Is Counseling Effective for Alcohol Use Disorder? Understanding How Therapy Supports Recovery
You want to kick this alcohol habit, you really do, but you just don’t know what to do or where to turn — and you do know that you cannot do this alone.
Your family and friends have suggested that “you should talk to someone,” but who? Is counseling even effective for alcohol use disorder? You think it’s going to take much more than talking to resolve your problems.
In reality, counseling helps you explore triggers, stressors, emotional patterns, and habits that might not be obvious on your own. Understanding the “why” behind drinking is often the first step toward changing it.
Keep reading to understand the benefits of counseling and how it can help you or your loved one with alcohol use disorder.
Table of Contents
- Is Counseling Effective in Alcohol Use Disorder?
- 5 Benefits of Counseling in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder
- What Is Considered the Most Effective Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder?
- 5 Additional Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder
- Find Lasting Support and Personalized Treatment Options at Dove Recovery
Yes, counseling can be highly effective in treating alcohol use disorder; however, the best outcomes often arise from combining evidence-based behavioral therapies or medications.
There is no specific combination that guarantees recovery, but a patient-centered, comprehensive approach to address their individualized needs is helpful.
#1: Understanding Triggers and Underlying Causes of Addiction
Learning what triggers you to reach for alcohol is essential for achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Understanding your personal behaviors and how you tend to respond to situations, certain people, or environments, allows you to plan ahead to avoid or respond responsibly to the triggers.
Counseling may help identify your triggers, support lifestyle changes, and establish healthy boundaries as necessary.
#2: Coping Skills and Self-Care Practices
Self-care in recovery means intentionally focusing on your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.
Taking time to focus on your personal needs can support healing, prevent relapses, and make strides toward a new life outlook.
As the reliance on a substance is riddled by poor choices, beginning positive habits and developing healthy coping skills promotes self-respect and treating your body with care.
#3: Peer and Emotional Support
One of the best supports for someone struggling with alcohol use disorder is positive encouragement and validation of their strength for seeking help.
Detox processes and rehab are mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. Individual counseling or group therapy throughout the entire process can combat feelings of the following:
- Guilt
- Shame
- Powerlessness
- Loneliness
- Physical illness
#4: Behavior Change Strategies
Many individuals struggle with putting alcohol down since it is often used as a way to escape other painful feelings or experiences. It may require substantial effort to replace bad habits or behaviors with new and positive ways of coping.
By engaging in counseling, skilled and experienced clinicians may assist with the following positive changes:
- Identification and expression of emotions in a safe place
- Establishment of healthy boundaries to promote inner peace
- Daily acknowledgement of progress and self-compassion
- Prioritization of physical needs
- Nutrition and hydration
- Adequate sleep and rest
- Routine exercise
#5: Relapse Prevention
A plethora of psychological, behavioral, or environmental factors may trigger a relapse. Learning how to identify the triggers can help prevent a relapse and allow you to activate new coping mechanisms instead of attempting an escape with alcohol.
Signs of an impending relapse may include:
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Anger, restlessness, or irritability
- Discontentment
- Loneliness
- Boredom
- Longing for the relationships or environments where you drank alcohol
Dove Recovery can support you in treatment recovery to achieve and maintain sobriety. They can help you learn the tools to overcome alcohol use disorder, maintain long-term success, and create a new life free from the grip of addiction.
Counseling is one of the many treatment options for those challenged with alcohol use disorder; however, treatment often involves a combination of approaches rather than the use of just one strategy.
#1: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment approach that is focused on the way in which our thoughts and behaviors are not separate, but actually connected.
CBT works to identify and change negative thought patterns or behaviors and replace them with a positive re-wiring of the brain to improve overall mental health.
#2: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of behavioral health treatment that uses evidence-based practices. It has been proven effective in treating a variety of substance use disorders, along with mental health conditions.
This therapeutic approach focuses on helping individuals change negative thinking patterns by working toward emotional regulation.
#3: Group Counseling
In group counseling, clinicians facilitate a discussion between a select number of participants.
Together, the group members are encouraged to share their individual experiences, stories, and struggles. They can offer support and feedback to one another, and learn collectively how to make improvements in their own lives.
This setting offers a safe place for each participant to learn and grow in a non-judgmental environment with others who understand their challenges.
#4: Marital and Family Counseling
When someone is debilitated by alcohol use disorder, it is common for the people close to them to also be struggling in some way, and this is even more likely for romantic partners and spouses.
Intimate and family relationships can be seriously broken by substance use. Even after the family member with the disorder seeks help, the marriage and family may continue to suffer and may be unsure of the future or how to repair damaged relationships.
Marriage and family programs may vary depending on the one being treated or the family members involved, but most counseling is structured to improve the family or marriage structure, along with providing support to the person requiring recovery.
#5: Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy may simply be described as conversational therapy, as this is the main approach.
When assisting someone with alcohol use disorder, the clinician attempts to forge an open and honest line of communication with the individual.
This type of counseling may help identify the reasons they drink, how to manage inevitable cravings, and eventually maintain a life free from alcohol use.
Continual support and individualized treatment plans are vital for achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Counseling, along with therapeutic and online support groups, can be an invaluable resource for those struggling with alcohol use disorder. It is important to have a safe space to share challenges, personal experiences, and stumbling blocks that may have contributed to your dependence on substances such as alcohol.
Whether it is in-person or online, counseling can be helpful for the following:
- Mental and emotional support
- Encouragement for personal growth
- Motivation and empowerment toward long-lasting recovery
Dove Recovery clinicians understand that everyone’s story is unique, each person with their own set of challenges. Along with counseling and therapy, Dove Recovery also offers the following treatment options:
Are you ready to change your life and move towards recovery? Allow Dove Recovery to partner with you. Our dedicated and professional team wants to help you overcome alcohol use disorder — contact us today to begin your journey.