Tens of thousands of people across Manchester are currently in some form of therapy.
If you are specifically searching for an alcohol rehab therapist in Manchester, then you may already sense that your drinking has become more than just a social activity to enjoy with friends.
There are a number of warning signs that your drinking has become out of control, including alcohol is beginning to interfere with your career, relationships, finances or your overall emotional wellbeing.
Acknowledging that something needs to change is the first step towards your recovery.
Our team at Rehab 4 Addiction are on hand to help individuals across Manchester and Greater Manchester access experienced, fully qualified alcohol rehab treatment, whether you suffer from a severe or mild addiction issue.
It is important to understand that people gain access to therapy and rehab treatment at different stages of their addiction and recovery journey.
For example, some people are looking for weekly outpatient therapy support, while other people are looking for more structured therapy, a medically supported detox, or more intensive inpatient rehab support.
Every person’s circumstances are different, which is why treatment recommendations are tailored to your specific addiction and recovery needs.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, we understand that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is help and support available for both you and those close to you.
Our team of specialists will ask you a number of initial questions about your addiction and journey so far, during which time you should remain open and honest. Remember, recovery begins with a simple, honest conversation.
The NHS defines binge drinking as drinking lots of alcohol in a short space of time, or drinking to get drunk or feel the effects of alcohol [1].
As a guideline, the NHS considers binge drinking to be drinking more than double the recommended daily units of alcohol.
The recommended daily units of alcohol are 3-4 units for men and 2-3 units for women in drinking one session.
For reference, for any man who drinks an average beer, that is the equivalent of drinking 3-4 pints or more in a single session.
Anything beyond this would be considered binge drinking.
Unfortunately, due to the nightlife and fast-paced culture in Manchester, binge drinking in Manchester is on the rise and is becoming an increasingly large concern, especially for the younger generation living in the city.
Binge drinking on a regular basis also puts you at a greater risk of becoming addicted to and dependent on alcohol or other addictive substances in the future, including drugs such as cannabis, cocaine or ecstasy.
Unfortunately, lots of people put off attending drug and alcohol rehab and therapy because they fail to admit or accept that they have a problem in the first place.
Likewise, many people believe they must reach some form of crisis point before seeking professional help for their addiction or mental health issues.
However, in reality, individuals in Manchester should pursue therapy long before their drinking becomes physically dangerous to limit the negative consequences caused by excessive drinking.
You may wish to speak to an alcohol therapist if you resonate with any of the following [3]:
It is also important to understand that an alcohol addiction or dependence can also show itself in more subtle ways which are less easy to spot.
For example, people who are physically dependent on alcohol begin to start withdrawing from loved ones, hiding alcohol bottles, neglecting their responsibilities or notice changes to their mental health.
Moreso, living in a major city such as Manchester is very likely to shape your drinking habits.
This is because Manchester has a thriving nightlife and fast-paced professional culture which often leads to alcohol being woven into daily life in an attempt to keep up with others or deal with excessive stress.
Those who live in Manchester are likely to experience long working hours, long commuting times, increased financial stress and social pressures that may all increase the temptation to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
If this resonates with you, then you might need to attend therapy for your addiction or alcohol dependence.
Taking the first step to recovery is often the hardest, which is why our team at Rehab 4 Addiction are on hand to support you when the time is right.
For those experiencing mild to moderate alcohol abuse, outpatient rehab and therapy can be an effective and flexible option.
Outpatient rehab involves attending therapy sessions often on a weekly basis, which are held at a private rehab clinic or therapy practice in Manchester.
During your therapy sessions, you will continue to live at home and maintain your work or family responsibilities. This is a great option for anyone who is still able to work or look after their children.
Outpatient therapy sessions usually last between 50 and 60 minutes and take place in a confidential and private setting.
This type of therapy suits individuals who need professional guidance but do not require 24/7 medical supervision, which is offered at inpatient rehab treatment.
It is important to understand that outpatient therapy can be used in a number of different ways.
For example, it can be used as ongoing aftercare following detox or residential treatment, helping to maintain long-term stability or it can be used as a standalone tool for those who cannot attend inpatient treatment.
If you have never attended therapy before, then it is common to feel uncertain about what therapy will involve.
Some people are intimidated by the idea of opening up to a practical stranger, whereas others feel more comfortable speaking to a third party.
However you feel about therapy, it is important to understand that addiction therapy goes beyond simply encouraging you to stop drinking regularly.
Instead, addiction therapy focuses on understanding why alcohol became important in your life and what role it currently plays.
During sessions, you may explore a number of different things, including any triggers, any underlying stress, trauma or anxiety that you might have.
Any patterns within relationships that might be enabling your addiction, and any workplace stress or burnout that might have led to your addiction in the first place.
Addiction therapists in Manchester may draw on a number of different therapy approaches and techniques, some of which are listed below for you:
One of the most popular types of therapy is cognitive behavioural therapy, which is now widely recognised as one of the most effective treatments for alcohol and substance abuse.
This type of therapy helps you to better identify how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact and how healthier patterns can be developed as a result of understanding yourself better.
If you are considering drug and alcohol rehab or therapy in Manchester, then it is important to understand that in-person sessions are not suitable for everyone.
There are a number of different reasons why this might be the case, including demanding work commitments, childcare issues, health concerns or social anxiety around face-to-face appointments.
This is where remote, online and telephone therapy appointments come in. Online and telephone therapy is available across Manchester and throughout the UK.
Remote sessions offer flexible appointment times, less travel or commuting to appointments as well as greater discretion and confidentiality.
For many people suffering from addiction or mental health issues, online and remote drug and alcohol therapy feels more accessible and less intimidating, especially if you already suffer from anxiety.
In fact, research suggests that remote therapy and counselling can be equally effective as in-person therapy for many individuals.
Manchester is known for its busy social life and diverse industries, including media, finance, technology, healthcare, and education.
As a result of this, it means that many residents lead ambitious, high-performing lives, which can sometimes hide alcohol dependence and addiction issues.
High-functioning alcohol misuse often goes unnoticed by loved ones. Someone who is deemed as high functioning might appear successful and capable, while privately struggling and depending on alcohol to manage stress or mental health issues.
Some of the most common signs of this include drinking most days whilst remaining sociable and ‘on it’ at work.
Relying on alcohol in order to feel relaxed, or feeling restless or irritable when you do not drink.
Lots of people who suffer from alcohol abuse who are deemed as high functioning are able to remain sociable with friends, whilst continuing to perform professionally despite exhaustion.
In a city where socialising frequently centres around pubs and bars, heavy drinking can feel normalised very quickly.
Drug and alcohol addiction therapy offers a private space to address these worries and concerns without putting your health, your work or your social life at risk.
Alcohol abuse and mental health issues often occur together as their relationship is closely linked. When someone suffers from a mental health issue alongside an addiction issue, it is known as a dual diagnosis.
If you are living with a mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, trauma or even ADHD, alcohol may initially seem to reduce your mental health symptoms. However, over time it actually worsens and intensifies your mental health issues.
Many people who suffer from mental health issues go on to experience addiction issues, as they use addictive substances as a crutch.
Likewise, people who experience addiction issues go on to suffer from a mental health issue as a result of their addiction.
Therapists who are experienced in dual diagnosis treat both addiction and mental health issues at the same time.
Addressing both of these issues together significantly improves the likelihood of your addiction recovery and reduces the likelihood of you relapsing in the future.
If you are unable to attend an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment plan, then you might want to consider a home detox.
A home detox is when you remain in the comfort of your own home while withdrawing from the addictive substance.
During this time, your withdrawal symptoms may range from mild discomfort to serious medical complications.
Withdrawal symptoms can include a number of different unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms, including some of the symptoms listed below for you:
If your addiction is deemed severe, then your withdrawal symptoms might become severe as well.
During this time, you will need to be medicated and assessed on a regular basis by doctors and healthcare professionals.
If you are withdrawing as an inpatient, then this will be done at the rehab facility.
If you are withdrawing via a home detox, then your symptoms are likely to be less severe. Your doctor will ring you on a daily basis and send any medication that you might need via the post.
Although many people in Manchester choose outpatient rehab treatment and therapy, inpatient treatment can provide additional and increased structure for those with a more severe addiction issue.
Inpatient rehab may be advised if you have relapsed before in the past, your home and living situation is currently unhealthy or unstable, you require continuous medical supervision or if your mental health symptoms are worsening or are already severe.
Inpatient rehab treatment programmes typically last around 28 days, though the duration varies depending on the severity of your addiction or mental health issues.
This type of treatment combines medically supervised detox with daily therapy sessions and relapse prevention planning.
Manchester offers access to many qualified therapists, but finding the right match is not always as easy as it sounds.
When choosing an alcohol therapist, you should consider a number of different things listed below [3]:
It is important to understand that your initial therapy session usually includes discussing your drinking history, current challenges and recovery goals.
During this time, being open and honest is key, as addiction therapy works best when you are honest.
Confidentiality is often a significant concern for those seeking therapy and addiction help in Manchester.
The best-qualified therapists will always take into account strict ethical and professional standards.
At all times, your information remains private unless there is a serious safety risk, either to yourself or to someone else.
If you are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, then it is important to understand that relapses are not uncommon during recovery.
A relapse does not erase the progress you have made, or undo any of the hard work that you or anyone else has put in.
Those who will help you through your release will be interested to learn why the relapse happened in the first place.
This is so that they can better help you to understand what triggered the relapse, what support systems were not in place, and which coping tools need changing or adjusting.
Each experience with a relapse provides insight into what is going to help you going forward.
If you are looking for an alcohol therapist in Manchester, it is important to find support that works for your personal circumstances.
Whether you are considering weekly outpatient therapy, online or remote therapy sessions, a medically supervised home detox, or inpatient rehab, there are numerous options that are available to suit your needs.
If you are currently suffering from an addiction or mental health issue, then it is important that you do not have to wait for your situation to get any worse before you seek help.
Seeking support early can prevent lasting physical and emotional harm to your body and to your mind.
If you are interested in addiction therapy in Manchester and the surrounding areas, then speak to a member of the team at Rehab 4 Addiction for free by calling us on 0800 140 4690 or by visiting us online by searching for www.rehab4addiction.co.uk.
[1] https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/lifestyle-effects/binge-drinking
