How Do You Get Sober If You’ve Been Drinking Alcohol?

Quitting alcohol after drinking regularly or heavily can seem very hard. This is especially true if you have tried to stop before or have relapsed. Whether you’re asking yourself, “How do you get sober if you’ve been drinking alcohol?” or if you’re just beginning to explore the idea of sobriety, there is hope.

Therapy and counseling are essential tools for navigating the recovery journey. Sobriety is not just about stopping alcohol. It is about healing from within and facing deeper issues. It also involves developing new ways to cope. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we provide holistic treatment for addiction and recovery. Let’s take a look at the role of therapy and counseling in getting sober.

Understanding the Role of Therapy and Counseling in Sobriety

Therapy and counseling are integral components of the recovery process. They address the root causes of addiction, help individuals understand their behavior. If you’re unsure about your relationship with alcohol, review the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Here’s how self-awareness and trauma-informed care help a person with sobriety:

Addresses Psychological Dependence: For many people struggling with alcohol use, it’s not only about physical dependence. It also involves psychological dependence. Therapy helps individuals understand why they drink, what triggers their drinking behavior, and how to develop healthy coping strategies. Counseling provides an opportunity to talk through emotions, traumas, and experiences that may be contributing to the addiction.
Provides Emotional Support: Counseling provides a safe space to discuss emotional struggles. Therapists offer guidance and emotional support, which is critical for individuals who feel overwhelmed by their addiction. Having someone to confide in helps reduce feelings of isolation, guilt, and shame, which often accompany alcohol addiction.
Develops New Coping Mechanisms: Therapy helps people develop new coping skills. It focuses on replacing harmful behaviors, such as using alcohol to handle stress or trauma, with healthier choices. Techniques such as trauma coping strategies and emotional regulation skills can help. These skills are often taught in therapy. They help people manage stress and triggers without using alcohol.
Dual Diagnosis and Trauma-Informed Care: Many people with alcohol addiction also have mental health issues. These issues can include anxiety, depression, or trauma. This is known as dual diagnosis. Trauma informed care acknowledges that trauma and addiction often go hand-in-hand. This type of therapy creates a safe space. It is sensitive to the emotional and psychological wounds caused by trauma. A trauma informed therapist can help clients address unresolved trauma that may have led to or worsened their addiction.

Types Of Therapies Used In Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Several therapeutic approaches have been proven effective for individuals in alcohol recovery. These therapies can be used individually or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a well-known therapy that helps people find and change negative thoughts that lead to addiction. For example, if someone drinks because they think alcohol is the only way to handle stress, CBT would help change that belief. It would also teach healthier ways to cope. CBT is very effective for people who wonder, “How can I get sober after drinking for years?” It helps change thoughts and behaviors.
Group Counseling: Group therapy allows individuals to connect with others who are going through similar struggles. Sharing stories, providing mutual support, and receiving feedback in a group setting can be incredibly empowering and healing. Group counseling can reduce the isolation that often accompanies addiction and can provide a sense of community and accountability.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: If trauma has impacted your drinking, it’s important to address that trauma in therapy. Trauma-focused therapy helps individuals process past traumas and their impact on current behavior. Approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-specific talk therapy are often integrated into treatment for long-term healing.
Holistic Approaches to Therapy: Many treatment centers, including Integrative Life Center, use holistic treatment for alcoholism. This addresses not only the psychological aspects of addiction but also the physical and spiritual components. Holistic approaches might include yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, and bodywork, all of which promote overall wellness and support sobriety. These practices help individuals stay connected to their recovery goals while nourishing their body and mind.

The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox

If you are wondering, “How can I get sober after drinking for a long time?” the first step is medically supervised detox. Detoxing from alcohol can be risky if done alone. This is especially true for people who have been drinking heavily for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, including tremors, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens.

It’s important to go through detox in a safe place with medical professionals. They can watch for symptoms and give support. It’s important to note that Integrative Life Center does not offer detox services. Instead, you should get help from a facility that offers medically supervised detox. This can be the first step in your recovery journey.