The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
When you think of counseling you may think of students needing help with mental exhaustion or bad grades. However, counseling can also be used to address serious mental health concerns, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol addiction, mental health disorders, and more.
Learn more about alcohol addictions and how counseling is helping individuals find the help they need for recovery!
Table of Contents
How to Know If You Have An Alcohol Addiction
For many people, determining if you have an addiction can be a confusing process. Many people do not even realize that they have an addiction until it is too late.
An addiction is defined by a person’s inability to control themselves around an activity or substance. For example, if you can stop drinking alcohol even if you want to may be a sign of alcoholism.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder associated with compulsive alcohol drinking, the loss of control over intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state when alcohol is no longer available.”
Why Counseling?
Most individuals attend counseling because it allows them a safe space to discuss and explore their thoughts and actions around alcohol. Counseling is often led by a mental health professional or therapist. In this setting, the individual can trust their counselor to help them in their discovery and recovery process.
Want to learn more about counseling? BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that explores various mental health concerns, including counseling; they also offer many resources for individuals that wish to learn more about therapy, mental health, and how to manage life’s circumstances.
How Does Counseling Work?
First and foremost, the individual must choose their form of counseling. There are one-on-one sessions, couple’s sessions, and group therapy options. After choosing your form or counseling, you will meet with your counselor or therapist to discuss your concerns.
Typically, the mental health professional will assist you in the diagnosis process. This will be used to determine if you have an addiction or any other mental health concern. After the diagnosis, you are ready for recovery!
What Will You Learn and How it Will Help
The Root of Your Addiction
Through questions and answers, a counselor can help you understand the root of your alcohol addiction. It may be because of previous trauma, mental health disorder, or environmental factor. By learning more about the cause of your addiction, you are better equipped to address your current situation. You can also learn how to heal from the cause of your addiction and your addiction.
How to Properly Cope with Urges
Unfortunately, healing from an addiction does not usually happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and a little bit of help. A counselor can help you implement healthier coping techniques. For instance, instead of going out for a drink with your coworkers, you could invite an understanding friend over for a game night. Using self-care and smart decisions, you can better cope with feelings of urgency.
Making Plans for the Future
Lastly, your counselor can help you plan for the future. The beautiful thing about the recovery process is that it opens up countless opportunities for growth and excitement. Without an alcohol addiction in your life, you will be able to do much more without fear or hesitation. Together with your counselor, you can learn how to plan for your future.