Understanding
Alcohol Dependency
Alcohol dependency is a serious medical condition where a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. It affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life.
Understanding
Alcohol Dependency
Alcohol dependency is a serious medical condition where a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. It affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life.
Understanding
Alcohol Dependency
Alcohol dependency is a serious medical condition where a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. It affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life.
What does Alcohol Dependency feel like?
Living with alcohol dependency often feels like being trapped in a cycle you cannot control. You might find yourself thinking about alcohol frequently throughout the day, feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot drink, or continuing to drink despite knowing it's causing problems in your life.
Many people describe feeling shame, guilt, and isolation whilst simultaneously feeling unable to stop. Physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea when not drinking can make the dependency feel overwhelming. The condition often leads to strained relationships, work difficulties, and a sense of losing control over your own life.
Common Symptoms
Strong cravings or urges to drink alcohol
Inability to control or limit alcohol consumption
Tolerance requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect
Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking or recovery
Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
Giving up important activities to drink or recover from drinking
What does Alcohol Dependency feel like?
Living with alcohol dependency often feels like being trapped in a cycle you cannot control. You might find yourself thinking about alcohol frequently throughout the day, feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot drink, or continuing to drink despite knowing it's causing problems in your life.
Many people describe feeling shame, guilt, and isolation whilst simultaneously feeling unable to stop. Physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea when not drinking can make the dependency feel overwhelming. The condition often leads to strained relationships, work difficulties, and a sense of losing control over your own life.
Common Symptoms
Strong cravings or urges to drink alcohol
Inability to control or limit alcohol consumption
Tolerance requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect
Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking or recovery
Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
Giving up important activities to drink or recover from drinking
What does Alcohol Dependency feel like?
Living with alcohol dependency often feels like being trapped in a cycle you cannot control. You might find yourself thinking about alcohol frequently throughout the day, feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot drink, or continuing to drink despite knowing it's causing problems in your life.
Many people describe feeling shame, guilt, and isolation whilst simultaneously feeling unable to stop. Physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea when not drinking can make the dependency feel overwhelming. The condition often leads to strained relationships, work difficulties, and a sense of losing control over your own life.
Common Symptoms
Strong cravings or urges to drink alcohol
Inability to control or limit alcohol consumption
Tolerance requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effect
Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking or recovery
Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
Giving up important activities to drink or recover from drinking
History of Alcohol Dependency
Understanding alcohol dependency has evolved from moral judgements to recognising it as a complex medical condition requiring comprehensive treatment approaches.
1930s
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded, introducing the concept of alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral failing, pioneering peer support approaches to recovery.
1960s
The medical community began formally recognising alcohol dependency as a treatable medical condition, leading to the development of specialised treatment programmes.
1980s
Research into the neurobiological basis of addiction revealed how alcohol affects brain chemistry, leading to evidence-based treatment approaches and medications.
Present
Modern treatment combines medical intervention, psychological therapy, peer support, and social care, with growing understanding of addiction as a complex brain disorder requiring personalised, holistic treatment approaches.
History of Alcohol Dependency
Understanding alcohol dependency has evolved from moral judgements to recognising it as a complex medical condition requiring comprehensive treatment approaches.
1930s
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded, introducing the concept of alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral failing, pioneering peer support approaches to recovery.
1960s
The medical community began formally recognising alcohol dependency as a treatable medical condition, leading to the development of specialised treatment programmes.
1980s
Research into the neurobiological basis of addiction revealed how alcohol affects brain chemistry, leading to evidence-based treatment approaches and medications.
Present
Modern treatment combines medical intervention, psychological therapy, peer support, and social care, with growing understanding of addiction as a complex brain disorder requiring personalised, holistic treatment approaches.
History of Alcohol Dependency
Understanding alcohol dependency has evolved from moral judgements to recognising it as a complex medical condition requiring comprehensive treatment approaches.
1930s
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded, introducing the concept of alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral failing, pioneering peer support approaches to recovery.
1960s
The medical community began formally recognising alcohol dependency as a treatable medical condition, leading to the development of specialised treatment programmes.
1980s
Research into the neurobiological basis of addiction revealed how alcohol affects brain chemistry, leading to evidence-based treatment approaches and medications.
Present
Modern treatment combines medical intervention, psychological therapy, peer support, and social care, with growing understanding of addiction as a complex brain disorder requiring personalised, holistic treatment approaches.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches have proven highly effective for alcohol dependency treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies help identify triggers, develop coping skills, and maintain sobriety.
Therapy addresses both the addiction itself and any underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Group therapy and family involvement are often crucial components, providing support networks and helping repair damaged relationships whilst building long-term recovery skills.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop personalised strategies for managing cravings and triggers
Learn healthy coping mechanisms to replace alcohol use
Address underlying mental health issues and trauma
Build strong support networks and relationships
Develop relapse prevention skills and early warning recognition
Improve communication and conflict resolution abilities
Rebuild self-esteem and confidence in recovery
Create structured routines and meaningful life goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ADHD and effective treatment approaches
How do I know if I have a problem with alcohol rather than just enjoying drinking socially?
Warning signs include drinking more than intended, feeling unable to stop once you start, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, or continuing to drink despite negative consequences. If alcohol is causing problems in any area of your life, it's worth seeking professional assessment.
Can someone with alcohol dependency ever drink normally again?
For most people with alcohol dependency, complete abstinence is the safest and most effective approach. The brain changes associated with dependency mean that controlled drinking is typically not sustainable long-term, and attempting it often leads to relapse.
What's the difference between alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse?
Alcohol dependency involves physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and compulsive use despite consequences. Alcohol abuse refers to harmful drinking patterns that cause problems but without the physical dependence. Both conditions require professional support and treatment.
How long does alcohol dependency treatment take?
Recovery is a lifelong process, but intensive treatment typically lasts 3-6 months, with ongoing support continuing indefinitely. Many people see significant improvements within the first 90 days, though everyone's recovery timeline is different and depends on individual circumstances and commitment to treatment.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches have proven highly effective for alcohol dependency treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies help identify triggers, develop coping skills, and maintain sobriety.
Therapy addresses both the addiction itself and any underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Group therapy and family involvement are often crucial components, providing support networks and helping repair damaged relationships whilst building long-term recovery skills.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop personalised strategies for managing cravings and triggers
Learn healthy coping mechanisms to replace alcohol use
Address underlying mental health issues and trauma
Build strong support networks and relationships
Develop relapse prevention skills and early warning recognition
Improve communication and conflict resolution abilities
Rebuild self-esteem and confidence in recovery
Create structured routines and meaningful life goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ADHD and effective treatment approaches
How do I know if I have a problem with alcohol rather than just enjoying drinking socially?
Warning signs include drinking more than intended, feeling unable to stop once you start, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, or continuing to drink despite negative consequences. If alcohol is causing problems in any area of your life, it's worth seeking professional assessment.
Can someone with alcohol dependency ever drink normally again?
For most people with alcohol dependency, complete abstinence is the safest and most effective approach. The brain changes associated with dependency mean that controlled drinking is typically not sustainable long-term, and attempting it often leads to relapse.
What's the difference between alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse?
Alcohol dependency involves physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and compulsive use despite consequences. Alcohol abuse refers to harmful drinking patterns that cause problems but without the physical dependence. Both conditions require professional support and treatment.
How long does alcohol dependency treatment take?
Recovery is a lifelong process, but intensive treatment typically lasts 3-6 months, with ongoing support continuing indefinitely. Many people see significant improvements within the first 90 days, though everyone's recovery timeline is different and depends on individual circumstances and commitment to treatment.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches have proven highly effective for alcohol dependency treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies help identify triggers, develop coping skills, and maintain sobriety.
Therapy addresses both the addiction itself and any underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Group therapy and family involvement are often crucial components, providing support networks and helping repair damaged relationships whilst building long-term recovery skills.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop personalised strategies for managing cravings and triggers
Learn healthy coping mechanisms to replace alcohol use
Address underlying mental health issues and trauma
Build strong support networks and relationships
Develop relapse prevention skills and early warning recognition
Improve communication and conflict resolution abilities
Rebuild self-esteem and confidence in recovery
Create structured routines and meaningful life goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ADHD and effective treatment approaches
How do I know if I have a problem with alcohol rather than just enjoying drinking socially?
Warning signs include drinking more than intended, feeling unable to stop once you start, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, or continuing to drink despite negative consequences. If alcohol is causing problems in any area of your life, it's worth seeking professional assessment.
Can someone with alcohol dependency ever drink normally again?
For most people with alcohol dependency, complete abstinence is the safest and most effective approach. The brain changes associated with dependency mean that controlled drinking is typically not sustainable long-term, and attempting it often leads to relapse.
What's the difference between alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse?
Alcohol dependency involves physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and compulsive use despite consequences. Alcohol abuse refers to harmful drinking patterns that cause problems but without the physical dependence. Both conditions require professional support and treatment.
How long does alcohol dependency treatment take?
Recovery is a lifelong process, but intensive treatment typically lasts 3-6 months, with ongoing support continuing indefinitely. Many people see significant improvements within the first 90 days, though everyone's recovery timeline is different and depends on individual circumstances and commitment to treatment.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we’re proud to introduce Isabella May Leonard (MSc), an experienced person-centred psychotherapist offering therapy for adults. With over 2,500 clinical hours, Isabella brings warmth, compassion, and professional depth to her practice, with experience across private practice, NHS Talking Therapies, and third-sector services. She provides both short- and long-term therapy, creating a safe and reflective space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace.
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)