Alcoholism

Alcoholism

Over 15 million American adults have an alcohol use disorder, commonly referred to as alcoholism.  At The Counseling Center, you can learn to overcome your disease and regain a healthy, active, and fulfilling life. If you’re ready to lead a healthy and sober life, call us at (317) 754-0808 or schedule an appointment online today.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a complex brain disease involving the areas of the brain responsible for reinforcement and reward. It causes you to compulsively seek out and use alcohol despite dangerous and destructive consequences. Alcohol distorts your thoughts, behaviors, and damages bodily functions.

Alcoholism causes symptoms and behaviors including:

  • Feeling a need or urge to drink alcohol regularly
  • Developing tolerance, or the need the drink more over time to receive the same effects
  • Spending money you don’t have on alcohol
  • Choosing to drink instead of attending social events or go to work
  • Failing to meet your professional and/or social obligations
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you haven’t had a drink
  • Continuing to drink despite facing adverse consequences such as a DUI, loss of a job, or the demise of a relationship

Drinking too much also causes significant health problems. These include liver disease, digestive problems, and heart problems. It impacts your body function and can exacerbate other health conditions such as diabetes.

What causes alcoholism?

In many cases, alcoholism develops slowly. As a result, you may begin to drink socially and then over time you become dependent on alcohol to feel normal. Excessive and long-term use of alcohol can damage the parts of your brain responsible for pleasure, judgment, and impulse control.

A variety of factors contribute to your risk of developing alcoholism including:

  • A family history of alcoholism
  • Starting to drink at an early age
  • Steady, regular drinking over time
  • Depression and other mental health problems
  • History of trauma, abuse, neglect, or poverty

How is alcoholism treated?

The Counseling Center offers individual therapy sessions to help you resolve any underlying issues that contribute to your alcohol dependency.  You will also learn strategies and tools to control your cravings and impulses.

We can also direct you toward medical resources for additional support for alcoholism recovery. For example, medication that can help control your physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re interested in learning about treatment for alcoholism, call The Counseling Center today at (317) 754-0808.