The Power of Therapy: Overcoming A Problem With Alcohol
In our ever-evolving society, the stigma surrounding therapy is finally disappearing. It is no longer something reserved for “crazy people”, but rather for courageous, broad-minded individuals. It takes a strong person to recognize that there is something within them that they would like to heal. Taking the step to finally seek help from others for a problem with alcohol is simply nothing to be ashamed of.
Therapy allows for introspection, which uncovers past traumas that still have dictation over our lives. Realizing that there is something within that is preventing you from being your best self is the first step to healing. Speaking to a licenced professional about the things that trouble you is challenging, but liberating.
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are extremely troubling to both the addict and those around them. It often gets in the way of completing simple daily tasks and even damages personal relationships. The health risks imposed by heavy drinking are impairing and worsen as the addiction escalates. As the symptoms of alcohol abuse appear in your life, recognizing them and deciding to eliminate them can be live-saving.
Recovering from an alcohol addiction may not be an easy process, but it is a worthy process.
Having a loved one who has a problem with alcohol is heartbreaking to bear witness to. There are various short term and long term problems associated with alcoholism that ruin lives. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention explains that drinking alcohol in large amounts can result in various chronic diseases overtime. As an alcoholic, you are increasing the risk of having cancer, strokes, high blood pressure, and other dangerous diagnoses.
The impact that alcohol abuse can have on an individual is devastating. If you or a loved one has destructive drinking habits, it is important to seek treatment before the damage is irreversible.
For the sake of preventing these problems from emerging as a result of binge drinking, seeking therapy is essential. There are occasions, though, where individuals who have a problem with alcohol refuse to acknowledge it or overcome it. In these cases, intervention therapy can be extremely beneficial in mending the drinking habits that harm their life. At DiRoma Therapy, I utilize two different forms of intervention to help bring your loved one to a place of healing.
The first approach to intervention that I employ is the Johnson Intervention model. In this model, those close to the addict write them letters explaining how much they care for them. They are not to condemn the addict, but instead focus on care and healing. The goal is to inspire the addict to seek the treatment they need to improve their life.
I also utilize Systemic Intervention. With systemic interventions, healthy communication is the foundation of the experience. The loved one is encouraged to be a part of the conversation about their recovery right from the start. Allowing them to share their perspective is important in understanding their alcohol use disorder.
Rather than being talked at without being able to speak up, the loved one has a platform to share their thoughts. This two-way conversation helps to not make the addicted person feel targeted or out-numbered. Once the group determines that treatment is the next step, the intervention is concluded. The recovery process is collaborative, in which their family is involved in the healing process first-hand.
Sometimes, however, talking to a stranger can be easier than expressing yourself to somebody that you know. For this reason, at DiRoma Therapy I offer individual counseling to assist those who have a problem with alcohol. Individual sessions offer a safe space, removing a feeling of judgement that may exist in an intervention.
Individual counseling can be an extremely helpful way to facilitate important conversations that lead to recovery. When struggling with addiction, this form of support can be comforting, as what they say stays between them and the therapist.
Individual counseling provides an opportunity for the addict to be open and honest about their addiction. This allows us as therapists to listen and label the root causes to their alcohol use disorder. This makes it easier to move forward and effectively treat their addiction, understanding where exactly to begin. Regular appointments with a counselor are very influential in guiding an addict to a place of stability, both mentally and physically.
Helping the recovering addict to find healthy replacements to their alcohol dependence is one way that a therapist can inspire change. Positive alternatives such as exercise will allow the individual in recovery to create and work toward new goals. These goals can be big or small, and once accomplished can feel very rewarding. Discovering new hobbies and interests help to fill the void where drinking once was is extremely impactful.
Alcohol addiction can truly feel like a form of suffering. With a constant internal battle between sobriety and a drink, your own head can feel like an enemy. It can be life-changing to sit down with a therapist and release the negative thoughts inside of your mind. It takes strength to look inside, but it is part of accessing a better life.
Therapy is an exciting adventure that opens your mind to places it has yet to travel to. Learning and understanding more about yourself is all part of the healing process. Accepting the past and working towards a better future puts you on the road to recovery.
This road to recovery is not easy, and when withdrawal symptoms occur, it can feel impossible to overcome them alone. An alcoholic who experiences these symptoms will feel hopeless and desperate. At this point, a professional is the best person to step in and offer help. Therapy is a powerful tool in keeping a recovering alcoholic stable, helping them to break their fatal drinking habits.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, let DiRoma Therapy be the one to help. With a person-centered approach, I will help change your relationship with alcohol and guide you on the path to sobriety. Together, we can determine the best approach to take for your recovery journey. Learn more about DiRoma Therapy by visiting us online, or reaching us by phone at 203-667-7526.