Alcohol addiction can cause significant strain on a person’s health and relationships. The substance can cause significant issues that result in long-term consequences.
Fortunately, counseling offers an excellent opportunity for people with addiction to address the root causes of their problems. Let’s learn more about counseling and how it can help people with substance use problems get better.
Why Is Counseling For Alcohol Addiction Important?
Counseling is a form of talking therapy where a person talks with a trained professional (counselor, therapist, psychologist, etc.) to discuss different challenges they face in life.
During these sessions, clients usually express their feelings and problems in a judgment-free environment. In turn, the professional provides coping strategies and support so that the client can healthily address his/her problems.
When a person with addiction goes through counseling, they can address the psychological aspects of their issues. Since substance abuse issues often stem from issues like trauma, stress, and other external pressures, this approach can help address these problems.
The Role Of A Counselor
A counselor offers support and guidance to a person struggling with alcohol addiction. They’re trained professionals who can create a safe space for people to talk about their problems, as well as identify ways to cope with their issues.
Counselors play an important role in the treatment of alcohol abuse because they can help people understand why they became addicted and how to avoid relapse. From here, they can also teach people new ways to cope with stress and other problems.
Different Types Of Alcohol Counseling
People who seek counseling for their alcohol problems may receive one of the following types of therapies:
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy means one-on-one sessions with a trained professional. During individual therapy, clients can get help privately. This means that any techniques or coping strategies the professional provides are highly personalized to the needs of the person attending the sessions.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is when multiple people seek support for their issues at the same time. While it’s not exactly a support group, it works like one. The sense of community among people who attend group therapy can help combat isolation and help participants realize that they are not alone in battling addiction.
Types Of Therapy Used For Alcohol Use Disorder
Professionals use different types of therapy to address alcohol use disorder, namely:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps clients identify negative behaviors and thought patterns surrounding alcoholism. Professionals will help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms to handle high-risk situations so that they don’t resort to drinking.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): This is a goal-oriented type of approach recommended for clients who are unsure about making changes. It encourages clients to enhance their intrinsic motivation to quit drinking.
- Talk Therapy: This form of treatment is more conversational, and it involves the client and therapist exploring emotions and experiences that contribute to alcohol use.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a modified type of CBT, and it emphasizes managing emotions and interpersonal relationships. It’s usually recommended for people whose substance abuse and mental health issues co-occur.
- 12-Step Facilitation: 12-Step Facilitation follows the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. This approach involves working through the 12 steps of alcohol addiction recovery.
Counseling In Rehab
Counseling is usually part of a treatment program for substance use disorder. Many rehabs utilize this type of therapy to help people move past their issues.
Inpatient
During inpatient rehab, counseling is part of a structured program. Since people in inpatient rehab stay at a facility 24/7, they follow a schedule where therapy sessions are integrated into their treatment plan.
Outpatient
Outpatient rehab is more flexible, so this means people who receive counseling during outpatient treatment don’t follow a strict schedule. They can receive sessions at a treatment center, along with other therapies, and then go home.
How Does Counseling Help In Addiction Treatment?
Counseling proves highly beneficial for people seeking to overcome alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Here are some reasons why:
Goals And Benchmarks
During an intake session, one of the first questions the counselor asks is, “What are your goals for therapy?” When it comes to treatment for alcohol addiction, these goals may be anywhere from achieving sobriety to understanding the causes of their disease. These goals are revisited throughout therapy, and they help ensure that the client is on the right track.
Coping Strategies
Mental health professionals are trained to provide personalized coping strategies to people experiencing substance abuse issues. During therapy, clients will learn how to effectively deal with cravings and life stressors. This may be through relaxation exercises or creating alternative routines to avoid alcohol consumption.
Preventing Triggers
Alcohol abuse may result from external factors that trigger drinking. Certain situations, emotions, or people may increase the likelihood of a person to drink alcohol. Through counseling, a professional can create prevention plans to avoid or manage these triggers.
Overcoming Obstacles
Addiction recovery isn’t linear, and sometimes, people may still be tempted to drink. Physical cravings and emotional struggles are just some of the obstacles people face when trying to get sober. Counseling is a great way for clients to face these obstacles since it helps build resilience and develop coping mechanisms.
Finding New Interests
An effective way to manage sobriety is to replace old, destructive habits with new, healthier ones. During regular sessions, clients can discover new interests that keep them busy and eager to live a life without alcohol.
Can Counseling Treat Alcoholism Effectively?
Integrating counseling in an alcohol addiction treatment program is a great way to address various psychological and external factors that contribute to addiction.
However, it’s not a standalone treatment. They work best when you combine them with other modalities. For example, treatment centers will use counseling in conjunction with medication, support groups, and other holistic therapies.
In addition, counseling will only fully work if the client is committed to the entire process. Remember that these sessions serve as a tool for recovery, and the client must be willing to actively engage in it for it to be effective. Honesty and effort must consistently come from the client’s side.
Key Factors To Keep In Mind
While counseling provides a base for successful addiction recovery, certain factors can influence the long-term success of this type of therapy.
Ongoing Process
Counseling is an ongoing process, and it doesn’t stop when you leave a treatment center. Even after rehab, many clients still attend sessions to ensure they stay sober and don’t relapse. The world outside of rehab poses more triggers, and going to regular sessions can ensure you manage these triggers effectively.
Setbacks
While staying sober is the most common goal of addiction treatment, it’s not always easy. Relapse may happen, but it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Counselors and therapists are here to help you get back on your feet and stay focused on your treatment goals.
Family Involvement
A client’s family can also provide addiction recovery support. For example, family therapy involves a client’s family members to enhance the recovery process. This type of therapy is highly recommended for people whose relationships with their family members were impacted by addiction.
How To Choose A Counselor
Choosing the right counselor is a crucial factor in the recovery process. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, it can affect the way you approach treatment.
Experience In Alcohol Use Disorder
Those who want to seek therapy for alcohol abuse must find a counselor who has expertise in this field. Addiction is a complex disease and subject. A professional with specialized knowledge in navigating these complexities is a must for effective treatment.
Licensed And Qualified
You must choose a counselor licensed and certified in addiction counseling, especially if you’re seeking therapy for alcohol problems. A qualified professional means they know how to address specific challenges related to alcohol use disorder.
Types Of Treatment Provided
Different counselors also approach therapy in different manners. The type of treatment provided must reflect what you need from therapy. For instance, you may want to look for a professional who uses evidence-based approaches like CBT if you prefer a more structured, goal-oriented form of therapy.
Insurance Acceptance
Therapy and counseling can get expensive, but insurance can help make the treatment more accessible. You may consult with your chosen professional or call your insurance company to find out if they cover some of the costs of treatment.
Listen To Your Instinct
Lastly, it’s best to always listen to your instincts. How comfortable and safe you feel during your sessions can mean the effectiveness of your treatment. If you don’t feel supported or feel uneasy during the process, don’t be afraid to look for a new counselor to guide you.
Find Strength Through Counseling And Get The Support You Need
Counseling is a great way to ensure you receive the support you need for long-term sobriety. At Luxe Recovery LA, we have a team of professionals who can work with you through your alcohol problems.
Our team understands that struggles with alcohol can get overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through your recovery journey.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the best version of yourself.
