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?
Can someone with alcohol dependency ever drink normally again?
What's the difference between alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse?
How long does alcohol dependency treatment take?
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?
Can someone with alcohol dependency ever drink normally again?
What's the difference between alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse?
How long does alcohol dependency treatment take?
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?
Can someone with alcohol dependency ever drink normally again?
What's the difference between alcohol dependency and alcohol abuse?
How long does alcohol dependency treatment take?
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
