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Problems
of addiction are heart breaking, frustrating and mystifying for most
individuals and families who are affected by them. Substance abuse and
dependence all too often lead to loss of health, job, income and
self-respect, as well as to divorce and alienation from family and
friends, indescribable pain and sometimes death. Sadly, anyone can
become addicted to one or more substances that can lead to a life of
loneliness and despair. Unless a problem of addiction receives
responsible attention it will continue to plague the addicted person
mercilessly.
According
to a special health report in the Harvard Health Letter (special
supplement January 2002), nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every
13 adults) suffer from severe alcohol problems such as alcohol
dependence or abuse while millions more engage in risky drinking.”
Four common signs of alcohol dependence given in this report are:
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Craving
- There is a strong need or compulsion to
drink.
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Loss
of Control – Dependent drinkers will
drink when they have promised not to and will continue even when
they realize they have had too much.
-
Physical
Dependence – Dependent drinkers will
experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop abruptly or sometimes
when they cut down on their consumption.
-
Tolerance
– Dependent drinkers need increased amounts of alcohol in order to
become intoxicated.
Counseling
often provides a meaningful intervention for those who are affected by
the carelessness of substance abuse or the more frightening specter of dependence.
Hypnosis is also a strong therapeutic
intervention to assist those contending with such additions. In such cases counseling can add insight, support, and
education and can help reduce symptoms that may trigger the use of
psychoactive substances.
Traditionally, substance related problems have
been addressed by professionals using individual and family counseling
as well as structured groups that combine both educational and
psychological components. Community
support groups of the client’s choosing are often encouraged as an
adjunct to treatment. Counseling can serve to provide a critical
external control factor as well as a generator for relevant insights to
play a key role in helping substance affected individuals remain in
control and accountable for their behavior. Hypnosis
can help to form the necessary internal controls by building an inner
structure for health and wellness.
Steven L.
Neff has over 20 years' experience offering counseling in the areas of
chemical dependency and mental health. [View
qualifications]
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