Counselling for Alcohol Addiction

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is when a person feels a strong urge to drink, which usually leads to drinking more over time. Some individuals may have drinking issues without being fully dependent. For those who are dependent, detoxification and continuous support can assist them in quitting drinking safely.

The Different Levels of Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption can generally be classified into four levels: low-risk, hazardous, harmful, and dependent drinking. Each level increases the risk of health and safety issues.

Low-Risk Drinking

According to UK recommendations, moderate drinking is considered low-risk. The safe limit is 14 units per week, taken over at least three days, with some days without alcohol. Even at this level, there are health risks, like an increased risk of some cancers. Additionally, any alcohol consumption can be dangerous when driving, handling machinery, or taking certain medications.

Hazardous Drinking

This describes drinking habits that increase the chance of harm. For women, it means having more than 14 but less than 35 units of alcohol each week, and for men, more than 14 but less than 50 units. Hazardous drinking can lead to more health problems related to alcohol.

Harmful Drinking

Harmful drinking directly leads to health problems such as depression, anxiety, accidents, and liver damage. It may also strain relationships and negatively impact other aspects of life.

Alcohol Dependence (Alcohol Addiction)

Alcohol dependence, or addiction, means having a strong desire to drink. People with this issue often put alcohol before their duties, relationships, and health. They might need to drink more to feel the same effects and can face withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. The symptoms include:

• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Shaking (tremors)
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Medical support is essential, as withdrawal can be dangerous. Around 600,000 people in the UK are estimated to have alcohol dependency.

Alcohol Addiction Stages

Alcohol addiction progresses through stages:

• At-risk stage (pre-alcoholic) – Occasional drinking, often to relieve stress.
• Early stage – Increased drinking, possibly in secret, with frequent thoughts about alcohol.
• Mid-stage – Drinking becomes uncontrollable, affecting relationships, work, and health.
• End-stage – Alcohol dominates life, leading to severe organ damage and high risk of death.

Health Risks of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Around one in four adults in England and Wales drink beyond safe limits. While many heavy drinkers are not dependent, excessive consumption significantly increases health risks, including:

• Liver disease
• Various cancers (mouth, throat, liver, colon, and breast)
• Stomach problems
• Pancreatitis (Severe inflammation of the pancreas)
• Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
• Memory disorders (Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome)
• Brain damage
• Sexual dysfunction
• Heart and muscle diseases
• High blood pressure
• Nerve damage
• Obesity
• High-risk behaviour leading to accidents, violence, or suicide

Alcohol-Related Accidents

Alcohol use is a major factor in accidents, including road traffic collisions. Around one in seven road deaths is alcohol-related. It also increases the risk of fires, falls, and injuries.

Impact on Pregnancy

Alcohol passes through the placenta to an unborn baby, who cannot process it efficiently. This increases the risk of:

• Low birth weight
• Cognitive, behavioural, and learning difficulties
• Heart and organ defects
• Facial abnormalities

Severe cases lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Since no safe level of alcohol in pregnancy is confirmed, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy are advised to avoid alcohol entirely.

Cutting Down vs Stopping Alcohol Completely

Quitting alcohol suddenly can be harmful for those who are dependent on it. A slow decrease or medical detox is the safer option. If alcohol has caused health issues like liver disease, it's important to stop drinking altogether.

Tips for Reducing Alcohol Intake

• Choose low-alcohol drinks or avoid strong beers and spirits.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.
• Drink with meals to slow alcohol absorption.
• Adjust social activities to reduce alcohol-related events.
• Resist peer pressure to drink more than intended.

Getting Help

If you struggle to cut down on drinking, professional support can help. Options include:

Counselling and Talking Therapies

• One-to-one counselling – Support from a GP, nurse, or specialist.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps change thought patterns and behaviours.
• Motivational therapy – Encourages change through goal-setting.
• Family therapy – Beneficial for young people with alcohol-related issues.

Medications

For alcohol-dependent individuals, detoxification involves a short course of medication-assisted withdrawal using drugs like:

• Chlordiazepoxide
• Diazepam

For moderate or severe alcoholism, your GP may prescribe:

• Acamprosate – Reduces alcohol cravings.
• Disulfiram – Causes unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed.
• Naltrexone – Blocks alcohol’s pleasurable effects.
• Topiramate – Helps reduce alcohol intake.

Severe cases may require inpatient treatment in a facility offering therapy, education, and support.

Staying Sober

Relapse is common, but ongoing support can improve long-term recovery. Options include:

• Follow-up care with a GP or alcohol support service
• Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Many people need several attempts before they successfully quit or maintain safe drinking levels.

Recovery and Outlook

Recovery is possible, but setbacks can happen. Getting help early can stop a relapse. Therapy and medication can help people handle triggers and stay sober.

For more information and treatment options for alcohol addiction, kindly reach out to us to book an appointment.