Alcohol Counsellor In Leeds | Alcoholism Therapy & Help Leeds

Its often something negative that happens in your life that is a direct consequence of your drinking, that will make you realise that you may have a problem and seek help or advice.

 

Generally, the earlier you can recognise and acknowledge the problem, the better your chances of recovery are, but there are many other factors that come into the equation and these factors need to be taken into account.

 

I can help you to identify your strengths and the areas in your life that can be focused on to bring about positive change.

 

From my research and experiences working with a wide range of people with alcohol problems and addictions, I am of the opinion that everybody that has these learned (often coping) behaviours, has an identifiable reason why they have developed in this way, which may or may not be buried deep in the unconscious mind.

 

For most people, stopping the use of alcohol is just the beginning of a personal and unique self-development stage in their lives and people need the support of family and friends (if you still have any), or professionals to help support them in recovery. Early stages of recovery is the most vital time for this support, but recovery is an ongoing process and the more support you have (along with environmental, social and health factors), the better your chances of recovery.

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Withdraw from drinking alcohol safely!

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It is important not to stop drinking alcohol suddenly if you are a heavy, habitual or dependent alcohol user and always seek advice before deciding to quit drinking.

When people drink heavily or frequently, bodies (or organs) may become physically dependent on alcohol and may go through symptoms of withdrawal if you were to stop drinking quickly or suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can range from very mild to severe, and may include:

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• Headaches

• Shaking

• Sweating

• Vomiting

• Anxiety

• Stomach problems or diarrhoea

• sleeping problems

• Heart rate or blood pressure elevation

 

Symptoms from alcohol withdrawal usually start within a few hours after stopping drinking, with a peak after a couple of days and then some improvement after around five days. It should be noted that with some heavy or dependent drinkers, withdrawal from alcohol use can be life-threatening.

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If you are a heavy or dependent alcohol drinker, you may need a clinically supervised detox, and this can be done either at home or in a hospital or rehab facility, where medication such as Librium may be prescribed to help to prevent any complications and relieve any symptoms of withdrawal.
 

Call 111 or go to your local A and E department if you experience any of the withdrawal symptoms below:

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• severe vomiting

• confusion or disorientation

• high fever

• hallucinations

• extreme restlessness or agitation

• seizures or convulsions

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Planning tips for craving, thoughts, urges and triggers.
 

Thoughts or craving for alcohol can be extremely intense, especially within the first six months of stopping drinking. Alcohol counselling, or talking therapy can help prepare you for these challenging “danger” times, helping you develop new coping strategies to deal with difficult situations.

Try to avoid people or places that may trigger any urges for you to drink. This could mean trying to make major lifestyle changes, such as finding new activities or hobbies to do in your spare time.

 

Emotions will be up and down in the first few weeks and months of stopping drinking and this is to be expected as your brain chemistry starts to normalise and parts of the brain begin to come back online.

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Try to Practice saying no to drinking alcohol when you are in social situations. Alcohol is everywhere in Western society so planning ahead for times when you might be offered a drink is an essential part of the recovery process. Plan ahead for how you might respond, with a firm, assertive action.