Weddings, funerals, birthday parties, beach trips, after-work happy hours: in American culture, alcohol is embedded into all of these experiences and many more. For most, this does not pose a problem, but for those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), the ubiquitous nature of alcohol can be troubling. Recovering from AUD is a lifelong process that may include many methodologies, including residential alcohol rehab, membership in a 12-step program, and even talk therapy or counseling.
If you or a loved one is in the throes of alcohol use disorder, you may be wondering, is counseling effective in alcohol use disorder? What possible effect could talking have on my struggles with alcohol consumption? The answer is, thankfully, a powerful one.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Because alcohol use is all around us, it can be difficult at times to see that we are struggling with alcohol use disorder. It is important to understand the criteria for alcohol use disorder, which includes:
- Continuing to use alcohol despite recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by alcohol use
- Needing increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve a desired effect
- Giving up important social or recreational activities because of drinking
- Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or control drinking
- Recurrent use of alcohol in situations when it is dangerous (i.e., driving a car or operating machinery)
- Drinking in larger amounts or for a longer period than you intended
What treatment is available?
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may feel it is time to seek alcohol addiction treatment. It is important to understand that there is not a one-size-fits-all kind of treatment, but rather many alcohol rehab treatment options. These include:
- Detox treatment: this initial treatment for alcohol use disorder cleanses the body of toxic substances on which it has come to rely. This can include medication, medical supervision, and symptom management. It’s important to note that alcohol detox should include medical supervision. We do not offer detox at ILC.
- Residential treatment: this 24-hour-a-day, around-the-clock option provides the most support for those in recovery. Clients are immersed in a structured experience for a pre-ordained amount of time, separated from the stresses and cares of everyday life so they can focus on recovery.
- Partial hospitalization: if full-time residence is not an option, those seeking recovery from alcohol use disorder may choose to receive intensive care during the day and return to their own homes in the evening. This is a good middle ground for people who are not able to commit to full-time residential treatment.
- Intensive outpatient treatment: this option is good for professionals who need to keep their daily commitments. This kind of treatment can work around a person’s schedule to provide them the care they need.
- Alcohol rehab retreat: this “jump start” to recovery can happen over a variety of days. It is an opportunity for those seeking recovery to distance themselves from familiar surroundings and relationships that may trigger alcohol cravings so they have time to begin the healing process.
It is important to note that in most, if not all, of these options, the question of “is counseling effective in alcohol use disorder?” is answered with a resounding “yes!” Trauma-informed counseling and talk therapy are integral parts of recovery from addiction.
How is Counseling Effective in Reducing Alcohol Use Disorder?
Most addiction treatment guides will include recommendations for counseling. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, evidence shows that behavioral health care (including counseling) can be as effective as medication in treating alcohol use disorder. This kind of trauma-informed treatment aims to do the following:
- Help patients set their own goals
- Identify their drinking “triggers”
- Develop skills to help them stop responding to those triggers
- Healthfully manage their emotions and stresses
- Build strong relationships that will help support their treatment goals
A strong holistic alcohol rehab center will include many modalities for recovery, including meditation for alcohol addiction, nutrition care, medical oversight, and, yes, counseling. Counseling methods vary and can be tailored to fit a client’s specific needs. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and managing the triggers that lead to heavy drinking. Motivational enhancement therapy helps people build their own motivations and develop a plan to follow through on those motivations.
Begin the Journey to Recovery in Nashville, TN
If you are wondering “Is counseling effective in alcohol use disorder?” know that the answer is a “yes.” Begin making changes in your life and drinking habits at the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN. We offer a range of treatments designed to heal the whole person. From innovative approaches like equine therapy and martial arts therapy to counseling and talk therapy, our programs cater to diverse needs. Our alcohol rehab programs help you break the cycle of addiction and find true freedom. Our program also addresses co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an alcohol use disorder, call us today.
