I’m looking for therapy that can help me stop drinking for good, not just cut back for a few weeks. I’ve tried handling it on my own, but stress or a bad night can quickly turn into drinking again. The hardest part is figuring out what actually sets it off and what to do when the urge hits.
I’m considering CBT, motivational interviewing, or a therapist who specializes in alcohol use disorder. I’d also want someone who can talk about relapse without making me feel like I failed completely. Medication might be worth discussing too, but I’d prefer to start with a solid treatment plan and regular support.
For anyone who has worked with a therapist for this, what kind of therapy helped you stay sober long term?
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The part about treating relapse as information instead of total failure really matters. I’ve found it easier to be honest with a therapist when they focus on what happened right before the urge, rather than making the conversation feel like a lecture.
CBT can be useful for spotting patterns and making an actual plan for stressful nights. A therapist who works specifically with alcohol use disorder might also bring in motivational interviewing and help discuss medication without pressure. Have you looked for someone who offers both regular therapy and relapse-prevention planning?
@Jonathan_Smith, the focus on what happens right before the urge sounds useful. In my experience, noticing the pattern early makes it easier to do something different before the craving takes over, like leaving the situation, calling someone, or getting out for a walk.
I’d look for a therapist who works specifically with alcohol use disorder and uses CBT or motivational interviewing. Having a concrete plan for stressful nights helped me more than just talking about drinking in general. It’s also worth asking a doctor about medication, since it can reduce cravings alongside therapy.