohol-related challenges can lead to successful recovery. Resources like alcohol counseling—through online therapy or other means—can help those with concerns about alcohol live happy, fulfilling lives.
FAQs
What happens in an alcohol assessment?
A mental alcohol/drug evaluation or alcohol screening takes a look at your substance use history. The mental treatment facility needs to know how much you are drinking. The purpose of this form of mental treatment (alcohol screening) is to figure out the degree of your mental disorder, so they can match it with an appropriate level of mental counseling.
The alcohol screening process usually takes four steps. First, there is the mental screening phase. You’ll be asked if you have a problem. Many people who have alcohol or drug addictions won’t admit that they do, so the evaluation will continue regardless of the answer.
Next is the assessment phase. The mental treatment facility will analyze your behavior and how much you consume. This analysis can help figure out if you need alcohol or drug treatment.
If it’s decided that you do need mental treatment, then the next phase after alcohol screening is the counseling follow-up. You will be given an alcohol counseling treatment program, and as you progress, the follow-up appointment is to see if you’re doing well. Usually, the follow up is something you complete on your own. Mental treatment from a professional comes in the next phase.
Finally, there is the referral phase. If you are unable to finish mental treatment on your own, the next logical step is to find treatment with a therapist. A professional who specializes in substance misuse and alcohol use disorder recovery will work with you to manage your addiction.
What happens when you stop drinking alcohol?
When you stop drinking alcohol, there are going to be withdrawal symptoms. Because your brain is chemically dependent on alcohol, you may feel your mental state impacted with anxiety, vomiting, insomnia, intense sweating, headaches, and other symptoms related to alcoholism withdrawal.
These symptoms tend to be nonthreatening and some people can get past them. People with severe alcohol use disorder may start to hallucinate or have seizures after withdrawal. It can possibly be fatal to stop drinking. It’s important you find mental treatment or counseling. A substance use disorder treatment program can help you recover from your addiction in a safe way with the help of an alcoholism therapist.
People who go to such mental treatment facilities will soon see positive benefits. Their livers become less fatty, they lower their risk for heart disease, and their memory improves. Alcoholism can damage the body, but with mental treatment, the damage can be partially or fully reversed.
Do you get drug tested at an alcohol evaluation?
Possibly. The alcohol screening part may require you to take a drug test. Some people may find that to be intrusive, but it’s needed to determine the best mental treatment or counseling program. For instance, if you have more drugs than alcohol in your body, you may need a more intense mental treatment plan that focuses on drugs.
What is the cause or causes of substance use?
Alcoholism doesn’t have an exact cause. What we do know is that when you drink a certain amount, your brain chemistry begins to change. For example, you cannot experience pleasure unless you drink alcohol, and in some cases, you may feel like you’re in pain when you withdraw from it.
No one drinks alcohol once and then develops an alcohol use disorder (AUD) such as alcoholism. Certain genetics make it more likely for you to develop AUD or alcoholism. Finding a specialized therapist for mental treatment and addiction is the ideal solution, as many people with AUD do not have the mental ability do it on their own and require counseling.
How do I stop drinking?
If you have alcohol use disorder or alcoholism, you know how difficult it is to stop drinking. In many cases, people with this disorder abstain from alcohol for the rest of their lives.
Many people imagine that mental treatment is only for those who have hit rock bottom, but mental treatment is for anyone who wants to manage their addiction. Whether this mental treatment is in a facility, with a therapist, or on one’s own, recovery is possible.
If want to stop drinking on your own, first figure out how much you drink in a day and see if you can reduce that amount every week. After a certain amount, it may be safe for you to quit.
This type of mental treatment might work well for someone who can still function in their day-to-day life. For others where alcohol has severely impacted their lives, seeking professional help at a mental treatment facility or through a therapist is recommended.
If you’re considering quitting on your own, consult with your doctor or primary care physician first to determine if this route is safe for your mental state.
What kind of doctor treats addiction?
If you’re dealing with alcohol and drug addiction, you need to seek help from a doctor. Psychiatrists tend to be the ones who deal with addiction because it’s often a problem in the mind.
Psychiatrists may use medication assisted treatment (MAT) to help you. With medication assisted treatment, you’re given medications that stop the cravings and help withdrawal symptoms. The psychiatrist will continue care even after this type of treatment.
An addiction therapist may help as well. This is a licensed professional who can teach you cognitive behavioral counseling, mindfulness-based approaches, or other techniques to help you recover from the symptoms of your addiction.
It’s important that you find treatment for your situation. Because all needs are different, how can you make sure you get the right treatment? One way you can find mental treatment is through SAMHSA’s treatment locator.
What is the treatment locator?
A mental treatment locator allows you to put your ZIP code in and look at the nearby mental treatment centers. It’s important to find mental treatment close to you, and the mental treatment locator will help you with that.
When the mental treatment locator finds a place, it will show the address and phone number. In addition, the mental treatment locator will discuss services offered. For example, some people may need detox, while others don’t. The mental treatment locator helps you find what services you need.
The mental treatment locator will tell you payment plans. The mental treatment locator shows what types of insurance are accepted. Because drug use treatment can be pricey, the mental treatment locator can connect you with services that are less costly.
The mental treatment locator can also help you find services for minors. Because addiction can happen during the teenage years, some facilities are more well equipped to handle mental treatment for teens.
Finally, a mental treatment locator can give you more information about what to expect from mental treatment. From there, you can inquire directly at a mental treatment facility or with a therapist to receive more detailed information.
Why can’t I stop drinking?
Alcohol addiction is a chemical dependency, and those who have this disorder need to drink alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Another reason why people might find it difficult to stop drinking has to with personal problems. Some people will consume drugs and alcohol as an escape. While alcohol and other drugs can provide the escape they need, it’s possible they might develop a substance use disorder in the process, not to mention that the escape is only temporary. Dealing directly with personal problems will minimize or eliminate the use for alcohol/drugs. A therapist can help a person learn how to manage personal problems constructively.
Not being able to stop drinking is not a sign of mental weakness. If you think you have alcohol use disorder or other mental disorder, it’s time to look into mental treatment programs and counseling.
Is alcoholism genetic?
Some genes make it more likely that you will develop this alcohol use disorder or another mental health disorder. If you have a parent who has a mental disorder, it’s important that you be mindful if you decide to have a drink.
With that said, environment plays a part. You may drink more because you’re around drinkers, for example.
Issues with alcohol can stem from either or both genes and environment.
Is there a difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
“Alcohol abuse” and “alcoholism” are commonly used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Alcoholism involves the dependence on alcohol. Someone who has alcoholism can’t go without drinking. They will commonly need to go through a mental treatment process to get better.
Meanwhile, people who experience alcohol abuse often have consequences when they drink. For instance, they could become violent, have relationship problems, and get in trouble with the law. Yet, they’re not dependent on alcohol like people who have alcohol use disorder.
What is the most effective treatment for substance dependence or use?
Treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence varies depending on your needs. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism list three types of medication that have been shown to be effective and are approved by the FDA for the treatment and recovery of alcohol problems. These medications tend to be helpful for people who have quit or are in the process of quitting alcohol but still struggle with cravings or relapse that have not improved with psychotherapy.
That being said, many folks can and do curb their alcohol dependency and stay sober without medication. Therapy is an important first step in the recovery journey because it addresses many of the underlying issues that lead some patients to self-medicate with alcohol, such as untreated depression or bipolar disorder. Additionally, support groups and 12-step programs, such as (AA) provide peer support to overcome compulsive alcohol consumption.
What are the 4 levels of the addiction process?
While not everyone who develops an alcohol and drug addiction will go through the same stages, mental health professionals agree that there are four distinct phases of the addiction process:
Experimentation: again, not everyone who experiments with substance will develop a full-blown addiction, but every person who develops an addiction did experiment with substances at one point. If the person experimenting is struggling with their mental health or are going through a particular stressful time and the experimental drug use results in a positive experience for them, this could push the person to the next stage of the alcohol drug addiction process.
Regular use: in the next stage in the road toward substance addiction, something that was once sporadic or social – i.e., having a drink on a Friday night, smoking a little weed every once in a while with friends – has become a habit. A regular user may report no longer being interested in the activities that they used to enjoy and could also feel the need to consume the substance to carry out their regular tasks. At this time, they may even start thinking about treatment and recovery.
Dependency and tolerance: by the third stage of alcohol or drug abuse, the person has developed a physical and psychological dependence to the substance. The brain stops releasing chemicals on its own and instead relies on drugs or alcohol for balancing. Living a healthier life might not be possible without treatment or outside help for recovery.
Addiction: once a full-blown addiction has developed, the person spends most of their time thinking about how or when to have the next drink or get high. Many people at this stage will be unable to keep a job, attend school, or maintain healthy relationships.
What types of therapy are used to treat substance use?
Four types of therapy that have been shown to be effective for alcohol recovery include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT (including CBT family therapy)
- Support groups and 12-step programs
- Motivational interviewing or motivational enhancement therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy, for DBT
- Brief interventions with an alcohol counselor or other treatment provider
What are the psychological reasons for addiction?
According to mental health experts and alcohol counselors identify the following psychological risk factors for developing alcohol or drug addiction:
- Personality risk factors, including compulsivity risk-taking behaviors
- Mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and ADHD
- History of trauma, abuse, having a family with a drug abuse or drinking problem, and other adverse childhood experiences
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