ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY
Problem drinking
Getting help
A drinking problem or colloquially referred to as ‘alcoholism’, ‘alcoholic’ or ‘alcohol use disorder’, is a condition in which a person has a desire or physical need to consume an alcoholic drink excessively, even though it can harm their life. The effects can be physical, psychological, and social.
If this is you and find oneself spending considerable time thinking about drinking consumption and find you are unable to control how much you consume, even if it is causing serious concerns at home, with loved ones, at work, and financially.
It is not always easy to see when your drinking habits have changed from social use to drinking substance abuse. If you are concerned about the role alcohol plays in your life, then ask yourself these questions:
- Is drinking a glass of wine, spirit or beer never enough?
- Am I secretive or dishonest to others, including family members, about the amount I drink?
- I’m constantly thinking or craving about when my next drink will be?
- I’m defensive when questioned or challenged about how much and when I drink?
- Do I binge or drink alone in secret?
- Do I struggle with relationships, the law, finances, or work that stems from my drinking behaviour?
- Do I drink to help me cope with difficult situations?
- Do other people warn me about my drinking levels?
- Do I have an inability to control my alcohol consumption?
If you answered ‘yes‘ to any of these above questions, you might have signs and symptoms of a drinking problem. It’s advisable that you seek professional guidance and support to help cut down your drinking amount.
Often the most challenging step is acknowledging that you have alcohol dependence. However, once you have admitted this, then you have taken the first step towards getting better and well.
To request a confidential consultation with a professional counsellor from the Surrey Centre, please complete the form below, and we will contact you to arrange a meeting.
The Surrey Centre for Eating Disorders services
Dietetic Services
The Surrey Centre’s Nutrition Philosophy is based on nutrition and a healthy relationship with food thereby promoting a balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.
One to One Therapy
At The Surrey Centre we use an integrated method of therapy, drawing on different therapeutic approaches and adapting them to meet individual clients needs.
Family Therapy
At The Surrey Centre, we are able to work together with partners, parents, siblings and children helping them understand how to help their loved one. When appropriate we invite the whole family to participate in sessions when feelings and experiences can be shared
Family Education And Support Programme
We understand that it is not only the individual with an eating disorder that needs support and that, often, a wider impact is felt by the whole family. We have put together a Family Education Programme offering a range of practical, dietetic help and advice alongside counselling and emotional support.
Assessment
As a first step we recommend you come for an assessment. You will be guided through the process by one of our therapists. During the assessment you will have a chance to get a feel for how we work, time to tell us your story, to explain to us what you hope to gain from therapy and what your reservations might be.
Referrals to The Surrey Centre
Referrals to The Surrey Centre for Counselling & Psychotherapy can be made via self referral, GP, Consultant Psychiatrist/Psychologist, Psychotherapist/Counsellor or other appropriate professional.
Psychiatric Services
If you are referred to The Surrey Centre by a psychiatrist we will, with your agreement, work closely with them to ensure you receive a complete package of care. For some of our clients meeting the team at The Surrey Centre is the first point of contact. If at any point we feel the support of a Psychiatrist would be beneficial we will recommend this to you.