What is Alcohol Addiction Counseling?

Alcohol addiction counseling is a method of therapy to help a person overcome his habit of excessive alcohol consumption. This program typically involves a trained professional counselor who will offer advice and solutions to cut back or stop drinking alcohol entirely. The goal is to eventually achieve an alcohol-free lifestyle that will last a lifetime. Alcohol addiction counseling is typically conducted through a program called alcohol rehabilitation, more commonly known as alcohol rehab.

The general concept behind alcohol addiction counseling is to offer support, help the patient recognize the root of his problem, and find a way to effectively end the cycle of his addiction. Despite the many aspects of one's life that are threatened by alcohol addiction, often the person cannot quit without professional intervention. An alcohol addiction counseling program can help the person recognize how substance abuse can be detrimental in various ways.

In many cases, alcoholism can compromise personal relationships and jeopardize one's employment status. When a person drinks excessively or has let alcohol control his life, it can become a threat to his general health, safety, and well being, as well as the safety of others. If the person drives a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, his judgment may become impaired, thus becoming a threat to the safety of others.

When the patient enters an alcohol rehab center, and undergoes extensive alcohol addiction counseling, he will receive support during his efforts to withdraw from alcohol. In many cases, a spouse or partner and family members as well can receive support through counseling. The individual will receive an evaluation and specialized program to suit his personal needs.

During the course of alcohol addiction counseling, the counselor may work together with the patient's physician. If necessary, the patient may be prescribed certain medications to help with the withdrawal process. The therapist may incorporate a program that includes extensive physical therapy, such as routine exercise. A nutritionist may be called upon to help the patient achieve proper nutritional support as well.

A professional counselor will attempt to educate the patient about the effects and consequences of excessive drinking and how the body reacts to the change. This is meant to help the patient receive knowledge and a perspective on the hazards he could be subjecting himself to through drinking. The counselor will also speak with family members and encourage them to offer the patient much-needed support.

Specialists who deal with younger patients may be assigned for teenagers. Whether the patient is an adult or adolescent, the counselor will attempt to discover the reason behind the alcohol consumption. Helping the patient understand his motive for habitual drinking can help discover an effective plan to cope with the situation.