An alcohol problem is a serious and chronic condition. In this condition, your body can also become dependent on alcohol, at which point one feels unable to control ones drinking.

Alcohol dependence can have a negative impact on one’s health, job, family, friends, and other everyday situations. There is also alcohol abuse, which does not include all of alcoholism’s symptoms.

Defining Alcohol Abuse

This form of abuse is characterized by over drinking, which can cause problems in relationships and other matters. Alcoholism has several symptoms. The most common is being unable to control how much you drink, and having a strong compulsion to drink.

There’s also drinking alone or while hidden, being unable to remember conversations (aka blacking out), being irritated when alcohol is not available, and keeping alcohol in your care or different parts of your house. Even drinking in gulps or getting drunk “to feel normal” or “good” is a symptom.

Treatment of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse treatment is highly recommended if you are drinking too much and can no longer control the amount. Alcohol addiction treatment is done in several ways. It can begin with detoxification and withdrawal. Detoxification lasts four to seven days. During this time, one may take sedative medicines to lessen shaking, hallucinations, and other withdrawal symptoms. This step is usually done in hospitals or inpatient treatment facilities.

The Role of Counselling and 12 Step Recovery

After detoxification, a treatment plan is discussed with a psychological or similar professional. Counselling is generally included here, and in many cases they will apply self-help materials, behavior modification techniques, and an establishment of goals.

Counselling usually also involves a group support. It is important that your partner and family are also involved so you have a support system. Involving them will also help you understand how alcoholism is affecting your relationships. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a great support group for alcoholics who desire to stop drinking. It is a fellowship of men and women who are in recovery that provide hope and assistance to other alcoholics through the use of a twelve-step program.

Along with regular counselling sessions, having the support of other recovering alcoholics in AA can prevent relapse, and better help you adjust to major lifestyle changes. Support groups for family members of alcoholics include Al-Anon and Alateen. Serious alcoholic conditions require treatment at residential facilities. These centers also involve Alcoholic Anonymous and other forms of group therapy.

Insight's Treatment Solutions

Insight is happy to offer flexible and effective addictions counselling to residents of Alberta with Counsellors available in Insight's Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary locations. We are also available worldwide for telephone and skype counselling.

Insight's Counsellors that can help: