Have you ever had this experience? It’s Friday night. Your friends bailed on you, but that’s okay. You can just pop open a bottle of wine here at your place. You turn on Netflix, and before you know it, it’s time to grab another bottle. Sure. You know drinking this much alone isn’t ideal, but it’s been a long week. It’s the weekend. It’s okay. Right? Yes. Or possibly no.
It can be difficult to know where the line is between healthy and compulsive alcohol consumption. Many people have found a therapist’s help invaluable as they assess how and when they use alcohol.
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY have helped many people assess their alcohol habits and address any abuses or addictions that may be present.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is an illness that presents as loss of control with regard to alcohol consumption. Someone who struggles with alcoholism may drink compulsively, experience negative emotions when not drinking, or be unable to control how much they drink.
Alcohol addiction disrupts the brain’s balance. The chemicals that control impulsiveness are reduced while the chemicals that enable pleasure are released when a person consumes alcohol. The qualified mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY know how to recognize the signs of a destructive relationship with alcohol and help people in recovery.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?
As with most addictions, alcoholics do not always understand that they have a problem. Everyone lives with denial to some degree, and alcoholics are no different. Whether they are able to acknowledge the problem or not, alcohol addiction is a serious medical condition that needs treatment. The compassionate counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY can help.
For many people who struggle with alcohol addiction, the first step in treatment may be seeing the disease for what it is. Have you experienced any of these behavior while drinking? If so, it may be time to ask for a professional’s help:
- Drinking alone
- Keeping secrets about alcohol use or lying about alcohol use
- Developing a habit or ritual that leads up to the alcohol consumption
- Feeling angry or annoyed at being unable to drink
- Showing disinterest in work, family, friends, and hobbies
- Prioritizing alcohol
- Experiencing a craving to drink
- Drinking more for the same buzz
- Experiencing legal, monetary, relational, or work trouble because of drinking
- Trying to reduce or quit alcohol without success
- Feeling nauseated, sweaty, or getting the shakes when going too long without a drink
Alcoholism and Other Health Challenges
Alcoholism is in itself a serious illness, but unfortunately, many other health challenges can accompany it. One of the more serious side effects of alcohol dependency is the negative affect it can have on a person’s overall health. People who suffer with alcoholism may also experience the following:
- Gastritis
- Damaged pancreas
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Diabetes complications
- Sight problems
- Bone damage
Alcoholism: Treatment and Sobriety
Alcoholism can have many detrimental effects in a person’s life, but there are also many ways to overcome alcohol dependence. There is no easy path to sobriety, but many people who suffer from alcoholism have received the help they needed to achieve and maintain sobriety.
The circumstances and struggles that can lead to alcoholism are varied and personal, and, therefore, treatment is also varied and personal. When a person is ready to acknowledge their dependence upon alcohol and work toward sobriety, then seeking a professional’s may be a wise decision. With their training and expertise, addiction therapists like those at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY can often guide their clients toward which treatments for alcoholism will be most effective.
Therapists have many tools to treat alcoholism, and often, a treatment plan combines different approaches. Thoroughly addressing the alcoholism in a person’s life may include a psychological element, a psychosocial element, and/or a pharmacological element.
Psychological – Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may help alcoholics address the underlying reasons their addiction formed and continues. Counseling that utilizes CBT may help people who struggle with addiction overcome negative beliefs or thought patterns that have limited their past healing.
Psychosocial – Support groups or group therapy has been an important element in many people’s fight against alcoholism. These groups may provide people with accountability and empathy.
Pharmacological – Medications can help certain people overcome alcoholism and live a sober life. Only a credentialed therapist or medical doctor should oversee pharmacological addiction treatment. Prescription drugs can also help with the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
Get Exceptional Treatment for Alcoholism at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY
Could you resonate with any of the symptoms of alcohol addiction? Has your alcohol consumption grown concerning to you or your family and friends? It may be time to reach out for help.
The therapists at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY understand. They have helped many clients successfully treat their alcohol addiction.
As you consider scheduling an appointment for treatment, it may be helpful to know that if you call our office:
- We have people waiting to answer your call (not a voicemail or automated service).
- Our first-time clients regularly see a therapists within 24 hours of their call.
- We offer evening and weekend appointments.
- We offer in-person and online counseling.
- You will not be added to a waitlist because we do not keep one.
- We accept many major health insurance companies.
Alcoholism can devastate people’s lives. Left untreated, its effects can be even worse. But help is available. Call Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY to get started on the road to recovery.
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