Last Updated on October 27, 2023 by cmv

Since the beginning of the pandemic, it seems more clients are reaching out for help with their drinking. It’s hard to say if this is a by product of the pandemic or if more people are struggling and/or asking for help. Regardless, many are starting to realize that their relationship with alcohol is no longer serving them. 

Am I an alcoholic?

This is a question we often get asked. I tend to shy away from labels especially this one as it gets thrown around so easily. But, there are markers that help us determine if the client’s relationship with alcohol is unmanageable or can be controlled with the right tools. So what is the definition of an alcoholic?  12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) define alcoholism (or addiction in general) as the substance “making life unmanageable”. What does this mean? Basically, this substance, whether it be a drug or alcohol (also a drug by the way), is getting in the way of other important things in your life. Some examples include being too hungover to go to work, having conflict with your spouse/family about the substance, breaking promises regularly, spending money you don’t have on the substance, and so on. If these types of issues are happening often, then it might be time to take an honest look at your substance use. 

Why is cutting Alcohol so difficult?

  • Drinking has become so socially acceptable that it’s almost expected at events. It’s uncomfortable for many people to be the non-drinker at the party. 
  • Alcohol is very accessible.
  • Alcohol is on almost every TV show/movie and conveys the message that it’s normal to drink all the time.
  • Alcohol has become a coping strategy for many people. It makes dinner preparation more fun, stress more manageable, reduces social anxieties, and so on.
  • Alcohol has become a reward at the end of a long day. It’s also an escape.
  • We learn to justify drinking very easily.  It’s a holiday, it’s almost the weekend, I deserve it, I won’t drink tomorrow, everyone else drinks on weekdays, it’s not that bad…sound familiar?

How we approach drug & alcohol counselling in Vancouver

When it comes to addictions and substance use counselling, we like to meet clients where they’re at. Perhaps you want to quit altogether (abstinence) or you want to cut back (harm reduction). Most people who seek counselling for alcohol use with us want to try cutting back. Most cannot imagine a life without another drink. So we explore ways to do this while teaching tools to help you achieve your goals. It’s also important to see if you can go without the substance for a period of time to help determine how much control it has over your life. If you cannot go without it, we’re looking into addiction counselling more deeply and highly suggest 12-step programs (or alternative programs) to help support your recovery.  

Whatever your goal is for improving your drinking, we want to help you achieve it. Cutting back or quitting altogether is really difficult to do on your own (sometimes even impossible).  You don’t have to do it alone. Professional support can guide you towards improving your relationship with alcohol and help you feel good about your drinking or abstinence. 

Get in touch for more information on Alcohol Counselling in Vancouver.

CMV