Treating Alcoholism—Alpharetta, GA Therapy and Counseling
Maybe you have done something like this or known someone who has… You go out after work to let off some steam. After a few, it’s time to go home. You have work and family and things to do. But your favorite song just came on. Have another, you tell yourself—you’ve earned it. This is not a problem, you think…right? Right. Or maybe not. With alcohol, knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy use is complicated. Many people incorporate alcohol into their lives in productive ways. Others do not, and need treatment for alcohol abuse or alcoholism. So, where is the line?
Skilled therapists have helped many people gain more control over their alcohol use. Counseling may help people assess their alcohol consumption and help treat any uses that may be addictive or harmful.
The counselors at Thriveworks Alpharetta, GA have helped many people understand why, how, when, and where they drink and make empowered choices about their alcohol use.
Alcoholism: What Is It?
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is an illness that disrupts the equilibrium in a person’s brain. The chemicals in the brain that release pleasure during alcohol use increase while the ones that curb impulsiveness are reduced.
Alcohol use disorder manifests as a loss of control with regard to alcohol intake. People have difficulty regulating when, where, how, and how much they drink. Alcoholics may also express anxiety, depression, and negative emotions when they are not drinking.
Social circumstances and genetic factors have been linked to alcoholism and its cause. If a family member is an alcoholic, that can raise a person’s risk for alcohol use disorder. Age of first drink also seems to play a part. The younger people begin drinking, the higher their risk for alcoholism may be.
Alcohol use that is harmful may not necessarily be alcohol use disorder. There are many way to abuse alcohol that do not involve the loss of control that alcohol use disorder entails. A therapist or doctor who has experience treating alcoholics can diagnose the difference between alcohol use disorder and other bad habits.
Alcoholism: Am I Losing Control?
Take a moment to reflect about how, when, and where you drink. What do you see? If you use alcohol in one or more of the following ways, it may be time to have a professional assess your alcohol use.
Anyone who struggles with alcohol use disorder may …
- Crave alcohol
- Imbibe more for the same good feelings or buzz
- Feel annoyance or anger at being unable to drink
- Consume alcohol alone or in secret
- Develop a drinking ritual
- Attempt to curb or quit drinking but without effect
- Continue alcohol use after it has caused legal, relational, monetary, or professional problems.
- Prioritize alcohol use over all other activities or relationships
- Sweat, shake, and/or vomit while trying to quit alcohol or going without a drink
To some way or another, people have a hard time seeing the problems in their lives. Everyone minimizes or denies life’s challenges, and people who struggle with alcohol use disorder are no different. Alcoholics may have a reason or justification for their unhealthy alcohol use, but even seemingly plausible rationalizations do not help treat this serious disease.
If you or anyone you know uses alcohol in the ways listed, it may be time to seek professional help. Getting help sooner rather than later might mitigate destructive effects of alcoholism.
Alcoholism: Other Health Problems
Alcoholism is a challenging illness in itself, but part of its difficulty is that it can cause so many other physical health problems. High and/or constant alcohol in the blood stream can raise a person’s risk for health problems or complications, including …
- Blindness
- Liver disease
- Gastritis
- Cancer
- Birth defects
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Diabetes complications
- Osteoporosis
Therapy for Alcoholism at Thriveworks Alpharetta, GA
Are you ready to seek help for your alcohol use? Thriveworks Alpharetta has counselors who are ready to help their clients regain control of their alcohol use.
We want to care for our clients, from the first time they call our office. Because we believe in client-centered care, we want to make scheduling an appointment for alcoholism therapy as convenient as possible. When you call Thriveworks Alpharetta, GA
- A person will answer your call and help you make an appointment.
- Many clients see their therapist the next day, even first-time clients.
- We offer evening or weekend session, if you need one.
- Our office takes many insurance providers.
Alcohol use disorder has devastated many people’s health and lives, but there is treatment available. Is controlling your drinking more and more difficult? If so, it may be time for a professional’s help. Thriveworks Alpharetta has appointments available. Call today.
