Alcoholism refers to the chronic dependence on alcohol which cannot be controlled by the individual on his own volition because of the withdrawal effects and the addiction’s compulsive nature. This can lead to a plethora of health problems and affects the individual’s ability to function normally in society.
Alcohol is something that should not be taken lightly because it is serious addiction that can take over the life of an individual. There is little hope of recovery without professional help the moment someone has misused alcohol to the point of addiction. In this regard, alcohol counselling plays an integral role in the individual’s path to full recovery.
Drug and alcohol counselling is professional therapy which is one of the main pillars in the treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. The most common treatment for combines three forms of treatment. These include the biological aspect which entails the use of medication. The second involves the psychological aspect in which drug and alcohol counselling is the major component. The third features the social aspect which involves careful planning of the patient’s return to normal life after successful drug and alcohol treatment.
Counselling for the treatment of alcoholism
There are a variety of counselling strategies and therapies used in the treatment of alcohol. The most notable among these include cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, meditation and holistic remedies, diet and physical exercises, as well as involvement in social activities to help reintegrate the patient back to society.
As for the best treatment, studies have revealed that in-house alcohol therapy is the superior form of therapy since the withdrawal symptoms may require medical intervention and psychiatric treatment. This approach makes use of alcohol counselling as the key component of the holistic treatment regimen to help the individual achieve and maintain long-term abstinence from alcohol.
The counselling process typically involves the client, the counsellor and the family members. Because each patient is unique and his condition differs from others, the treatment must be geared specifically for him. Counselling sessions make the patient understand why he is so dependent on alcohol. Soon he realizes that he was drinking to escape the challenges and realities of life.
The counsellors educate patients about the negative effects of alcohol and the positive effects of sober living. They also provide detailed information on what to expect out of the program. Counsellors usually have extensive experience in dealing with clients so they are adept at making the sessions as comfortable as possible. Alcohol counselling also helps the patient identify trigger points and encourage him to stay away from people, places, and situations that can lead him back to addiction.
Finally, research show alcohol dependents who take part in Alcohol counselling are more likely to remain sober as compared to those who don’t undergo some form of therapy. This type of support is particularly beneficial for those staying in in-house treatment centres and about to return to the real world. As a friend or a family member, it is heart wrenching to watch someone you love suffer from alcohol addiction. Help is available and in fact, you can readily call a certified alcohol counsellor and ask about getting help for your loved one.