Drugs and Alcohol

I have worked as a drug and alcohol Counsellor for many years and recognise the importance of client led therapeutic counselling for those struggling with drug and alcohol use.

People who drink or use drugs come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Possible factors leading someone to use drugs or alcohol detrimentally can include the influence of family; peers; ethnic considerations; media coverage; growing up within a drinking culture or a mixture.

Many people report using drugs and alcohol because:

" I want to relax"   " I feel stressed"    " I enjoy the way it makes me feel"    " It's a part of my social life"

" I want to blot things out"

All drugs have an affect on a person's mood and health. Drugs and alcohol do this by altering the chemical balance of the brain. There are a number of toxins that get into the body along with the drug; these are harmful in a variety of ways. Drug and alcohol counselling can help clients to understand how the chemicals can affect their thoughts, feelings and perceptions of themselves and those around them.

Recognising the role of family members, carers and friends in supporting their loved ones who misuse drugs and alcohol is vital. Identifying what actions or interventions are most likely to have an impact on destructive patterns is an intrinsic part of counselling. This can include inviting family and or friends to attend, which is always with the client's permission. Alternatively, significant others can have counselling sessions if the person using a substance is working with another therapist, or not, as the case might be.

Other forms of addictions can include gambling, internet, nutritional balancing, body image struggles and self harm.

What is Addiction?

Addiction can be defined in many ways, one being an unhealthy dependency on any substance or behaviour that has negative/destructive consequences or causes significant distress for the person. If someone is having trouble with their relationships; work/career difficulties; emotional instability or other consequences (i.e. run-ins with the law, health problems) then these are red flags which might be signalling a problem with addiction.

Addiction is not something that just happens. There are reasons behind addictive behaviour. One main reason addiction starts, is because initially, the result of engaging in the behaviour is pleasurable. Certain pathways in the brain are stimulated, which produce chemicals that are rewarding to the person, and thereby the behaviour is reinforced. The addictive behaviour, at least early on, is often done socially and serves as a common bond between people which increases feelings of acceptance in the group.

Another powerful motive for engaging in addictive behaviour is that it serves as an escape from painful feelings and situations. Then there is force of habit, which is a tendency to repeat behaviours that are known and familiar giving a source of comfort. The addiction becomes like an old friend, albeit a destructive one.  It eventually isolates you from those people and opportunities that can be life affirming and changing.

Because the addiction becomes a central focus in a person's life, any threats to it are defended against. This is commonly observed as the addict's denial. On some deeper level, there may be some awareness of the negative consequences but they are overshadowed by the pull of the addiction.  It takes a lot of courage and perseverance to overcome an addiction and it is hard, if not impossible, to do alone.  So many changes need to occur in the person's lifestyle (mental, emotional, physical or social) and support is crucial.  A therapist or coach is often essential to help ensure success but most important is the willingness of the addicted person to get real with themselves and stay committed to the goal of recovery.