What is it

Alcohol is a depressant substance that slows down activity in the central nervous system. While some people use alcohol safely and responsibly, there is a risk of alcohol use becoming harmful. Harmful alcohol use occurs when a person continues drinking despite impairment and/or distress across social, interpersonal, legal, health, or vocational areas of the person’s life. Alcohol dependence can occur when a person has difficulty cutting down their consumption and may experience symptoms of withdrawal when they do try to reduce their consumption.

How can a person identify that drinking may be a problem? Are you spending more time and money than usual on your drinks? Is the money you are spending on your drinks supposed to be used for rent, food, or other essential bills? Is your drinking causing difficulty in your relationships? Do you feel guilty or remorseful about your drinking? Are you being secretive about your drinking?

https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/alcohol/

What does it include

At KCPsych, a client-centred and holistic approach is taken to treatment that focuses on harm minimisation and reduction, which encompasses the whole person. We believe that acknowledging an individual's unique set of social, cultural, and environmental risks and protective factors can assist in achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

How a psychologist can help

If you feel that you need support in addressing your alcohol use, a Psychologist can provide a supportive and non-judgemental environment where you can explore the contributing factors that have resulted in your drinking causing harm. A Psychologist can assist with helping you identify your strengths and achievements so you can move forward with an individualised plan. Psychologists work within a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy, to assist with achieving the person's treatment goal.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing

Alcohol & Drug Foundation: http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au

Australian Drug Information Network:

http://www.adin.com.au/

If you require additional information, please call our office at 07 3256 6320. Our mental health-focused reception staff will be only too happy to assist you with your enquiry about our service and can suggest the most suitable Psychologist for your concern.