Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and abuse and by long-lasting chemical changes in the brain. In addition to that, it is a state of being dependent on a substance, which is harmful or dangerous for the physical and mental health of the person and for his social and economic well-being. The primary goal of addiction counseling is to help the client achieve and maintain abstinence from addictive chemicals and behaviors. The secondary goal is to help the client recover from the damage the addiction has done to the client’s life. Some of the more common addictive substances include:

• Alcohol

• Heroin

• Cannabis

• Nicotine

• Amphetamines

• Cocaine

• Methamphetamine

Impact of Addiction

• Failure to meet social, work, and academic obligations.

• Physical injury or illness.

• Alcohol- or drug-related legal problems, such as arrest for driving while intoxicated.

• Relationship problems with intimate partners, friends, and family.

• Impulsivity, such as spending money excessively.

• Diminished interest in other activities.

• Short-term memory loss or blackouts.

• Increased stress

• Feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness

• Disturbed sleep pattern

What does De-addiction Counseling Do?

De-addiction counseling helps to understand the social aspects of alcoholism and how to deal with these aspects whilst abstaining from the consumption of alcohol. It can help one cope with alcohol abuse problems as well as get over it. In the counseling session, the counselor talks about many topics surrounding alcoholism, such as:

• Alcohol abuse and the consequences it has on your life

• The social pressure surrounding alcoholism, and how to manage it

• The situations you may find yourself in when you feel the need to consume alcohol and how to abstain from doing so

• Times when you are alone at home and feel the need to drink alcohol

• Anxiety and stress, which lead to the consumption of alcohol, and how to avoid this

• Anger and frustration from not consuming alcohol and how to manage it

De-addiction counseling for alcoholism can be very effective and can help you abstain from consuming alcohol or suffering from a relapse.

Treatment Options Under De-Addiction Counseling

• Behavioral counseling

• Medication

• Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

• Long-term follow-up to prevent relapse

• Yoga and meditation