Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in America. While occasional alcohol use is okay, some people have a hard time controlling how much they drink. When you cannot manage your alcohol consumption, you likely have an alcohol use disorder.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 30 million people struggled with alcoholism in 2022.
Recovering from alcoholism requires a lot of work. People must attend an addiction treatment center where they engage in long-term therapy. Additionally, recovery is maintained by participating in a 12-step program like alcoholics anonymous (AA).
If you are looking to stop drinking and stay sober, the first step is getting the therapy you need. Alcohol treatment facilities in West Palm Beach like Archstone Behavioral Health offer a wide variety of alcoholism therapies. You will learn vital coping skills and other tools necessary to recover from your substance use disorder.
What are the Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the clinical term for alcoholism. If you regularly abuse alcohol, you might be wondering how to tell whether it has progressed into a problem.
The common signs of an alcohol use disorder include:
- Using alcohol in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Wanting to quit drinking but being unsuccessful
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from drinking alcohol
- Experiencing cravings or strong urges to drink alcohol
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work
- Continuing to drink despite facing social or relationship issues
- Continuing to use alcohol even though it is causing physical or mental health conditions
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Getting into risky situations while drinking alcohol
- Needing to increase the dose of alcohol to experience the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you cannot use alcohol
How Can Therapy Help Treat Alcoholism?
Therapy can help you recover from alcoholism in a variety of ways, instilling a solid foundation of recovery to rely on.
Addressing Root Causes
Many factors play a role in the development of alcoholism. For example, some people begin drinking to cope with undiagnosed mental illnesses. Others might be drinking to numb emotions related to past trauma or stress in their lives.
Therapy can help you uncover the reasons you began drinking in the first place. Once these root causes are identified, a therapist will help you overcome them. As a result, your desire to drink will be significantly reduced.
Developing Emotional Regulation Skills
Another reason that therapy is the best type of treatment for alcoholism is that you learn to manage your emotions. Most people begin abusing alcohol because they are uncomfortable with their feelings. Alcohol can temporarily numb negative emotions that are bothering you.
Unfortunately, these emotions will lie dormant and continue to fester when you are self-medicating with alcohol. Therapy helps you learn how to manage your emotions healthily, actually teaching you to work through them instead of burying them. As a result, your emotions will become less of a trigger to drink over time.
Learning Coping Mechanisms
Another reason you should seek treatment through therapy for alcoholism is it teaches you healthy coping mechanisms. Most people recovering from alcohol abuse have triggers that make them want to pick up a drink. Therapy will teach you coping mechanisms like breathing exercises or mindfulness that lessen these triggers.
Where Can You Find Alcohol Addiction Therapy in West Palm Beach?
There are many different ways to find therapy for alcoholism in West Palm Beach. The first option is to find a therapist who specializes in addiction recovery. While this can be effective for some individuals, you might require more intensive treatment.
Those with severe alcoholism should consider attending an inpatient treatment program. These facilities offer a wide range of services, from treatment for withdrawal symptoms to evidence-based therapies. You will also be able to participate in family therapy with your family members.
Inpatient alcohol rehab centers in West Palm Beach offer individualized treatment plans. This means the therapy you engage in will be based on your specific needs. Additionally, you will have different options for therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational interviewing (MI).
At Archstone Behavioral Health, we offer inpatient rehab with a focus on individual therapy and group counseling. Our mental health experts specialize in treating addiction. They also offer compassionate and trauma-informed care for our patients with extra underlying needs.
Get Connected to Alcoholism Therapy in West Palm Beach
If you or a loved one suffers from alcoholism, it’s time to seek help. Therapy is one of the best ways to recover from an alcohol use disorder. At Archstone Behavioral Health, we offer evidence-based behavioral therapy in both individual and group settings.
Contact us today to get connected with alcoholism therapy in West Palm Beach.