Struggling With Alcoholism? Here’s What Therapy Might Help.

Habits aren’t made in a day — they’re a result of continued behavior. What once felt like a careless habit can easily morph into an addiction that’s difficult to get rid of. 

Needless to say, there are moments when that habit doesn’t feel like a habit anymore — it becomes something worse — heavier, scarier, a nightmare in broad daylight. 

You wouldn’t know, and a simple act of unwinding from routine stress slowly gains power to control your mood & eventually, your sense of self. Along the way, between denial & realization, you reach the one question of the most importance:

“Which therapy is most suitable for alcoholism?”

So if you’ve found yourself asking that, you’re already on the right path. Whether you’re exploring an addiction treatment center in Phoenix, AZ, or simply trying to make sense of your options — knowing your options can make all the difference. 

Take a look at the types of therapy that may work for you.

What Kind of Therapies Does an Addiction Treatment Center in Phoenix, AZ, Offer?

Things can feel quite difficult to grasp at first glance — such as treatment options for dealing with addiction problems. Unfamiliar terms — such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, group sessions — can all sound important. Yet, the intent isn’t quite clear. 

You know the term, but you don’t know how it works. 

Of course, being someone who’s struggling with alcoholism, it’s common to explore your treatment options & learn their details along the way. So take a step back and let out a breath. All intricacies will be understood in due time.

Fortunately, you’re at the right place. Below, you’ll find the table that gives you the simplest overview of therapy options you can consider upon consultation with your behavioral specialist. 

Most experts at an addiction treatment center in Phoenix, AZ, do not rely on just one method. Rather, they assess the condition of their patients and combine multiple therapies to treat the symptoms and the root cause.

Not Every Shoe Can Fit — Which Therapy Is the Right One for You?

It’s anything but easy to choose what’s truly right for you. But guess what? That isn’t a decision for you to make — it’s a behavioral specialist’s. What works for someone else might not work the same way for you — and that’s precisely the way it’s supposed to be. 

Everyone has different bodies, pasts, trauma, and experiences — so it’s completely normal for suitable therapy methods to not be universal. 

That said, here are a few factors that determine the right therapy at alcohol rehab centers in Phoenix, AZ. 

• Your triggers → what causes you to drink over and over again
• Your mental health→ anxiety, depression, trauma…
• Your environment → support system, stress levels…
• Your level of dependency → how long you can go without taking a sip of alcohol

So if your addiction stems from trauma, EMDR shows great results for treating your condition. Similarly, if your addiction is remotely related to persistent negative thinking, then CBT offers a reflective approach to address the root cause. 

The thing is, it was never the goal to stop drinking — it was to understand why the addiction started in the first place. As you can see, alcohol rehabilitation in Phoenix, AZ, requires a thorough patient history & habits to determine what therapy would suit them the best. 

Persevering Through the Struggle — What It’s Like to Undergo Therapy?

To be fairly honest, seeking therapy is unlike taking a walk in the park. There are days at an addiction treatment center in Phoenix, AZ, where you’ll feel hopeful — euphoric even. And the following day, you could swear that everything feels heavy — so much so, you don’t have the energy to talk about it. 

Here, you might experience the following.

• You feel emotionally drained right after the sessions
• You’re made to revisit those uncomfortable memories that you’ve been avoiding 
• You doubt your progress towards recovery — fearing a relapse

But that’s quite the thing about therapy. It’s a process that demands patience, as much as your resilience. You need to understand that healing doesn’t involve instantaneous results. It shows the gradual process of becoming more & more aware of your current situation. 

And before you know it, you’re having better control than you did before. Your attitude towards yourself is less harsh and more patient. At renowned alcohol rehab centers in Phoenix, AZ, such a journey gains a strong structure.

Instead of just navigating through the difficult pathways on your own, you’re able to seek guidance from professionals who are experienced in practicing routines that support your recovery.

Progress Is Never Perfect — And That’s Okay!

Behavioral specialists know how ugly the journey of recovery can be at times. You’ll become a mess, but you’ll rise and try again. Despite the overwhelming and consistent flow of negative thoughts, you do your best to avoid consuming alcohol. 

But sometimes… It’s not enough.

The urge comes back — stronger than ever — and your mind almost convinces you of breaking your sobriety streak.  In those moments, experts at an addiction treatment center in Phoenix, AZ, swear by a few grounding techniques to reduce the effect of compulsion. 

These are:

1. Take slow, deep breaths for a few minutes 
2. Step outside for fresh air 
3. Walk a bit 
4. Write down what is going on in your mind
5. Reach out to someone who wants the best for you, but is also nonjudgmental 
6. Remind yourself of the reasons that made you want to quit this addiction

While the actions of inpatient alcohol rehab in Phoenix, AZ, might be small & simple — their impact can’t be described by mere words. 

Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today

Before anything, get this:

“There is no perfect time to start your recovery,” — and that’s a reality most of the behavioral therapists swear by. In all their experience at an addiction treatment center in Phoenix, AZ, they understand that alignment with your sober self is going to take a long time with great patience.

For our team at Cholla Behavioral Health, we understand the importance of recognizing the addiction problem & mustering up the courage to do something about it. So if you or anyone you love is suffering from this problem, there’s no shame in reaching out for help. 

Give us a call & book your appointment today.

FAQs

1. What is the best treatment for alcoholics?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often considered the best treatment for treating alcohol-dependent patients. The approach helps the patient learn alternative, healthier coping skills & stress management to quit alcohol. 

2. What’s the thin line between being a heavy drinker & an alcoholic?

It’s a common practice to confuse a heavy drinker & an alcoholic with each other. Driven by factors such as control, compulsion, and physical dependence — a heavy drinker can choose to stop whenever they want to, whereas an alcoholic struggles with it. 

3. What’s better — EMDR or CBT for addiction?

CBT is considered to be a better therapeutic treatment option for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction when it comes to preventing relapses. On the other hand, EMDR is best for processing underlying trauma & PTSD.

4. What’s the 4C model of addiction?

The 4C framework identifies four core behavioral & psychological components of Substance Use Disorder (SUD). It distinguishes between heavy drinking & actual addiction — terming the latter to be a disease of the mind rather than a lack of willpower. 

Here’s what the C’s stand for:

1. Craving (intense desire)
2. Compulsion (urge to act on desire)
3. Control (loss of willpower)
4. Consequences (persistent use despite harm)

5. What’s the best way to support & motivate someone struggling with alcoholism?

There are several ways to support & motivate an individual struggling with alcohol addiction problems. Some of these are:

1. Speak to them when they’re sober
2. Listen to them without being judgmental
3. Encourage them to seek help from behavioral experts 
4. Create a supportive environment by removing triggers (absence of alcohol from reach)
5. Set firm boundaries about what you can’t tolerate