What is Alcohol Counselling and How Can It Help You?

Alcohol counselling is a type of therapy that can help people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a chronic illness that is characterised by a pattern of drinking alcohol that interferes with a person’s life. Alcohol counselling can help people understand their AUD, develop coping mechanisms to manage their drinking and prevent relapse.

Alcohol counselling can be provided by a variety of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and licensed alcohol and drug counsellors. Alcohol counsellors are trained to understand the complex nature of AUD and to help people develop individualised treatment plans.

Alcohol counselling can take many different forms, but it typically involves a combination of individual and group therapy. Individual therapy provides a safe and confidential space for people to talk about their drinking and to develop coping mechanisms to manage their urges to drink. Group therapy provides an opportunity for people to connect with others who are struggling with AUD and to learn from each other’s experiences.

Alcohol counselling can be helpful for people at all stages of recovery, from those who are just starting to consider quitting to those who have been abstinent for many years. Alcohol counselling can also be helpful for family members and friends of people with AUD.

Why Alcohol Counseling is important in our society

Alcohol counselling can help prevent alcohol-related deaths by helping people to reduce their drinking or quit altogether. According to the figure of the office for National Statistics, in the UK, alcohol-specific deaths have risen sharply in recent years. In 2021, there were 9,641 deaths registered in the UK, the highest number on record. This is equivalent to 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people.

The increase in alcohol-related deaths is likely due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to many people drinking more at home. Alcohol counselling can help people address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their drinking, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you are concerned about your drinking, or if you know someone who is struggling with alcohol, please consider seeking professional help. Alcohol counselling can help you to reduce your drinking or quit altogether, and it can help you to improve your overall health and well-being.

How can alcohol counselling help you?

Alcohol counselling can help you in a number of ways, including:

• Understand your Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol counsellors can help you understand the nature of AUD and how it is affecting your life. They can also help you identify the triggers that lead to your drinking and to develop coping mechanisms to manage these triggers.
• Develop coping mechanisms. Alcohol counsellors can teach you a variety of coping mechanisms to help you manage your urges to drink. These coping mechanisms may include relaxation techniques, stress management skills, and relapse prevention strategies.
• Prevent relapse. Alcohol counselling can help you develop a relapse prevention plan to help you stay sober. This plan may include identifying your triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and building a support system.
• Improve your relationships. Alcohol counselling can help you improve your relationships with your family and friends. This is because alcohol counselling can help you learn how to communicate more effectively and resolve conflict in a healthy way.
• Improve your quality of life. Alcohol counselling can help you improve your physical and mental health, your career, and your overall quality of life.

What are the different types of alcohol counselling?

Alcohol counselling can be provided in a variety of settings, including individual therapy, group therapy, and inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. The type of alcohol counselling that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

• Individual therapy is a one-on-one counselling session with a licensed therapist. Individual therapy can provide a safe and confidential space for you to talk about your drinking and to develop coping mechanisms to manage your urges to drink.
• Group therapy is a counselling session that includes a group of people who are all struggling with AUD. Group therapy can provide an opportunity for you to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and to learn from each other’s support.
• Inpatient treatment programmes provide intensive alcohol counselling and support in a hospital or treatment centre setting. Inpatient treatment programs are typically recommended for people who have severe AUD or who have tried to quit drinking on their own and have been unsuccessful.
• Outpatient treatment programmes provide less intensive alcohol counselling and support than inpatient treatment programs. Outpatient treatment programs are typically recommended for people who have moderate AUD or who have been able to quit drinking on their own but need additional support to stay sober.

How to find an alcohol counsellor

If you are interested in finding an alcohol counsellor, there are a number of resources available to you. You can ask your doctor for a referral, or you can search for alcohol counsellors in your area online.

When choosing an alcohol counsellor, it is important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who has experience treating AUD. You may also want to consider the counsellor’s approach to treatment. Some counsellors use a cognitive-behavioural approach, while others use a psychodynamic approach.

How much does alcohol counselling cost?

The cost of alcohol counselling can vary depending on a number of factors, including the counsellor’s experience, and the type of treatment you choose.

If you are concerned about the cost of alcohol counselling, there are a number of resources available to help you. Many alcohol counsellors offer sliding scale fees, which means that they charge based on your ability to pay. There are also a number of free or low-cost alcohol counselling programs available, however, these can have lengthy waiting times.

Conclusion

Alcohol counselling is a valuable resource for people with AUD. It can help you understand your AUD, develop coping mechanisms, and prevent relapse. If you are struggling with AUD, please consider seeking professional help.

When faced with alcohol addiction, either personally or with a loved one, our specialist addiction treatment service provides a discreet, confidential, and compassionate approach to healing.

Secure a brighter future. Contact Infinity Addiction Solutions for guidance.