Alcohol addiction counselling is an effective method of treating the disease of alcoholism and allows for a greater chance of stable recovery for alcoholics. South Africa has many well-known and internationally respected alcohol rehab facilities that specialise in the treatment of this disease. These alcoholism clinics have the facilities and experience to provide life-changing treatment.
A Closer Look at Alcoholism
Unlike years ago, when alcoholics were simply placed into hospitals to ‘dry out,’ or mental institutions to keep them from their ‘moral failings’, alcoholics today have a much better opportunity to get their life back together and live as sober and happy individuals. Alcoholism is now regarded by the scientific community and leading addiction professionals as a brain disease. This disease of alcoholism is progressive, meaning that the symptoms worsen over time, leading to physical dependence. Strong cravings cause alcoholics to drink time and time again, despite being fully aware of the negative consequences of their drinking.
Understanding Alcohol Addiction and the Need for Support
Some alcoholics can start their day with a drink to ease their withdrawal symptoms. Then carry on drinking, despite their intentions of only having one. Some alcoholics drink only at night and will insist that they are not alcoholics, precisely because they don’t drink in the morning. Typical characteristics of an alcoholic vary wildly, but all will include behavioural changes when drinking, drinking in secret or alone, drinking at inappropriate times e.g. at work or in the morning, smelling of alcohol, the ‘shakes’ in the morning or when not drinking and a general decrease in self-care and neglect in other areas.
The Benefits of Alcohol Addiction Counselling
Alcohol is one of the few drugs that withdrawal from can cause death… Before any addiction treatment can start, a medically supervised alcohol detox is needed. It’s only once the patient has been detoxed and “landed” that we can commence with alcohol addiction counselling and treatment. A medical detox from alcohol allows our patients to safely go through withdrawal symptoms in a medically prepared facility. These precautions are necessary as withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous and include shaking, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure, tremors, seizures, hallucinations and delirium, sweating and muscle pain – also known as” DT’s” (delirium tremens).
What Causes Alcoholism?
There is no proven cause of alcoholism. There are different schools of thought, but it is generally believed that a combination of genetics, environment and personality causes alcoholism. Many alcoholics have a history of alcoholism in their family. Many different social aspects can be at play in terms of developing alcoholism, such as upbringing, adverse childhood experiences, psychology and emotions.
Addressing Root Causes and Triggers:
No one is to blame for the development of alcoholism, and the disease is definitely not a case of lack of willpower, moral fibre or strength of character.
It is key to recognise the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. The abuse of alcohol includes overindulgence or misuse of the substance. Alcoholism includes consumption and consequences that are one step further than alcohol abuse. The consequences of drinking become increasingly worse, as does the frequency and amount of drinking. Relationships begin to disintegrate, as does the ability to uphold responsibilities. When drinking makes a person’s life unmanageable, they are probably an alcoholic.
An abuser will face negative consequences to their drinking and will eventually stop. An alcoholic cannot stop, no matter how bad their consequences become.
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Alcohol Addiction Counselling Can Help Develop Coping Mechanisms
Time in an alcoholism centre can be an incredible benefit to the recovery of an alcoholic. In treatment, a client will undergo alcohol addiction counselling with therapists and counsellors to process their past and help them cope with the present. An alcoholism centre will also teach them a programme of recovery to help them remain abstinent day by day, once they leave the safety of treatment. It is often said that it is easy to stop drinking but the difficulty is in staying stopped. Alcoholics drink to escape the present and the uncomfortable feelings and situations they experience. Therapy can help them to examine which factors in their lives and their reactions to these factors are a threat to their recovery from alcoholism.
Building a Strong Support System:
The 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous is a recovery programme that is respected and followed worldwide. Alcoholics Anonymous founded the 12 Steps and the associated programme, and has led to many ‘hopeless alcoholics’ going on to lead normal and happy lives, free from the compulsion to drink. Alcohol addiction counselling at many alcoholism centres in South Africa and abroad use the 12 Steps in their therapy and treatment. This is a practice that has led to far better rates of recovery than simply using psychological counselling.
Improving Mental Health and Well-being:
The disease of alcoholism may be an incurable and potentially fatal condition, however, if proper help is sought through the facilities at an alcoholism centre offering alcohol addiction counselling and a 12-step programme, there is no reason an alcoholic cannot live a sober life and reach their full potential. Mental health counselling for alcohol addiction recognises the interplay between alcohol use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Patients often present with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and have lived through trauma. Our integrated therapy approaches address both these aspects. By doing this, we promote psychological well-being and increase the chances of sustained recovery. By treating both the addiction and any underlying mental health issues, individuals can achieve a more stable and fulfilling life.
We Do Recover’s alcohol addiction counselling centres are in Johannesburg, South Africa, offering world-class care. Call us today to find out more about how we can help.
Relapse Prevention Strategies:
A big part of helping people with alcohol addiction is working together to develop their own relapse prevention strategies. When an individual who has made progress in decreasing or abstaining from alcohol or drug use goes back to using substances at the same level as before, this is called a relapse. Counsellors help people figure out the exact situations that might make them want to drink again. Then, they create step-by-step plans for how to deal with those situations. People also learn simple ways to handle cravings or strong urges to drink if they happen. Planning makes people much better at staying sober for a long time and helps them feel more sure of themselves when facing tough times.
The best relapse prevention skills are strategies that help manage common post-acute withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and fatigue:
- Prioritise Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial.
- Address Needs with HALT: Be mindful of feeling Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, as these states can increase vulnerability.
- Practice Mindfulness Meditation: This can help manage stress, improve focus, and promote restful sleep.
- Identify and Understand Your Triggers: Knowing what situations, people, or emotions increase your urge to use can help you avoid or manage them.
- Engage with a Support Group: Connecting with others who understand your experiences provides valuable support and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Utilise Grounding Techniques: These techniques can help you stay present and manage overwhelming emotions or cravings.
- Practice Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, aiding with sleep and overall well-being.
- Create an Emergency Contact List: Having readily available numbers of supportive individuals can provide immediate help during difficult moments.
- Play the Tape Through: Mentally consider the negative consequences that followed past substance use to reinforce your commitment to recovery.
Types of Alcohol Addiction Counselling and Therapy
Good recovery programs and treatments for alcohol dependence use different kinds of therapies that are specifically chosen for each person’s needs and situation. Knowing about these different ways of getting help can make people feel more knowledgeable and in control of their recovery from alcoholism.
Individual Therapy:
Individual therapy is having private one-on-one talks with a counsellor, just you and them. It’s a common way to help people recover from addiction because it gives them a safe and private place to talk about their addiction and how it has affected their life.
Items on the agenda might be:
- Figure out the reasons behind your addiction.
- Learn good ways to deal with urges and things that make you want to use.
- Build a group of supportive people around you.
- Decide what you want to achieve in your recovery and work towards it.
- Make changes in your daily life that will help you stay recovered.
Individual therapy can really help with addiction recovery. Your therapist in our alcohol rehabs will have worked with people who have addiction problems before. They be able to make you feel safe and supported, and they should be able to change the therapy to fit exactly what you need.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy
Group therapy brings together individuals facing similar challenges in a facilitated environment. When addiction group therapy happens within a support group, people can get help and advice from others who might have experienced similar addiction issues.
These meetings can be planned with a specific structure or more relaxed, depending on what the group wants to achieve and how the counsellor leads it. It also makes people feel like they belong and less alone, which can be really helpful, especially for those struggling with addiction.
Sharing experiences, offering mutual support, and learning from others’ journeys can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable insights and perspectives. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) often complement formal therapy, offering a sense of community and shared understanding.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) publishes an amazing Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 41 is about group therapy
They outline five types of groups for addiction treatment:
- Psychoeducational groups
- Skills development groups
- Cognitive—Cognitive-behavioural/problem-solving groups
- Support groups
- Interpersonal process groups
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and highly effective therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to alcohol use. CBT equips individuals with practical skills to manage cravings, cope with triggers, and develop healthier ways of thinking and acting, making it a cornerstone of behavioural therapy for alcoholism.
Key points of CBT for alcohol rehabilitation:
Identifying Triggers:CBT helps people become aware of the specific circumstances, thinking, and feelings that can lead to alcohol use.
Challenging Negative Thoughts: Helps patients question unrealistic or unhelpful ideas they have about drinking, such as that it can resolve problems or help gain approval from others.
Developing Coping Skills: CBT provides alcoholics with ways to handle cravings, manage stress, and navigate challenging circumstances without turning to drinking.
Modifying Behaviours: Helps learn and practice new behaviours, like saying no to alcohol offers, learn healthy personal limits, and participate in other new activities.
Relapse Prevention: CBT alcoholics in creating relapse plans that recognise high-risk situations and strengthen the ability to cope by addressing thinking that could lead back to drinking.
Psychoeducation: CBT includes providing information about addiction itself, the process of relapse, and what to expect during recovery.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT):
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is another valuable, evidence-based therapy aiding alcoholism treatment. It helps patients to manage their intense emotions, learn new coping skills and is a good relapse prevention strategy.
Here’s how DBT’s four focus areas aid in alcoholism rehab:
1. Emotional Regulation: DBT helps alcoholics identify, understand, and manage their emotions without resorting to drinking to cope. This is crucial because alcohol is often used as a way to numb or cope with difficult emotions, leading to a cycle of drinking and relapse.
Motivational Interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a person-centred counselling approach used in alcohol rehab. It’s very useful in helping patients resolve ambivalence about their drinking and also increase their internal motivation to change. Therapists using MI work collaboratively with clients to explore their own reasons for change and avoid confrontation.
- Resolving ambivalence: MI helps addicted patients explore and acknowledge the pros and cons of changing their drinking habits. This can lead them to make their own informed decisions.
- Increasing motivation: By helping highlight the patient’s reasons for change, MI encourages them to take ownership of their addiction and recovery process. This can develop a stronger desire for recovery.
- Avoiding confrontation: MI avoids challenging the individual, but rather creates a supportive partnership where alcoholics feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings.
- Empowering the individual: MI allows addicted patients to find their own ability to change their lives and take control of their recovery journey.
- Collaborative partnership: MI is built on a strong therapeutic relationship where both the alcoholic patient and the therapist work together towards shared goals.
What to Expect in Alcohol Addiction Counselling
A thorough medical assessment must be carried out so that safe and supervised detoxification can take place. Therapy sessions addressing the underlying causes and conditions, devising a personalised treatment plan, cannot begin until the detox is complete. Therapy sessions will then involve exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to alcohol use, developing coping skills, and building strategies for a sober future.
Alcohol addiction counselling will involve exploring your past, present and future via your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. There will be a specific focus on alcohol use, developing coping skills, and building strategies for a sober future.
Finding the Right Alcohol Addiction Counselling Services
- Consult your GP: Your doctor can evaluate your drinking pattern if you tell them the truth about how much you’re drinking. Alcoholics often feel an immense amount of shame about how much they drink and the things they do. Your GP might have good referrals and information about medications.
- Contact WeDoRecover.com: We are a resource to find qualified treatment providers near you.
- Ask Key Questions: When considering an alcohol rehab programme, ask about the types of treatment offered, rehab phases, what professionals are employed, whether it’s tailored to the individual, what is expected of the person in treatment, how success is measured, and how a return to drinking is handled.
- Check Accreditation: Ensure the treatment centre and its staff are licensed and accredited.
- Inquire About Evidence-Based Treatments: Ask what therapies they use and if they are supported by research. Examples include CBT, motivational interviewing, and DBT.
- Consider Specialised Programs: Look for programs that address your specific circumstances, such as age, co-occurring mental health conditions, or other unique needs.
The Role of Support Systems Beyond Counselling
While inpatient or outpatient rehab counselling provides essential tools and guidance, the role of support systems extending beyond therapy is vital for long-term recovery. The understanding and encouragement of family and friends can provide invaluable emotional support and motivation. Participation in self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous offers a sense of community, shared experience, and practical advice from people who’ve been there. Using these various layers of support strengthens your chances for long-term sobriety.
Maintaining Long-Term Sobriety After Counselling
Recovery from alcohol addiction is a process, not an event. Counselling can provide the initial framework and tools for sobriety, but maintaining long-term sobriety requires continued engagement, for you! This may involve participating in aftercare support programs, regular attendance at 12-step meetings, and applying the relapse prevention strategies learned in treatment. Recovery is about seeking continued support in your ability to lead a fulfilling, alcohol-free life.
Addressing Common Concerns About Alcohol Addiction Counselling
Asking for help with an alcohol addiction is stressful. Trust the process, speak openly and take the crucial first step.
Confidentiality
A primary concern for you may be the privacy of their personal information. Reputable therapists and treatment centres adhere to strict ethical and legal guidelines regarding confidentiality, ensuring that your disclosures within therapy sessions remain private and protected.
Cost of Treatment:
Money issues are another common barrier to seeking help. Your medical aid will cover the basic cost of treatment. Call us now to discuss medical aid coverage and payment plans. We’ll do all we can to help you find accessible and affordable care.
Stigma:
There’s a huge stigma associated with addiction. This can sometimes block us from asking for help. But, most often, the stigma is bigger in our heads than it is in real life. It’s crucial to remember that addiction is a health condition, not a personal failing. Seeking support is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
Conclusion:
Alcohol addiction counselling is an often necessary experience for those with AUD. Let us help you address the root causes of your addiction, develop coping mechanisms, build a robust support system and stay clean and sober. You don’t have to live life in the grip of alcoholism. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, call us now for help. We are readily available. Take that courageous first step. Your journey to a sober future can begin now.
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Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and supporting individuals in recovery world wide.