The Advantages of Participating in Talk Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder
It can be difficult to manage alcohol use disorder (AUD) without professional care. An individual may feel tempted to drink for various reasons. One may have difficulty coping with excess stressors, emotional pain, or peer pressure. Intense cravings and unwanted triggers can derail an individual from establishing a mentally stable and sober lifestyle. Participating in talk therapy at Restoration Recovery can teach those facing challenges with AUD effective coping strategies to better respond to external factors and achieve a better future.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2021, research has estimated that approximately 28.8 million adults that ranged from 18 or older were diagnosed with AUD. AUD is a chronic brain disease that affects many individual’s lives. One may present problems with discontinuing alcoholic beverages even knowing the serious health risks associated with continued use.
Prolonged alcohol abuse has commonly been shown to negatively interfere with an individual’s healthy social relationships, steady work progress, and mental or physical health. The severity of AUD surpasses general alcoholism, addiction, and dependency as the effects of this condition are much worse. Studies have also found that those who drink in their adolescent years before the age of 15 are at an increased risk of developing challenges with AUD in the future. Furthermore, various risks affiliated with AUD also include:
- Genetics
- Environmental exposure
- Mental health conditions
- History of trauma
The Challenges Associated With Alcohol Use Disorder Without Participating in Talk Therapy
It can be difficult for one to manage the uncomfortable effects associated with AUD. This can be especially difficult for those who have a dual diagnosis and continue to avoid emotional or professional support. There are many reasons why some individuals are hesitant to move forward with professional care.
They may feel deep shame, guilt, or embarrassment for their state of health. It is also common for one to refuse treatment as they may just not be ready. The withdrawal symptoms of AUD do play a wide role in why one may choose to continue drinking. Withdrawal symptoms can feel extremely uncomfortable, painful, and even nauseating. The severity of symptoms strongly depends on the range of AUD one may have.
For example, if an individual is facing challenges with severe AUD from binge drinking or even drinking daily for a long period, their withdrawal symptoms are likely to feel more intense. Thus, it is especially common for one with AUD to feel isolated or trapped in the cycle of addiction if they choose not to surrender to professional treatment. According to the journal Alcohol Health and Research World, an individual experiencing problems with withdrawal might present:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hand tremors
- Profuse sweating
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Visual disturbances
- Auditory disturbances
- Tactile disturbances
- Migraines
What Is Talk Therapy?
Although alcohol withdrawal symptoms may leave one feeling defeated, it may be wise for one to consider exploring different treatment options for relief. For instance, many individuals have found it easier to navigate AUD by participating in various psychotherapies.
Talk therapy can provide several benefits to one’s journey to recovery. Different types of psychotherapy can provide one with continuous emotional and professional support. Psychotherapy can be a safe place to confide without fear of judgment. Talk therapy can help further educate an individual on their condition, help one learn the warning signs of AUD, and teach the individual new coping strategies to effectively respond to cravings and unwanted substance triggers.
Not only does learning to recognize the effects of AUD help the individual recognize the pattern of addiction, but it can also help save another person’s life for relapse prevention. According to MedlinePlus, common warning signs of AUD commonly include:
- Experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms
- Avoiding family events or social opportunities to drink
- Displaying self-destructive behavior
- Feeling dizzy or blacked out
- Experiencing a strong urge to drink
- Found that drinking has made it difficult to meet top priorities
The Benefit of Participating in Talk Therapy at Restoration Recovery
Choosing to move forward by participating in talk therapy at Restoration Recovery can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life. Our team of specialists works closely with clients to develop an individualized treatment plan. For example, a mental health professional works one-on-one with the client to get to know their medical background, strengths, and weaknesses. They then tailor the services that best apply to the individual’s needs. This can give a more whole-person approach for a better recovery outcome.
Restoration Recovery understands that AUD is a prevalent health condition that is characterized by a problematic pattern of hazardous use. Addiction is strongly linked with co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression and or anxiety. Our facility provides those with AUD various talk therapy options to choose from for a more personal approach to care. Different types of talk therapy offered at our treatment center include:
- Trauma therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
- Group therapy
At Restoration Recovery Center, our alcohol rehab in Sacramento offers a safe, effective approach to alcohol treatment that changes lives. Once you have identified the best alcohol addiction treatment program, Restoration Recovery Center will create a treatment path tailored specifically to your unique needs. Although drug and alcohol use disorders are considered “chronic” diseases, meaning there is no cure, they can be managed successfully. No matter how severe your disorder may seem, evidence-based treatment can help you create a healthy and productive alcohol-free life. If you or a loved one is facing challenges with alcohol use disorder, call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 to learn more about our treatment programs.
