Content warning: Please be advised that the article below on alcohol misuse, alcohol counselors, alcohol counseling costs, and alcohol counseling techniques might mention topics that could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Alcohol use support is available 24/7. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.
Excessive alcohol consumption is an issue that can be addressed through online counseling services. There are many different reasons a person might seek alcohol counseling related to alcohol use or alcohol addiction. Contrary to popular belief, seeking help from health care providers for alcohol use does not mean someone necessarily has a substance use disorder (note: “substance abuse disorder” is an incorrect term), although those who do can benefit from counseling as well.
There are many different ways people can relate to alcohol, and a trained counselor can help you examine your relationship with alcohol if you have concerns about it or would like professional support. Alcohol counseling is just one treatment approach that can contribute to long-term recovery by teaching effective coping skills. In some cases, individuals with alcohol and other substance use disorders may require medical care in a treatment center. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides many resources for affected individuals, and online therapy can be a good place to start if you’re interested in seeking counseling for challenges related to alcohol use.
Alcohol counseling: Counselor treatment for alcohol use and addiction
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 counselor or other professional to discuss and work toward improving your relationship with alcohol. Holistic therapy is a common approach, as the counselor helps to identify the thought processes that trigger drinking, offer adaptive coping mechanisms to manage stress, and help the client set and pursue achievable goals.
Many people find a combination of individual and group therapy programs to be an effective treatment approach. Mutual support groups, when combined with individual counseling, can help people learn a variety of coping skills, as well as promote motivational enhancement.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Alcohol use exists on a wide spectrum, from not drinking at all to clinical alcohol use disorder. If you are 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 alcohol than you planned to
You find yourself craving alcohol
You regularly give up other activities to drink alcohol
You’ve developed a high tolerance to alcohol
You engage in risky behaviors when intoxicated with alcohol
You’re facing problems with work, relationships with family (including children), your health, or other parts of life because of drinking alcohol
You want to or have tried to drink less alcohol without success
Alcohol use disorder
While not everyone who seeks alcohol counseling has alcohol addiction or alcohol 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 for alcohol addiction include drinking from a young age, genetic predisposition within families, and a history of trauma, but anyone can develop alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder encompasses dependence and excessive use. The symptoms listed above may indicate that a person has alcohol use disorder, but a trained counselor can do an evaluation, provide a clinical diagnosis, and develop an alcohol addiction treatment plan if needed. This alcohol addiction 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.
Effects of unhealthy alcohol use or alcohol addiction
Unhealthy alcohol use can have serious consequences for the individual as well as those around them, such as their friends and family. For example, some people might experience being angry drunk, which can negatively affect their relationships with their loved ones. The physical and emotional issues brought on by alcohol use disorder are the main reasons why getting treatment is so important. Alcohol addiction can have serious medical implications. 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 alcohol use disorder may include:
Brain damage from alcohol
Increased risk of depression due to alcohol
Various cancers due to alcohol
Increased risk of accidents and injuries (falls, car collisions, burns, drowning) due to alcohol
Liver problems due to alcohol
Fetal alcohol symptoms if exposed to alcohol before birth
Violence due to alcohol
Trouble with work, money, relationships, or daily functioning due to alcohol
Potential benefits of quitting alcohol
Improves mood
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 poorly — particularly if consumed regularly. Alcohol addiction causes people to experience major switches in mood and behavior. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, alcohol use can lead to cognitive impairment in adults, including difficulty focusing and remembering information. Eliminating alcohol can improve your mood as a result of a better chemical balance in the brain.
Improves mental health and physical health
Alcohol addiction entails long-term health complications. 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 for alcohol addiction, the better your chances are of mitigating the risk of these health concerns. Finally, those who cut back on or quit drinking alcohol 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.
Types of alcohol counseling and treatment approaches
In general, there are four levels of care for alcohol use disorder: outpatient, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization, residential, and intensive inpatient. Alcohol counseling and treatment are not one-size-fits-all, as there are so many individual differences between people living with alcohol and other substance use disorders.
The main individualized treatment type options include counseling and medication, with more specific tools like motivational enhancement also being used. If medical care is necessary, this may take place in a rehabilitation or treatment center. Some people also find value in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other treatment options.
The role of healthcare providers in alcohol counseling
Your primary care provider may be able to provide medical oversight or refer you to a nurse practitioner or other health care provider who has experience treating individuals with alcohol use disorder. Therapists and other mental health professionals frequently play a role in alcohol counseling as well. For help locating treatment options near you, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
Integrating counseling with broader treatment programs
In many cases, finding a sense of community as part of your treatment program can encourage progress. Many people appreciate mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where they can receive peer support and learn about coping skills that have helped others achieve long-term recovery. Attending both individual and group therapy led by a licensed mental health professional can also be helpful.
It can be common for alcohol use disorder to co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. People living with alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders may have difficulty with emotional regulation and a lack of coping skills as well. An experienced mental health professional may be able to address co-occurring disorders simultaneously, or they may refer individuals to other providers for additional support. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one modality that can be used to treat a wide variety of mental health disorders.
The best course for recovery will vary from person to person due to individual differences. Specific tools that work for one individual may not work for another, and coping skills can be personalized for maximum efficacy. Whether you need to visit a treatment center, participate in counseling, or join a support group for long-term recovery, the best treatment type is the one that works for you.
Finding affordable and effective alcohol counseling
Some mutual support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can be attended free of charge. However, if you must attend a treatment center or enroll in therapy programs, you can ask about financial assistance for average individualized treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration may be a useful resource for additional information about affordable treatment. Online therapy may be another option for those seeking cost-effective alcohol counseling. BetterHelp, for example, offers financial assistance to those who qualify.
Getting counselor support for alcohol or substance abuse
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 29.5 million people in the U.S. experienced AUD in 2022. While the treatment rate for alcohol addiction is relatively low due to many factors, rehab or alcohol 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 alcohol use, you deserve to seek the treatment or other rehab support you may need during your recovery process, whether that is individual therapy with a counselor, group counseling sessions at community health centers, family counseling sessions, meetings with rehab support groups, or additional resources like inpatient rehab treatment.
Common formats for alcohol counseling: Individual and group counseling
Individual alcohol counseling
There are two common formats for counseling for alcohol addiction. Some may have a preference for one or the other, and some might benefit from doing both kinds of alcohol counseling. First, there’s individual alcohol counseling. These counseling sessions take place one-on-one between the patient and a counselor, social worker, or other rehab or mental health professional. They’ll work with you to examine the impact alcohol addiction is having on your life and come up with a plan for reducing or eliminating it from your life if needed.
Who can benefit from individual alcohol counseling:
Individual alcohol counseling is for people who seek help for the first time.
This alcohol counseling type is ideal for people who identify as an alcoholic, but are uncomfortable participating in group alcohol counseling.
Individual alcohol counseling is for someone who needs personalized attention for alcohol treatment.
Alcohol counseling is for individuals who identify as alcoholics and want to determine the root cause of their addiction to alcohol.
If you’re the type who wants convenience in counseling, individual alcohol counseling is for you.
If you want flexibility, individual alcohol treatment is the better choice. Flexibility is one of the best benefits of one-on-one alcohol treatment.
Individual alcohol counseling is for people who want to develop personalized coping mechanisms for alcoholism.
Group counseling
Group counseling is another common format for alcohol counseling. This method of counseling 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 alcohol addiction challenges. It can also provide you with plenty of new information that can contextualize your experience with alcohol and help you move forward.
Benefits of group counseling:
Group counseling for alcoholism or addiction to alcohol encourages vulnerability.
Alcohol counseling format allows community support for alcoholism or a self-identified alcoholic.
An individual participating in group alcohol counseling may feel less isolated in their alcoholism.
Through group alcohol counseling or rehab, you can feel a sense of acceptance.
Group alcohol counseling or rehab exposes you to different coping strategies for alcoholism.
You may feel motivated by witnessing other people's progress in group alcohol counseling or group rehab.
Alcohol counseling and counseling for substance use disorders
Alcohol counseling and drug counseling
Alcohol and drug counseling is usually centered around the goal of behavior modification or helping you learn new skills and coping mechanisms for certain emotional triggers or thought patterns. Consuming alcohol tends to start as a social activity or a mechanism for dealing with problems, but alcohol counseling or rehab might help you achieve sobriety and learn new ways of living your life without it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which research suggests is an effective rehab treatment for substance use disorders, is a particularly common approach that helps people to recognize and overcome unhelpful thought patterns regarding alcohol use. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be used to treat many other mental health disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a modality that psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors can utilize to identify underlying issues that lead to alcohol use problems and alcohol addiction. For example, a counselor may help a participant recognize that negative thoughts about their self-worth often prompt them to start consuming alcohol. By reframing this thought pattern, the individual may be able to avoid exacerbating an alcohol problem, take another step toward recovery, and live a happier, healthier life.
Alcohol addiction therapeutic modalities
The type of professional help an individual receives may depend on the specific concerns they’re experiencing. Many counselors use holistic counseling — which typically focuses on an individual’s mental and physical well-being — when treating alcohol addiction. Other modalities for alcohol addiction include dialectical behavior therapy, in-person rehab treatment, rational emotive behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing. A rehab counselor may utilize brief counseling or longer formats, depending on the client’s treatment and rehab goals. For example, someone with an alcohol addiction or dependence may want to become and stay sober, which may require more intensive rehab treatment and frequent check-ins.
Detoxification
Alcohol detoxification (“detox”) may also be necessary in situations where the body has developed a physical alcohol dependence. In this circumstance, the guidance of a rehab-based medical professional (in addition to an alcohol counselor) is generally recommended since detoxing can be difficult and even dangerous to do alone. An alcohol 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 difficult 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 rehab doctor during the alcohol detoxification process to ensure safety and the prevention of more serious consequences.
Alcohol counselors and detoxification referrals
Your alcohol counselor will likely be able to refer you to a safe rehab detox facility or rehab center that accepts your health insurance or a rehab facility that takes uninsured patients.
We are working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, our flexible subscription model remains an option for receiving quality care from our extensive therapist network.
BetterHelp currently accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. Get started today.
Alcohol use counselors for alcoholism and mental health support
For an individual who is beginning the process of evaluating and potentially adjusting their relationship with alcohol, connecting with the right trained counselor can be a major help. Alcohol counselors can treat alcoholism and help counseling participants take an honest look at how alcohol may be affecting their lives. An alcohol counselor can provide an alcohol screening to determine whether further testing, diagnosis, and treatment are necessary. These counselors can then come up with an action plan and provide support during the recovery journey.
Finding online behavioral providers for alcohol addiction treatment
You can often find rehab treatment providers and counselors for alcohol use or addiction in your local area — whether they’re counselors, psychiatrists, social workers, rehab professionals, or other types of mental health professionals — with a quick internet search. Family members and friends may also be able to make counseling or rehab recommendations.
Online alcohol counseling and therapy
If you’re seeking treatment for alcohol addiction and there are limited options in your area or you prefer to seek alcohol treatment from the comfort of your own home, online counseling is another option. Recovery from alcohol misuse or addiction is possible. With an online counseling platform like BetterHelp, for example, you can be matched with a licensed counselor whom you can meet via phone call, video chat, and/or in-app messaging. A growing body of research supports the efficacy of online therapy in general, and one study found that online counseling was just as effective as in-person therapy for alcohol use specifically. The rate of attrition was also similar to that of in-person counseling, and 82% of participants said they would recommend online counseling to friends and family members.
As low as $70/week
Affordable therapy that fits your budget
Get started with a licensed therapist for just $70–$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly.
Pricing is based on factors such as location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Takeaway
If you’ve noticed that alcohol is hurting 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. These professionals typically use a holistic therapy approach, as triggers and causes of drinking are multifaceted and often complex. 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.
Mental health care modalities that take individual differences into account, as well as mutual support groups, can foster coping skills that contribute to long-term recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this mental health topic.
What happens in an alcohol counseling assessment?
An alcohol assessment is typically used to determine whether an individual is living with alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction and, if so, the severity of their symptoms. During a counseling or rehab assessment, the clinician will usually ask the person a series of questions about their drinking habits and background, including any family, relationship, or legal problems associated with drinking alcohol.
What happens when someone stops drinking alcohol, and what are the common withdrawal symptoms?
Recovery from alcohol addiction can involve withdrawal. Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they first stop drinking. Because the side effects of alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, it may be important to seek medical supervision via a rehab facility. Common withdrawal symptoms include headache, anxiety, nausea, depression, and insomnia.
Do alcohol counseling programs ever include drug testing?
Some alcohol counseling programs may involve testing for the use of various substances. Factors like the particular program and whether a person has a history of substance use may play a role in whether drug testing occurs.
How can I stop drinking, and what treatment options are available?
Some people can stop drinking alcohol on their own, while others with alcohol addiction may need assistance from a rehab-based medical provider or substance use counselor. Whether a person requires medical care or counseling often depends on the severity of their symptoms and how long they’ve lived with alcohol use disorder.
What’s the difference between alcohol misuse and alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction is usually seen as a more severe condition than alcohol misuse since it involves a physical dependency. Still, it could be necessary for an individual struggling with either concern to seek help in the form of counseling or rehab for their alcohol use.
How does alcohol counseling help people with alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol counseling generally helps individuals identify and change the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that lead to alcohol misuse. Most forms of alcohol counseling help people develop the necessary skills to stop or reduce drinking, develop a strong social support system, and manage situations that typically lead to drinking. Alcohol counseling can also guide people in setting and achieving recovery goals.
What are the five stages of addiction recovery?
The five stages of addiction recovery are often listed as precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. These stages of change, which are also called the transtheoretical model, were developed in 1983 to help people stop smoking but can be applied to many types of addiction.
Which therapy approaches are most effective for treating alcoholism?
Some of the most effective therapy approaches for alcohol addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy. Couples and family therapy can also be helpful, as addiction often affects loved ones.
What are the early warning signs of alcoholism or problematic drinking?
Below are a few potential warning signs of problematic drinking:
Drinking more alcohol than planned
Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking
Continuing to drink despite this behavior leading to relationship conflict or professional consequences
Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence of alcohol
How can I support someone who is struggling with alcohol use?
You may be able to support someone who is struggling with alcohol use by compassionately talking to them about your concerns and offering help when they are sober. You could research treatment options if they are open to seeking support. However, it’s generally not advisable to attempt to force someone into recovery, and it can be important to practice self-care. This may include attending support group meetings for loved ones of those struggling with alcohol addiction or seeking therapy.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Search
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started