Counseling for Alcoholism in Snellville, GA—Therapy and Treatment
Have you or someone you love done this or something like it? It was a stressful day, and it is time to let out some steam. So, you do. You hit the bar on the way home with a few co-workers. After a few, everyone agrees to call it a day, and your co-workers leave. But you do not. Your favorite song starts to play, so you have another. Then another. It’s ok, you tell yourself. Everyone needs a release after a long day, right? Right. Or possible not. When it comes to alcohol, knowing when healthy use has drifted into abuse or alcoholism is tricky.
Many people use alcohol in productive, healthy ways. Others misuse alcohol. Some become addicted to it. Where is the line that let’s people know how much is too much? Skilled counselors often help people assess their alcohol use and regain control or curb harmful habits.
Thriveworks Snellville, GA offers counseling for alcoholism that has helped many people understand when, why, and how they drink and enabled them to make healthy choices as they use alcohol.
Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcoholism is the more common name for alcohol use disorder, a disease that upsets a person’s brain balance. As alcoholism develops, the chemicals that release pleasure when a person drinks increase while the chemicals that control impulses decrease.
The disequilibration shows itself as a lack of control. Alcoholics often have difficulty regulating when and how much they drink. They may also feel depression or anxiety when they do not have alcohol in their system.
Genetic and social factors are linked to alcoholism’s cause. A people’s risk for alcohol use disorder increases if they have a family member with the disease. Socially, using alcohol at a young age can also increase a person’s risk.
Alcohol use disorder centers around control: whether people are or are not in control of their alcohol intake. Therefore, not all abuses of alcohol signal alcoholism. Many people misuse alcohol but have not lost control over its use. An experienced therapist can make the diagnosis and form a treatment plan for alcoholism.
Alcoholism: Have I Lost Control?
Reflect, for a moment, on how you drink. When? Where? How much alcohol do you consume? The following list recounts concerning behavior that may signal a loss of control. If you can identify with one or more of these behaviors, you may want to see a professional to help you assess your alcohol use.
People who have alcoholism may …
- Prioritize alcohol more than work, friends, family, or hobbies
- Crave alcohol
- Drink more for the same good feelings or buzz
- Experience anger or annoyance when unable to drink
- Imbibe in secret or alone
- Lie about drinking
- Try to quit drinking or slow it down but without success
- Keep using alcohol even if it has caused monetary, relational, legal, or professional difficulties.
- Vomit, shake, and/or sweat while going too long without a drink or trying to quit
To some degree, everyone has difficulty seeing challenges in their lives. Denial and minimization are a part of everyone’s life, and alcoholics are no different. They may have a plausible justification or reason for their alcohol use, but if the alcohol use fits within these listed behaviors, they may need treatment. Excusing these behaviors may delay treatment and cause further harm.
Alcoholism’s Link with Health Problems
In itself, alcohol use disorder is a serious health challenge, but it is also linked with many health problems. Alcohol in the blood stream can cause or complicate other diseases. Alcoholism is linked with an increased risk for …
- Stroke
- Blindness
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- Birth defects
- Gastritis
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Diabetes complications
Counseling at Thriveworks Snellville, GA
Have you or someone you love lost control of their drinking habits? Is it time for some help to regain control? Counseling through Thriveworks Snellville has helped many people overcome alcohol use disorder.
Our therapists care about their clients, and it shows. From the first time a new client calls our office, we offer client-centered care. When you call Thriveworks Snellville, GA here are a few things to expect:
- A scheduling specialist will help you schedule an appointment.
- You may be able to see your therapist within 24-hours, even on your first appointment.
- If you need a weekend or evening session, we have them available.
- Our office works with many different insurance providers.
Breaking out of denial is difficult, but seeking help sooner about alcohol use may mean recovering sooner. If you are ready to get started, Thriveworks counselors are ready to help. Call today.
