If you’re starting alcohol addiction recovery, you might wonder if you need alcohol abuse counseling. You may wonder if it’s something you can overcome on your own. Embarking on an alcohol recovery journey without help might yield positive results in the short term. But if you want a long-term recovery that lasts, you need specialized alcohol abuse counseling.
Alcohol abuse treatment is a complicated issue that goes beyond the initial detox treatment. Many psychological, social, and emotional factors come into play when dealing with alcohol abuse. Counselors are professionally trained in various therapies to work with you on these complicated issues.
When you’re ready to take the first steps on the road to recovery, The Right Step Hill Country’s San Antonio alcohol rehab program can help you get on the right track. Call 1.844.675.1628 for more information.
Why Do I Need Alcohol Abuse Counseling?
While there are many aspects of alcohol addiction treatment, counseling is usually one of the core parts of recovery. Counselors are there to educate, guide, and motivate you through recovery. They are experts who undergo specialized training to deal with the complex nature of alcohol abuse.
Additionally, it may be difficult to talk to loved ones about some of the issues you’re facing because they’re too emotionally involved with you. Counselors are third parties who can be empathetic and non-judgmental to your situation. Thus, providing you with a safe space for you to talk about your alcohol addiction.
Most importantly, studies have shown that counseling effectively reduces relapse rates in people recovering from alcohol abuse. The trusting relationship built between you and your counselor will be a powerful support to you in recovery.
What Do Alcohol Abuse Counselors Do?
While every person’s recovery journey is different, counselors are experienced in treating the common issues surrounding alcohol abuse. This includes things like craving management and diagnosing co-occurring mental health problems. Their role in your recovery also includes:
- Helping to identify any co-occurring mental health issues
- Creating an individualized plan for treatment
- Helping you work through the emotional and psychological issues surrounding alcohol abuse
- Involving family support where needed
- Providing you with skills to cope with cravings
- Working on your motivation to stay committed to recovery
- Educating you about the psychological and physiological aspects of alcohol abuse
- Coming up with a plan for relapse prevention
What Happens During Alcohol Abuse Counseling?
Alcohol abuse counseling sessions can happen in a one-to-one or group therapy setting. Both cases will involve you opening up about your alcohol addiction in a safe environment. It may involve discussing difficult or painful issues in your life that led to alcohol abuse, which can be an uncomfortable process. But finding the underlying problems that may be fueling your addiction is an important part of recovery. As you discuss your issues with a counselor, they will use various evidence-based therapies to help you overcome your challenges. These therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) – This therapy helps you to identify and change any negative thinking patterns and behaviors that are fueling your addiction. Using CBT, your therapist will help you see how your thoughts impact your actions. You will learn new skills to deal with cravings and triggers, as well as healthy coping mechanisms for stress.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – DBT is a type of CBT that emphasizes the importance of balancing your emotions. It helps you to develop skills to deal with difficult situations and manage intense emotions. This includes learning how to cope with triggers, cravings, and stress healthily.
- Motivational interviewing (MI) – MI is a therapy used to help you explore and resolve any ambivalence you may have about recovery. It is a non-judgmental therapy that allows you to see the value of sobriety and motivates you to stay committed to treatment.
- Mindfulness practices – Mindfulness can be used with any of the above therapies. It helps you to focus on the present moment and develop a non-judgmental attitude towards your thoughts and emotions. This allows you to be more aware of your triggers and cravings and how to deal with them in a healthy way.
- Holistic therapies – Holistic therapies take a whole-person approach to treatment. This means that they address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction. Common holistic therapies used in alcohol abuse treatment include yoga, meditation, and acupuncture.
Alcohol Abuse Counseling at The Right Step Hill Country
Are you ready to start alcohol abuse counseling? No matter where you are in your journey to recovery from alcohol abuse, seeking help from a counselor at an alcohol treatment center is always a good choice. To learn more about our alcohol counseling services, call us at 1.844.675.1628 or contact us online today.