4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Do you or someone you know have a problem with alcohol? Is it affecting your finances, work or relationships? It is probably time to seek help if this is the case. Lavendla qualified therapists can provide the support you need.
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a disease characterised by a strong desire or compulsive need for alcohol despite negative physical, social and economic consequences. It involves a process of physical and psychological dependence in which the body becomes accustomed to alcohol consumption and one experiences withdrawal symptoms from alcohol when not drinking.
Alcohol dependence can affect a person’s ability to control or limit their drinking due to both physical dependence and strong psychological cravings. It is a treatable condition but may require more extensive treatment depending on the severity of the addiction.
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
In England, there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers, 18 percent of which are receiving treatment. It is a prominent public health problem that affects many individuals and society at large. Research indicates that a significant proportion of the adult population shows signs of alcohol dependence or risky alcohol consumption, with men at a higher rate than women. Alcohol consumption contributes to a range of health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental disorders, and is a common cause of accidents and violence.
To address this, there are several treatment options for alcohol addiction, from outpatient care and counselling to intensive programmes and detoxification. There are also support organisations and self-help groups such as Anonymous Alcoholics (AA).
Alcohol dependence is due to a complex interaction of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Genetics plays a significant role, with an increased risk for individuals who have a family history of alcoholism, suggesting a heritability of the disease.
Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and stress can lead individuals to use alcohol as a form of self-medication. Social and environmental factors, including social pressure and cultural norms, along with early exposure to alcohol, can also contribute to the development of dependence.
Stressful life situations and experiences of trauma, especially during childhood, increase vulnerability, while certain personality traits such as impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour can further amplify the risk.
It is the interaction of these different factors that increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence, so all these underlying causes often need to be addressed in the treatment process.
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Determining if you have alcohol dependence involves identifying a range of signs and symptoms that indicate an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, is characterided not only by an increased amount of alcohol consumption but also by a strong psychological and physical dependence.
Here are some indications that a person may be addicted to alcohol:
If you recognise these symptoms and negative impacts on your life, it may be an indication of alcohol dependence. It is important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options. There are many resources and support available for those struggling with alcohol addiction, including therapy, medical treatment, and support groups which can offer help on the road to recovery.
Alcohol dependence is characterised by a range of behavioural and physical symptoms that indicate an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. This includes a strong and overwhelming desire for alcohol, difficulty stopping or controlling the amount of alcohol consumed, and a developed tolerance that requires larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.
People with alcohol dependence often experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and tremors when not drinking, which can be so severe that it leads to delirium tremens. A lot of time can be wasted drinking alcohol or recovering from its effects, often at the expense of work, relationships and other activities.
Despite awareness of these negative consequences, drinking continues, resulting in social activities, hobbies and work-related commitments being neglected or abandoned altogether. These signs of alcohol dependence indicate a need for professional help for diagnosis and treatment, which can range from medical intervention to therapy and support groups.
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
If you are wondering whether you have an alcohol addiction or are at risk of developing one, it is important to seek help. Otherwise, problems can develop and get worse over time.
Treatment for alcohol dependence is an individualised process depending on the severity of the problem. If you are a high-risk user, supportive and motivational counseling can be helpful. For more severe alcoholism, treatment may begin with medically supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Subsequently, drug treatment can be used to reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse, using drugs such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is essential for helping a person understand and change the behavioural patterns that lead to alcohol use. It also helps by developing coping strategies. This treatment is available through Lavendla’s qualified therapists.
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous offer social and emotional community support of others in similar situations. Education on alcohol addiction and self-help strategies are also important, as well as long-term follow-up and aftercare to maintain sobriety. Complementary therapies such as mindfulness and yoga can further support recovery by reducing stress and improving well-being. A flexible treatment plan and a strong support network are essential for successful recovery from alcohol addiction.
As a family member of someone with an alcohol problem, there are several ways to provide support while taking care of your own health:
Remember that the person must want to seek help and change themselves. You can offer support and resources, but the ultimate responsibility for getting sober lies with the person with the alcohol problem. Taking care of your own mental and emotional health is also crucial in this process.
In the case of alcohol addiction, other family members may also be affected. There is support for relatives and children of those with an addiction and social services can help in these cases. Contact your local authority to see what support is available where you live.
Talk therapy is often the first step in seeking help. By working with a psychologist or therapist, you can begin to understand your symptoms and triggers, which is essential for long-term change.
If you are experiencing signs of abuse or addiction that are affecting your life or work, it is essential that you seek professional help. It is never too late to break free from abuse or addiction. Help is available and support is just a click away. So if you or someone you love is struggling with these issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Book an online session with a qualified coach, therapist or psychologist today through our website. Together we will make the difficult easier.
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a disease characterised by a strong desire or compulsive need to consume alcohol despite negative physical, social, and economic consequences.
In the UK, 40 percent of men and 20 percent of women aged between 55 and 64 years drink at a level considered to cause ‘an increased risk of to health’.
Yes, addiction is considered a brain disease because it affects the brain’s reward system and decision-making.
Yes, addiction can be treated and cured, but it may require long-term care and support. It is possible to become free from dependence on alcohol.
Alcohol consumption contributes to a range of health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental health problems, and is a common cause of accidents and violence. It can also have consequences in areas such as work, relationships and overall quality of life.
Alcohol dependence is characterised by a range of symptoms that indicate an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. This includes a strong and overwhelming desire for alcohol, difficulty in stopping or controlling the amount of alcohol consumed, and a developed tolerance that requires larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.
There are several different types of treatment such as detoxification, medication, residential treatment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and support groups.
It varies from person to person. Some may need a few months while others may need years of continuous care.
Yes, relapse is part of the recovery process for many people. The most important thing is not to give up. If you have relapsed, it is important to seek help as soon as possible to get back on track.
Alcohol dependence is more common in men, but it also occurs in women.
A support system is often crucial for a successful recovery. This includes not only professional help such as therapists and doctors, but also family and friends who provide emotional and practical support. A good support system can help reduce the risk of relapse and help the person maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Lavendla has a number of qualified therapists available to assist with alcohol addiction. You can book a session through their profiles listed on our website.
Treatment for alcohol dependence is multi-faceted and individualised, with the aim of helping people to stop drinking, manage withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse. Here are the main components of a treatment plan for alcohol dependence:
The treatment plan should be flexible and adaptable to the individual’s changing needs throughout the recovery process. A strong support network of family, friends and caregivers plays an important role in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Recognising the need for help and actively seeking treatment are crucial steps towards recovery.