Thoughts of a Therapist: Alcohol Addiction

This month is alcohol awareness month, so I asked around the office for some thoughts and perspectives. Here's what Austin Jones, AMFT had to say.

What is addiction? Addiction is a response to suffering. Addiction is a response to pain. Rather than being a disease or a lack of willpower or a problem with impulsivity, addiction is an attempt to elude suffering. Temporarily.

Is it possible to be cured of addiction? This is the wrong question from the start. This question is born from the western model of recovery where the doctor is the expert and the addict contracted a disease. When the question is framed this way the answer is “no, it’s impossible.”

Is it possible for people to heal their trauma? Absolutely, people can sufficiently heal from trauma so that they don’t need to escape by using drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, video games... It is wholly possible to decrease the pain of trauma.

What are you are carrying inside that’s making you act in certain ways and how can I help you resolve what’s inside you? Healing is not just changing behaviors, but helping YOU to change. That healing happens inside.

You can do all this on your own, but it’s my firm belief that having a professional in your corner to help with this process is the quickest and most effective way to understand how your past experiences may be influencing you in the present. When you’re ready to take a look and see yourself — in a safe environment — and then consider options for parts of your life you would like to change, I’m here for you.

Austin is currently accepting new clients.