After a few drinks, you tell yourself, it’s time to go. You know you should stop, go home, and get a good night’s sleep before work tomorrow. But then the TV closest to you starts showing highlights from the big game. You figure, it couldn’t hurt to stay and watch those. Might as well have another while you’re there. Everybody needs to let off steam somehow. No problem, right? Yes. Or possibly no. It can be hard to say when healthy alcohol use turns into misuse or even alcoholism.
Many people are unsure about where the line is between enjoying an adult beverage, an unhealthy habit, or even an addiction. Lots of people wrestle with when and how much to drink and therapy has helped them take back control of their alcohol use. The therapists at Thriveworks CGreensboro offer treatment for alcoholism, and many people have overcome alcohol addiction and abuse with their help.
The Brain and Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is more commonly known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction. Whatever term is used, it describes a chemical imbalance in a person’s brain. The chemical that releases good feelings during alcohol use increases while the chemical that curbs impulsiveness abates.
The brain’s disequilibration shows up in loss of control. Alcoholics may imbibe impulsively, be unable to curb alcohol consumption, and feel negative emotions when alcohol is not in their system.
Flags for Alcohol Misuse
Think about how and when you use alcohol as you read this list of concerning behaviors:
- Imbibes more to feel the same buzz
- Develops a ritual for alcohol use
- Consumes alcohol alone or in secret
- Lies about drinking
- Craves a drink
- Prioritizes alcohol over hobbies, friends, work, and family
- Grows easily angered or annoyed when sober
- Tries to quit or curb use but cannot
- Experiences sweats, nausea, or shakes when going too long without alcohol
Do you recognize any of the behavior on this list in your own life or in the life of someone you love? If so, seeing a therapist may be an important step. A professional, objective opinion could mitigate a host of difficulties that come with untreated alcoholism.
Health Effects of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is by itself a serious health concern, but it is also linked to other health problems. Sustained or high blood alcohol levels may exacerbate or cause other diseases. Alcoholism may increase a person’s risk of …
- Osteoporosis
- Stroke
- Liver disease
- Gastritis
- Diabetes complications
- Sight loss
- High blood pressure
- Birth defects
- Atrial Fibrillation
Therapy and Treatment
Regaining control of alcohol consumption is a difficult process, but worth the effort. Just as people go to a doctor to treat most illnesses, many people benefit from seeing a therapist for alcoholism. Seeking treatment and therapy may provide the support people need to find the right path toward healing.
How, when, and where the alcoholism formed are unique to each individual, and treatment should be tailored to each individual as well. A skilled therapist may accelerate healing by diagnosing the alcoholism and finding appropriate treatments that benefit each client’s particular needs.
Therapist, in general, take a multifaceted approach to treating alcoholism. First, patients may need to go through a process of detoxing and cleansing the body of alcohol. But there are many ways to maintain sobriety. Therapists may help clients find psychosocial, psychological, or pharmacological treatment and many combinations of the three.
- Psychosocial treatment incorporates group therapy or support groups into a client’s recovery plan. These groups have long been a part of treatment for alcoholism, and many people find them to be places of empathy and accountability.
- Psychological treatment involves counseling to deal with the root social and emotional causes of alcoholism. Counseling can also equip clients with healthy coping strategies and treat any mental health challenges that have arisen with the alcoholism.
- Pharmacological treatment uses medication to achieve or maintain sobriety. A qualified medical doctor or therapist should oversee any medicinal treatment of alcoholism.
Schedule an Appointment for Alcoholism Therapy at Thriveworks in Greensboro
When you read through the list of concerning behaviors with alcohol, did you recognize any in your own life? Maybe you are not sure if you use alcohol in a healthy way or not. Maybe you know that controlling how much you drink is getting harder. Maybe talking to a professional is the right next step for you. The therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Greensboro, NC understand and are ready to help.
If you make an appointment for alcoholism treatment at our office, here are a few helpful things to know …
- You will speak to a person who can help you schedule the appointment.
- Many clients see their therapists within 24 hours of their call, even first-time clients.
- Our office accepts many forms of insurance.
- There are evening and weekend appointments available.
Do you need to regain control of your drinking? Let’s get started. Call today.
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Addiction, Life Transition, Relationships, +3 more 
