Problems resulting from periodic alcohol consumption can sometimes be difficult to trace back to the root cause of alcohol. However, the personal, relational and social consequences of a periodic drinking pattern can be just as disastrous as in any other addictive alcohol process. A good rule to go by is that if you suspect there is a problem with alcohol then there probably is. For a free assessment to determine whether you or someone you know is developing an alcohol problem call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will help you evaluate what degree of problem exists and what corrective steps can be taken to arrest the possibility of progression.
Why Don’t People Always Know if They Have an Alcohol Problem?
People who are experiencing alcohol problems often have a difficult time identifying alcohol as the primary problem because of their unique ability to continue to function effectively in certain areas of everyday life. It is the nature of the problem drinker’s psychology that these areas of “higher functioning” define their identity vs. developing a more comprehensive personal identity that takes into account both their strengths and their weaknesses, which we all possess. People developing an alcohol problem are often focused more on a personal sense of identity that takes into consideration their strengths more so than their weaknesses.
For example:
- If a person is great at work then they become, “A great worker.”
- If a person is a successful athlete then they are, “A great competitor.”
- If a woman is a wonderful mother then she is, “A great mother.”
When these or other personality traits are present, they often define who the problem drinker believes they really are.
However, when faced with the reality that any of the above examples are developing a problem with alcohol, this process of formulating positive personal identity can work against the problem drinker. When alcohol is mixed with the daily activities of the above individuals, even the most upstanding of them can experience alcohol problems, without even being completely aware of it.
This is because alcohol consumption affects an area of the brain called the frontal cortex. The frontal cortex is primarily responsible for how we behave and interact socially and tells us essentially what is right and what is wrong.
When the above examples consume alcohol (affecting their frontal cortex) then:
- The “great worker” might drink to heavily at a company gathering and poorly represent themselves or the company through intoxicated behaviors. Or perhaps he/she drinks to heavily one evening and then arrives to work with a slight hangover, compromising their ability to function effectively throughout the day.
- The “great competitor” might drink to heavily on weekends and adversely affect their physical capabilities for practice or games. Or perhaps he/she may drink to heavily one evening but still attempt to drive home only to get pulled over for driving under the influence, suffering legal consequences.
- The “great mother” may drink and affect her normally sound judgment which creates the opportunity for a host of dramatic scenarios to unfold, especially with young children. Or perhaps she too has a couple of drinks earlier than usual but considers her state to be unaffected and drives to pick up the kids from soccer practice, compromising the safety of herself and others.
So even though positive personal identity is an indicator of high self-esteem, when positive personal identity overlooks the reality of our less desirable traits, such as adverse drinking habits, it is called denial. Denial of the fact that an alcohol problem exists.
Alcohol Problems Develop as a Result of Intoxicated Behaviors
Alcohol problems develop as a result of the behaviors surrounding drinking patterns. People who have problems associated with alcohol often find that their problems begin to pile up on them to such a degree that outside help is needed to effectively resolve their negative drinking pattern. In other instances it is more evident to the people around them that alcohol has become a problem. Often family members of a problem drinker will express feeling of disconnectedness with their loved one, or that they are concerned with what might happen to the problem drinker while under the influence of alcohol.
Periodic drinking patterns can be the most difficult type of drinking pattern to break. This is primarily due to the resolve that comes after a drinking spree. The negative consequences force the afflicted into retrospection and a renewed commitment to not drinking will often ensue. Inevitably, the periodic drinker consumes alcohol once more, and thus the vicious cycle begins again. Family members and loved ones know these patterns all to well. Eventually the lack of a long-term commitment to abstinence begins to become personalized and the loved ones of problem drinkers begin to feel “put aside” and replaced by alcohol. How many times has a problem drinker been told, “If you loved me you’d quit!”
A Brief Questionnaire for Determining if there is an Alcohol Problem
Here are some helpful questions that can be asked to determine whether you or a loved one is experiencing a problem with alcohol:
- Have you tried to stop drinking completely and found you were unable to stop?
- Do you experience anxiety if circumstances prevent you from drinking the way you usually do?
- Is your work being affected by your drinking?
- Have you lost opportunities in your life because of your drinking patterns?
- Have you ever suffered legal consequences from your drinking?
- Are you prone to isolative behaviors?
- Have you ever violated a law while drinking?
- Do you often feel depressed or fatigued?
- Do you rationalize your patterns of consumption, saying that you will quit soon?
- Do you set aside time to devote yourself fully to the pleasure of drinking?
- Do you lose track of time?
- Do you have a difficult time getting ready for social obligations without a couple drinks?
- Do you often cry, or do you never cry?
- Do you ever drink to enhance events in your life?
- Do you drink as a method to “escape”?
- Do people often express concern about your drinking?
- Do you have to hide your drinking?
- Do you feel different then other people?
- Do you drive under the influence of alcohol?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you suspect an alcohol problem has developed then ARC can help. Our treatment philosophy of creating personalized treatment approaches addresses both the needs of our clients and their loved ones. If you feel that someone you know might be suffering from a negative drinking pattern then call 877 415 HOPE and begin the process of resolution today.
ARC Offers a Unique Alcohol Abuse Program for Alcohol Problems
ARC is a comprehensive clinical approach to treating alcohol problems. The treatment philosophy of ARC focuses on the identifying whether a client is suffering from an alcohol problem or alcoholism.
Prior to intake in the alcohol abuse program at ARC each client receives a preliminary assessment that outlines the immediate medical, personal and social needs that are required by the personal circumstances surrounding the admission. Our physicians will conduct a full history and physical examination upon arrival to determine the extent of the alcohol problem from medical standpoints and then the clinical portion of the alcohol abuse program can begin.
With ARC our alcohol abuse program is designed to address two main issues:
- What clinical factors have contributed to the alcohol abuse issues?
- What steps need to be taken to immediately arrest the periodic pattern of alcohol abuse?
To effectively answer these questions each client is assigned both a primary clinician and a primary alcohol abuse counselor. This allows each client to use clinical sessions for therapeutic purposes and to engage their alcohol abuse issues with their alcohol abuse counselor. Ultimately 30 days of treatment is just the blink of an eye. To use the time more efficiently this separation of clinical therapy and alcohol abuse counseling means that each client can receive the help they need.
The ARC program philosophy is to impart to each client a personal understanding of what underlying issues have contributed to the negative forms of self-expression defined by their problem drinking patterns. During therapy sessions the methods employed are specific to each clients specific treatment needs.
Some of the methodologies we utilize during daily individual sessions are:
- Grief Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Analytical Therapy
- Reflective Therapy
- Insight-Based Therapy
- Reason-Based Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Other clinical approaches to treating alcohol problems include experiential groups and activities designed to promote physical healing, a renewed spiritual sense and a personal enthusiasm for living sober. Some of the activities are:
- Hiking (Mountain / Ocean)
- Art Therapy
- Psychodrama
Additionally, the treatment curriculum encompasses educational and process groups including topics of:
- 12 Step Education
- Disease Model Education
- Relapse Prevention
- Trigger Identification / Coping Mechanisms
- Relationships in Recovery
- Meditation Techniques
- Feeling Identification Group
If continued care is needed then clients may enroll in Phase 2 (Continuing Care) and Phase 3 (Extended Care). The treatment curriculums in Phase 2 and Phase 3 are designed to meet the ongoing needs of clients as they transition from primary care and begin the process of reintegration into an independent daily routine. If time constraints prevent clients from partaking in continuing care then an aftercare plan is created that offers placement in supportive services to help with challenges that may arise on the future road of recovery.
If you or someone you know needs treatment for a developing alcohol problem call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any further questions you might have.
