Approximately 17.6 million Americans have drinking problems or are alcoholics, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Effective treatment for alcoholism addresses the psychological aspect of drinking as well as helping alcoholics overcome the physical dependence upon alcohol.
Function
The purpose of psychological treatment for alcoholism is meant to help you learn to modify your behavior and understand the emotional factors that contribute to your drinking.
Types of Psychological Treatment
Psychological treatment for alcoholism often involves cognitive-behavior therapy, which teaches you to change the way you think and behave in specific situations that will help you stop drinking permanently. Support groups like 12-step programs and counseling or talk therapy are used to help you understand your reasons for drinking and receive support from others struggling with alcoholism or a licensed therapist.
Time Frame
When you first begin psychological treatment for alcoholism, you are likely to visit your psychologist or therapist once or even twice per week, gradually decreasing the frequency of your sessions as you make progress with your addiction. If your dependence upon alcohol is very strong, it may be necessary for you to receive daily therapy in a residential treatment program, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Benefits
Often, alcoholics suffer from other mental conditions, such as depression or severe anxiety. If there is an underlying psychological condition that contributes to your drinking, a psychologist will be able to recognize that suggest additional treatments that can help, explains the American Psychological Association.
Considerations
Because alcoholism affects the whole family, psychological treatment like marriage counseling or family therapy is often beneficial not only for you, but for your loved ones, according to the American Psychological Association.
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