Lip (short for Phillip) didn’t grow up like most normal kids and teens. He was forced to take on the demanding responsibilities of caring and providing for his four younger siblings. Every day, he had to ensure there was food on the table and the bills were paid. Despite this immense pressure, though, Lip managed to fulfill the normal responsibilities that come with teenhood: he kept his grades up, finished high school with a strong GPA, and even got accepted to college.
Unfortunately, the pressures that Lip faced in high school continued in college. And he turned to alcohol to cope. He began drinking a couple beers in the morning, several in the afternoon, and topped it all off with whiskey at night. Before he knew it, he had developed a drinking problem that had negative effects on important areas of his life: at school and with his family. Over the course of a few months, Lip got kicked out of the university, spent the night in jail, and tainted his relationships with those closest to him.
“Changing the face of addiction is not the most difficult thing.
In order to change it, you must first identify it.”
–Diana Keone
Fortunately, there are experts out there who can help people just like Lip to address and manage this mental health problem. If you have a problem with addiction or alcohol, a counselor at Thriveworks McLean is equipped to assist you. Your counselor or psychologist will help you to better understand where this problem might stem from and also how to manage the harmful symptoms that accompany it. The Fairfax therapists and counselors at Thriveworks McLean are ready to tackle this problem with you. Reach out today for their assistance.
What Are the Signs of Addiction and Alcohol Use Disorder?
Often, people with alcohol addiction don’t know that they have a problem. In fact, they commonly insist that they are not struggling with addiction and are in control. But these individuals have a strong longing for alcohol, they fail to control how much they consume, and they keep drinking even when it negatively affects their life. Additionally, people with an alcohol addiction…
- Drink more alcohol than they previously intended to.
- Stop engaging in their favorite activities and spending time with their loved ones.
- Spend ample time drinking alcohol and experiencing the side effects.
- Want to stop drinking or cut back on their alcohol use but fail to.
- Experience ill effects from drinking like difficulty sleeping.
- Miss work, school, or fail to fulfill other important responsibilities.
Some cases of alcohol addiction are more severe than others and vice versa. That said, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult a professional. It’s important that those suffering with alcohol addiction (and other forms of addiction) seek help right away so that they can begin to treat the disorder as soon as possible.
How Does Counseling for Alcohol Addiction Work?
Counseling for alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder is extremely effective. That said, the course of counseling for alcohol addiction can vary from person to person, depending on each client’s presentation, history, and so on. Now, it always involves learning new skills and techniques for managing one’s addiction. Additionally, your Thriveworks McLean counselor will help you find other helpful resources that will prove beneficial, like:
- Support groups
- Peer services
- Church groups
- Recovery classes
The first step in your healing process is identifying that you need help. Once you’ve accomplished this, a counselor can help you the rest of the way.
Schedule Counseling for Alcohol Addiction at Thriveworks McLean in Fairfax
Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can negatively affect one’s life. As mentioned previously, their professional and personal life can suffer. If you think that you might have an alcohol problem, speak with a professional. It’s important to seek immediate help.
The counselors, psychologists, and therapists at Thriveworks McLean want to help you find healing. To schedule an appointment, all you have to do is give us a call. A scheduling specialist will gather basic information from you and then set you up with a provider who can best help you. We look forward to your call and working with you soon!
