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Alcohol

Alcoholism remains one of the most common—and commonly misunderstood—forms of addiction. Far from being a matter of weak willpower or poor choices, alcoholism is now recognised as a chronic, relapsing condition that affects brain function, behaviour, and emotional regulation.

Alcohol use disorder can range from daily dependence to binge drinking, and often exists on a spectrum. It may develop gradually or as a way of coping with stress, trauma, or emotional pain. Alcoholism frequently co-occurs with other mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

While social attitudes around alcohol have shifted, it continues to be one of the most culturally accepted—and therefore overlooked—forms of self-medication. The underlying vulnerabilities—emotional disconnection, difficulty with self-regulation, or unresolved trauma—have long existed. What is changing is our understanding of how alcohol misuse functions in people’s lives, and how best to treat it.

Many individuals who were once seen as unreliable, irresponsible, or destructive are now more accurately understood as people using alcohol to cope with overwhelming internal distress. With the right clinical support, a compassionate environment, and tailored treatment, it is absolutely possible to break free from alcohol dependence and rebuild a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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Our Approach to Alcohol Addiction Assessment and Treatment

At Psyche Clinic, we take a comprehensive and non-judgemental approach to assessing and treating alcohol use disorder. Every client begins with a thorough psychiatric and psychological assessment to understand the full picture—not just the drinking behaviour itself, but also the emotional, cognitive, and relational factors contributing to it.

We recognise that problematic alcohol use rarely exists in isolation. Our assessments explore the presence of co-occurring conditions such as trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, or difficulties with emotional regulation, which often play a significant role in the development and persistence of alcohol dependence.

Treatment is highly individualised and may include psychiatric input, structured psychological therapy, and guidance around harm reduction, relapse prevention, and lifestyle stabilisation. Where appropriate, we also work in collaboration with GPs, other healthcare providers, or support services to ensure integrated, ongoing care.

 

Our aim is not simply to stop the drinking—but to help individuals understand the role alcohol has played in their lives, address the underlying distress, and develop healthier, more sustainable ways of coping, connecting, and living.

Evidence-Based Treatment Tailored to You

Our treatment plans for alcohol use disorder are tailored to each individual, drawing on a range of evidence-based approaches designed to support long-term recovery and emotional wellbeing. Depending on your needs, therapy may focus on understanding the role alcohol has played in your life, developing healthier coping strategies, and addressing any co-occurring psychological conditions.

We offer a combination of:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours related to alcohol use

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) to explore ambivalence about change and strengthen your internal motivation for recovery

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy for individuals whose alcohol use is rooted in unresolved trauma or emotional pain

  • Relapse Prevention Planning to recognise triggers, build resilience, and maintain long-term progress

  • Psychiatric Support, where appropriate, for medication-assisted treatment or support with dual diagnoses

All treatment is delivered in a discreet, supportive environment by experienced clinicians who understand the complexities of alcohol dependency. Whether you're beginning your recovery journey or returning after a setback, our goal is to meet you where you are—with compassion, clarity, and clinically grounded care.

Your Next Step

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're ready to begin your healing journey or want to know more about how our psychology services can support you, we invite you to get in touch. Our admissions team is here to guide you with care and discretion.

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