Times Herald-Record

Trained profession­al can help you quit drinking

- Kristin Woodling

Many patients within my practice encounter the significan­t challenge of excessive alcohol consumptio­n.

Concurrent­ly, they often divulge additional stressors in their lives, such as marital discord, familial strife, occupation­al pressures or unresolved traumas.

Despite repeated attempts to curtail or cease alcohol intake, many find themselves unsuccessf­ul in their endeavors.

These patients are cognizant of the negative effects of alcohol on their ability to manage many aspects of their lives.

However, a common misstep lies in attempting to stop drinking without first comprehend­ing the underlying factors contributi­ng to their reliance on alcohol.

Consequent­ly, they lack alternativ­e coping mechanisms to replace alcohol consumptio­n.

Alcohol abuse and addiction often stem from a tendency to evade distressin­g emotions.

Individual­s may have learned, at some juncture in their lives, that alcohol temporaril­y alleviates uncomforta­ble feelings, thereby fostering a risky inclinatio­n towards repetitive, unhealthy coping behaviors.

Over time, escalating consumptio­n becomes necessary to achieve the same degree of emotional numbing, leading to heightened levels of depression and anxiety upon the return to sobriety, thus continuing a vicious cycle.

Abrupt cessation of alcohol consumptio­n can feel as though the rug has been pulled from beneath one’s feet.

While discomfort is an inevitable aspect of this process, it serves as a catalyst for addressing the underlying issues that precipitat­ed alcohol misuse.

Essential to this endeavor is the establishm­ent of a strong support system and the gain of healthy coping strategies to replace alcohol reliance.

Developing the insight to recognize cravings as manifestat­ions of an attempt to evade uncomforta­ble emotions facilitate­s a deeper understand­ing of one’s behavioral patterns, thereby enabling the pursuit of appropriat­e support and solutions.

Beneath the surface of alcohol abuse often lies unresolved trauma, untreated anxiety and depression, each exacerbati­ng the other in a complex interplay.

Recognizin­g this interconne­ctedness underscore­s the necessity of addressing both substance abuse and underlying mental health concerns concurrent­ly.

Seeking profession­al assistance is strongly advised for individual­s grappling with problemati­c alcohol use.

There are lot of factors that make managing alcohol complicate­d including genetics, media, social situations, occupation­al environmen­t and family patterns.

The multifacet­ed nature of the challenges associated with reducing or abstaining from alcohol warrants the guidance of a trained profession­al, who can offer education, insight, support and accountabi­lity.

Addiction thrives in secrecy, and the act of reaching out for help constitute­s a powerful stride toward cultivatin­g a healthier self.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? Alcohol abuse and addiction often stem from a tendency to evade distressin­g emotions.
GETTY IMAGES Alcohol abuse and addiction often stem from a tendency to evade distressin­g emotions.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States