Recognising Problematic Alcohol Use

Are you experiencing difficulties managing your alcohol consumption? Identifying and accepting the signs of problematic alcohol use can be the first step towards making some positive changes. Here are some behaviors and limiting beliefs that might indicate you're struggling with problematic alcohol use:

 

Increased tolerance: You find that you need more alcohol to achieve the same effects as before, indicating a higher tolerance level.

 

Regular binge drinking and periods of recovery: Consistent episodes of excessive drinking where you feel unable to control the amount consumed, leading to impaired judgment, lost productivity and a reduced level of functioning. 

 

Dependency and cravings: Feeling an overwhelming urge or need to drink and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut down or stop, including excessive sweating and being unable to sleep. 

                 

Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritising drinking over personal or professional commitments, leading to issues with work, relationships, or health. This may include not being present around your children and a reduced ability to tolerate frustration. 

 

Engaging in risky behaviours: Drinking in situations where it's physically hazardous, such as driving under the influence or operating machinery while intoxicated.

 

Denial or rationalisation: Justifying excessive alcohol consumption, making excuses for drinking, or denying the negative impact it has on your life and well-being.

 

Limiting Beliefs:

 

• “I can't have fun without alcohol.”

• “Drinking helps me relax and cope with stress.”

• “I'm not an alcoholic; I just enjoy drinking.”

• “I can quit whenever I want to.”

• "I know people who drink a lot more than me."​​

 

At Cheshire Sobriety Clinic we understand the challenges and the psychology associated with problematic alcohol use. John has worked in the drug and alcohol treatment sector for 26 years. Our tailored approach is designed to help you reclaim control of your life and achieve sobriety. We offer personalised support and effective strategies to address these behaviours and beliefs, guiding you toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.

 

Take the first step towards positive change today by exploring our treatment programme for overcoming problematic alcohol and drug use. Our founder, John Wilkinson will be happy to answer any questions by exchanging emails (john@cheshiresobrietyclinic.co.uk) or to schedule a call to discuss individual circumstances and requirements. 

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The Impact of Problematic Alcohol Use on Your Life

 

Are you feeling the weight of problematic alcohol use on your day-to-day life? The consequences can be far-reaching, affecting different areas in ways that may not always be immediately obvious. Here's how it might be impacting you:

 

1. Health Deterioration: Many people find that over time, excessive alcohol consumption can cause your physical health to deteriorate.  From liver damage and increased risk of heart disease to weakened immune function, excessive weight gain and vitamin B deficiency. It can lead to a range of health complications, leaving you feeling fatigued and feeling unwell.

 

2. Strained Relationships: Problematic alcohol use can strain relationships with family, friends, or partners. Secretive alcohol use damages trust and It may lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and distance as your focus shifts towards alcohol, causing emotional strain and isolation.

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3. Career and Finances: Showing up to work with a hangover or being impaired due to alcohol use can impact your job performance, leading to decreased productivity and jeopardising your employment. Additionally, excessive spending on alcohol might strain your finances, causing stress and contributing to financial instability.

 

4. Legal Issues: Engaging in risky behaviors under the influence of alcohol, such as driving while intoxicated, can result in legal consequences like fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment, leading to a considerable disruption in your life.

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5. Mental Well-being: Problematic alcohol use often coexists with mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Alcohol might initially seem like a coping response, but in the long-term, it exacerbates and increases these symptoms, causing a deterioration of your mental well-being and stability. 

 

6. Overall Quality of Life: Constantly navigating the cycle of drinking and struggling to cut down without success can lead to a significant reduction of your quality of life. It might prevent you from pursuing hobbies, achieving personal goals, and experiencing genuine happiness and fulfillment. Everyday tasks start to become more difficult to start and complete with people find themselves in the "can't be bothered", where everything requires more effort than it should. 

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Recognising these negative impacts is the first step towards making a positive change.  Where we come in is to help you to achieve and maintain your treatment goals. We are  unique in what is available in the treatment sector, as we treat the emotional cause and not just the problematic behaviour. We use a powerful technique called Rapid Transformational Therapy®.  More details on RTT® can be found here. 

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Imagine Your Life Without Problematic Drinking or Drugs 

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So, picture a life where your days aren’t clouded by the grip of problematic alcohol use. Envision a future where every step you take is unburdened by the weight of excessive drinking. Here’s what that life could look like:

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1. Vibrant Health and Vitality: Imagine waking up each morning feeling refreshed and energised, having slept well. Where your physical and mental health improve. Embracing a healthier lifestyle could empower you to thrive and enjoy life to the fullest, without the consequences of problematic drug or alcohol use. 

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2. Stronger Relationships: As you embark on this transformative journey, your relationships blossom. Reconnecting with loved ones becomes a source of joy as you rebuild trust and deepen bonds, fostering fulfilling connections that support your growth.

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3. Career and Financial Stability: Your focus and productivity soar in your professional life. With a clear mind and renewed determination, you excel in your career, propelling yourself towards success. Your financial stability strengthens as you regain control over spending.

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4. Peace of Mind and Emotional Resilience: Mental clarity becomes your ally. You discover inner peace and emotional resilience, navigating life's challenges with a newfound strength. Your mind is liberated from the fog of worry and anxiety.

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5. Rediscovered Passions and Fulfillment: Freed from the confines of problematic alcohol use, you rediscover your passions and interests. You reignite hobbies, pursue personal goals, and experience a sense of fulfillment that lights up each day.

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6. A Life of Empowerment and Purpose: Embracing sobriety becomes a cornerstone of your empowerment. With each step forward, you embrace a life of purpose, realising your true potential and contributing positively to your community.

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Program Overview

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• Individual sessions with John Wilkinson (Addiction Specialist Practitioner) Duration: 10 x 1-hour sessions.

 

• Tailored approach: Sessions are tailored to each client's needs and progress.

 

• Flexible interval: Scheduled at intervals bespoke to the client (e.g., weekly, fortnightly) for personalised support,  progress monitoring and gentle accountability. 

 

• Focus areas: Addressing behavioral patterns, triggers, coping mechanisms, and developing strategies for sobriety maintenance.

 

• Client-centered approach: Providing guidance, tools, and resources to empower clients in their journey toward sobriety.

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• Rapid Transformational Therapy® sessions with Dr. Shyra Raj: Number of Sessions: 2 x 2 hour Rapid Transformational Therapy® sessions + hypnosis audios. 

 

What is Rapid Transformational therapy?

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• Purpose: To uncover and address the root causes of the client's problematic alcohol or drug use.

 

• Subconscious Level Work: Using RTT® techniques to help clients free themselves from subconscious barriers contributing to their issues with alcohol or drugs. 

 

• Empowerment: Facilitating lasting positive changes by accessing and altering subconscious beliefs and behaviors.

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• RTT® is a hybrid form of hypnosis that was pioneered by Marisa Peer. It is a combination of the most beneficial aspects of hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and psychotherapy and also takes advantage of neuroplasticity (the brains ability to develop new neural pathways).