"I started my journey from alcohol abuse feeling desperate, lonely and scared.
With the ongoing commitment, support, counseling and encouragement of Rob Hadley I am in recovery leading a healthy, productive life. I believe whole heartedly in the power of Hypnotherapy and ongoing counseling in the battle against substance abuse.
Thank you Rob for helping me to enjoy life again.
JT"
Having a 'drink problem' spans a multitude of possibilities. For some it's just a matter of wanting to moderate a little. For others the situation has become more serious. Be it 'binge drinking', using alcohol to get to sleep, or full blown alcohol dependency, we are able to help in a number of ways.
We've been helping people manage alcohol issues successfully for many years. We have many satisfied clients who have chosen either to reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol. Not everyone that realises that alcohol is no longer a necessary part of their lives is an alcoholic. Some of use simply don't want it impacting our lives negatively.
Different types of alcohol use which we get asked to help with:
Binge drinking
Occassional (once a week or even once every few months) binge activity which has serious negative impacts on other areas of the users life. It may impact work, social and family life. It may be infrequent and their may be long periods of abstinance or light use during which alcohol is not an issue.
Unmoderated drinking
Two or three glasses of wine a night - but an increasing and disturbing use. The actual amounts may not be very large, but the trend is toward greater amounts, and increasingly it seems necessary. While not 'a problem' this undeniable trend is something you feel needs to be addressed.
Constant use alcoholic
While fully functional, the user feels compelled to use alcohol and in large quantities. It is used in situations where most individuals don't need it, and as a result is hidden and disguised. Eventually the user will loose functionality and the alcohol use will affect all aspects of their life.
Alcohol/narcotic drinking
We are often asked to help clients when they become aware that alcohol and narcotics (sometimes prescription drugs) are used in concert.
Sometimes people ask themselves the question, 'Do I really need to get help for this?" There is an easy way to find out. Ask yourself the questions below:
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady
your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
Has your work ever been negatively affected by alcohol?
If you answered more than two of the questions positively, then, yes - you do need to take a close look at the way you use alcohol. If not, then you are probably in pretty good shape.
When we start working with you we start by deciding on a plan for you. This will include a system to manage withdrawals, reduction and elimination. Some people experience a feeling of shame associated with their use of alcohol. This can be compounded by disappointment by the way they behave when they drink. Approaching the issue with a calm and objective viewpoint will serve you well as you move ahead. Many people overcome difficulties with alcohol and go on to lead normal lives. Those who do have one thing in common. They address the issue with commitment and realism. You have a choice - you deal with it or resign yourself to living a lesser life.
We bring clients from a place of abusing alcohol to either moderation or cessation, depending on what is most appropriate. Realistically the goals are to allow you a life in which alcohol is not a negative factor. for most people this is not an impossibility. If you are in doubt, give me a call and we can work on this together.
My clients in this field include senior figures in business, politics, and even home makers. They span hardened drinkers of large quantities of spirits, to people who simply can not sleep without a bedtime glass of wine. Not every alcohol problem is life threatening. It's a case of finding a comfort level. Many clients are in business situations in which alcohol plays a large role. Many different solutions can be found.
