How does a therapist treat alcohol addiction?
A therapist helps the person with alcohol addiction address the mental health issues that contribute to their alcohol abuse despite negative consequences. Thus in therapy, the person learns to confront their thoughts, feelings, and moods in healthier and more constructive ways than using alcohol. The person learns to identify their triggers for alcohol consumption and learns strategies that help them cope with these triggers in order to prevent a relapse.
What is the role of therapy in the treatment of alcohol addiction?
There are various factors that contribute to the development of alcohol addiction including genetics, family history, lifestyle, environment, and mental health. Apart from the uncontrollable factors – genetics and family history, the other factors that put a person at a higher risk of developing an alcohol addiction are workable in a therapeutic setting. Often, a person may find alcohol to be a coping strategy with their negative mental health states; moreover, teaching them ways to explore and cope with these mental well-being issues could contribute to them resorting less to alcohol.
What other professional services could help a person with alcohol addiction in addition to a therapist?
Psychiatric consultations could tremendously help manage cravings, smoothing the process of recovery. The person could also choose to be a part of group therapy or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They may also choose to be part of a residential rehabilitation program for recovering from addiction.
What are the common therapies used for alcohol addiction?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) – which works on identifying and replacing the negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that contribute to alcohol use, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – which focuses on teaching emotional regulation and embracing positive change, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) – which works on strengthening the person’s motivation to change, are some of the evidence-based therapy approaches for alcohol addiction treatment.
