It is not uncommon for folks entering recovery to ask, “Why do I need alcohol abuse counseling?” Sometimes, people with an alcohol problem will try recovery on their own at first. However, more often than not, this isn’t a very successful way. Unfortunately, drinking is usually a symptom of a deeper issue. Simply not drinking is an unlikely solution without help and therapy.
Understanding Why You Abuse Alcohol
Before you can appreciate why alcohol abuse counseling is needed, you must fully understand one thing. That is, drinking is only a part of a larger problem. Underlying factors, such as psychological issues, social pressures, and biological influences lead from social drinking to problem drinking. For many, it is growing up in an environment where consuming alcohol is a social norm. Or, one or both parents abuse alcohol can lay the foundation for a lifelong battle with alcohol.
Not surprisingly, children that grow up with an alcoholic parent are four times more likely to become an alcoholic than others and studies have shown that genetics accounts for about 50% of the individual risk of alcohol abuse. Although, further research is needed to find out more about genetics and environments leading to the development of alcohol abuse and how that can factor into treatment.
Often, there are psychological components of alcohol abuse. People with mental health disorders, traumatic histories, and self-image issues are more likely to develop addictions. Self-medicating is a common coping mechanism for many that go undiagnosed, don’t receive adequate treatment after a traumatic experience, or try to overcome a troubled childhood on their own.
Why Do I Need Alcohol Abuse Counseling?
Once you have decided that it would be best to quit drinking, there is much for you to discover about yourself. Most importantly, you will have to get to the root of your drinking problem, as well as identifying harmful triggers. With the help of trained professionals using behavioral treatments, or alcohol abuse counseling, you will learn:
- Development of healthy coping skills to assist you in staying away from alcohol
- To identify the people that will make up a much-needed support system
- An achievable goal setting strategy for sobriety
- About avoid potential triggers
- How to begin to come to terms with the root cause(s) of your drinking
Your journey of sobriety will be a long and windy road, but with the right help and support system, long-term recovery is possible.
Types of Counseling and Treatment
Whether you decide that inpatient or outpatient is right for you, counseling will guide you on your recovery path. Undoubtedly, not every type of counseling or therapy is going to be a perfect fit for every person. Usually, quality alcohol rehabs offer a wide variety of options. Your counselor will assist you in creating a program that best suits your needs and goals. Alcohol abuse counseling may include some of the following:
- Family Therapy – counseling which provides group therapy involving immediate family
- Trauma Therapy – therapists assist clients in overcoming psychological trauma
- Virtual Reality Meditation Therapy – a relaxing therapy that uses the technology of VR to quiet the mind and help patients with beneficial meditation practice
- Adventure Therapy – experiential therapy that gets patients out of their comfort zone to build self-esteem and mind and body health
- Art Therapy – gives patients the ability to express things that they may not be tapping into with traditional counseling
- Music Therapy – uses music creation and appreciation to help patients address trauma, develop healthy coping mechanisms to avoid potential triggers
Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles is a wonderful place to find peace and break alcohol’s control over your life. If you are ready to get on the path to recovery, call us today 855.340.8832.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
