Alcohol related problems and dependence
Alcohol is a powerful and potentially destructive substance, but it has been widely accepted throughout the world for centuries. It is easily produced and more widely available than a great many other substances whose effect on mood, perception and behavior are regarded with fear. The use of alcohol in a negative way is an issue that impacts on all walks of life in our society today. Unfortunately, it is no longer just the domain of alcoholics but reaches from suburban housewives, young adults to city professionals, and many are using or misusing alcohol to cope with the stress of modern living.
The Department of Health provides statistics showing that there were over a million alcohol related admissions to hospital in 2009/10 which increased from 12% in 2008/9. The NHS and Department of Health recommend the following :
– Men should not regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol a day; and
– Women should not regularly drink more than two to three units per day.
Most people who have alcohol-related health problems are not alcoholics; they just drink more than the recommended level over a long period of time. Most people who become addicted to alcohol start by drinking socially, but quickly learn that alcohol provides some relief from the stress and pressure of daily living. Society today is changing and now we see binge drinking escalating in our young adults. This, of course, can be responsible for health problems later in life such as cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure, cancer and heart attacks. High levels of alcohol consumption can also be responsible for poor sleep patterns. At these high levels of consumption you are likely to develop aggressive mood swings and altered behaviour which may cause distress and damage to family relationships.
Having lived in a relationship with an alcohol dependent partner, I experienced the reality of its destructive influence on my daily living and the effect on those in the immediate environment. Life was a rollercoaster with its inevitable negative influences – this past experience has given me the resolve to focus on helping those in this situation with the help of counselling and hypnotherapy which is very therapeutic and successful for those who genuinely wish to bring change to their lives. This process helps those who have already stopped the dependence to continue on the road to recovery and as a teetotaler.
A major risk is that you will become an alcoholic – a drinker trapped by your need to keep drinking. A large percentage of the world’s population is dependent on alcohol and disabled by drinking, and this ranks among the world’s major public health problems.
The Addiction Stimulus Pyramid of Mind, Affect and Behaviour
Hypnotherapy and counselling represent very positive ways forward in seeking to control your consumption or change behaviour, as well as help and support for family members who have to cope with alcoholic behaviour.
I offer a free consultation to anyone wishing to find out more about the healing benefits of hypnotherapy, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
