You’ve been under an unusual amount of stress lately due to health or job-related difficulties, and have found yourself drinking an alcoholic beverage more often than you usually do. Your family, friends and co-workers have taken notice of the change. You’re asking yourself, is this just a temporary phase I’m going through that will soon pass when things return to normal or do I have a drinking problem?
Although alcoholism is a self-diagnosing disease, working with a therapist can have immense value in determining just how serious your condition is, and for helping to chart a course for recovery. At the office of Hackensack, we have received specialized training in recognizing and treating both the underlying causes of alcoholism and addiction and in devising a day-to-day plan to put a halt to dangerous or destructive behavior.
We ask our patients experiencing problems with alcohol a series of questions to help gauge their dependence on drinking. The questions delve into the amount and frequency of their drinking; whether drinking has impaired their ability to complete routine daily responsibilities at home, at work, or at school; how often they find themselves drinking more than they had planned; whether alcohol is affecting their memory; and other key behavioral indicators. This is a primary step that helps a therapist assess the severity of the patient’s dependence on alcohol, and to recommend which treatment option would be most effective.
Fortunately, we live in a time when alcoholism is recognized as a disease that can be treated and not stigmatized as a weakness of character. As understanding of alcoholism has increased, so have the resources to address it. At Hackensack, our compassionate therapists provide an individualized framework for guiding each of our patients toward recovery. You don’t have to face this problem alone. Contact our office today for a consultation.
