Alcohol Addiction

Many adults have a drink with supper as a form of social or calming behaviour. However, alcohol is a drug and those who become addicted are unable to stop at one drink. Drinking alcohol daily and in large quantities endangers yourself and your loved ones.

What is an Alcohol Addiction?

An alcohol addiction is the physical or psychological dependence on drinking alcohol. People who suffer from an Alcohol Addiction typically have trouble acknowledging that they have an addiction. They are alcohol-dependent and drinking dictates most aspects of their lives. Those addicted to alcohol will experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop drinking and also typically build up a high tolerance to alcohol. Alcohol Addictions can be life-threatening, while also destroying relationships and financial stability.

What types of mental health conditions are commonly associated with an Alcohol Addiction?

It is common for an Alcohol Addiction to develop or worsen with the existence of a psychiatric disorder, as people with mental health issues often attempt to self-medicate with alcohol. The reverse is also common, an Alcohol Addiction leading to psychiatric illnesses. The following are the most common of the conditions associated with an Alcohol Addiction:

– Bipolar Affective Disorder
– Anxiety
– Depression
– Schizophrenia
– Borderline Personality Disorder

However, Alcohol Addictions are not only caused by mental illnesses. Addictive behaviour can be hereditary and if Alcoholism runs through your family, you are more susceptible to becoming addicted to a drug such as alcohol.

What are the symptoms of an Alcohol Addiction?

– Feeling the need to drink alcohol daily
– Failed attempts to cut back on drinking alcohol
– Withdrawal symptoms (fatigue, irritability, shakiness, anxiety, depression, etc.)
– A tendency to use alcohol as a coping mechanism
– A high alcohol tolerance
– Short-term memory loss
– Extreme mood swings
– Continued alcohol use even though it is negatively affecting other aspects of your life
– Drinking alone
– Drinking first thing in the morning

How can therapy help?

Psychologists are trained to treat addictions by altering the way in which people think. Therapy has proven to treat many individuals with addiction issues. Addiction therapy is appealing to many clients because it does not necessarily require medication. Your therapist will begin by assessing the degree or intensity of the addiction. Next, your therapist will search for the root of the addiction, whether it is genetic, psychological, environmental, etc. In identifying what triggers you into drinking, your therapist will be able to provide you with alternative coping mechanisms and strategies. Therapy is a non-threatening method which has been proven to treat addictions while addressing other issues, such as mental health conditions.

Types of therapy offered for an Alcohol Addiction at The Blue Tree Clinic?

– Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
– Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy
– Counselling
– Family counselling
– Psychiatry
– Group therapy

How can The Blue Tree Clinic help you?

Our therapists are well-versed in treating addiction and have played a part in many success stories. At The Blue Tree Clinic, our therapists focus on longterm treatment, providing you with lifelong tools to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while also immediately targeting the addiction. We offer many different types of therapy to address an Alcohol Addiction so that you have the freedom to shape your therapy. The type of undivided attention that we are able to provide you with is rare to come across. We are available by phone and email during all hours of the day in order to support you at any hour in which you are tempted to grab the bottle. Don’t let alcohol dictate your life!