Is Counseling Effective in Alcohol Use Disorder? Explore Treatment Options To Achieve Sobriety

If you are struggling with an alcohol abuse disorder, you may think that the services available in rehab merely involve detox, medication-assisted treatment, and group therapy.

Though those are all potential aspects of a journey to recovery, counseling can also play a vital role in helping you through the recovery process. Whether it’s one-on-one counseling, couples counseling, or family counseling, talking with a professional can work in tandem with other rehab treatments to provide hope, wholeness, and freedom.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at what counseling is and how it can be helpful in substance use disorder treatment. We’ll also present some other treatment options that have proven helpful when coupled with counseling services.

Table of Contents

• Which Is Considered to Be the Most Effective Treatment for Alcoholism?
• 7 Effective Counseling Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder
• Other Reliable Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder
• Clear Steps Recovery Combines Counseling With Other Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder Rehab

Though there is plenty of research about which drug or treatment method might be the best way to treat alcoholism, the treatment plan should be unique to the person suffering and their exact needs. Oftentimes, that includes counseling or other therapies. 

At Clear Steps Recovery in Massachusetts, we believe in treating the whole person, which involves physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects. We also know that each person’s needs and experience with alcohol are different. That’s why we provide customized treatment plans and encourage counseling as a part of your rehab journey. 

If you're ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact us today.

Is Counseling Effective in Reducing Alcohol Use Disorder?

Yes, counseling can be a helpful and essential part of recovery. Alcohol use disorder treatment can vary depending on each person’s individual needs, so counseling can be especially beneficial when combined with other treatment options. 

In addition to other treatment options, counseling can help provide guidance and support to those recovering from alcohol use and who desire to live sober lives. Comprehensive treatment plans aim to treat the whole person, and counseling plays an important role in the psychological and spiritual aspects of the person struggling with alcohol use.

Both individual and group counseling can help during and after treatment, and counselors can help by:

• Educating about alcoholism and the recovery process
• Exploring with you the reasons and causes for drinking
• Creating a realistic and comprehensive treatment plan
• Helping reveal underlying issues and triggers with alcohol consumption
• Providing tips and techniques to help with long-term sobriety
• Offering regular assessments
• Supporting and encouraging throughout recovery
• Helping you work on communication skills
• Guiding you in how to repair broken relationships
• Giving you an opportunity to experience acceptance and engagement with others
• Providing opportunities for vulnerability
• Creating an environment to experience community support

In addition to counseling, other therapies should be considered according to each person’s unique needs. The following are some common options that are regularly used in alcohol use disorder treatment.

#1: Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy — and for good reason. This type of therapy revolves around conversation. A patient may discuss the following with their counselor:

• Background
• Daily challenges
• Past issues or trauma

When helping someone with a substance use disorder, a psychologist gets to know their patient and develops an open and confidential relationship with them. This type of therapy can help patients better understand why they drink, how to manage their cravings, and how to stay motivated to live an alcohol-free life.

#2: Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a method used in counseling to help patients move past doubt, set goals, and stay motivated to achieve those goals. 

Motivational interviewing:

• Aims to strengthen a person’s motivation for change
• Seeks to help the person understand the need for change
• Is beneficial for those who aren’t very motivated or ready for change

Motivational interviewing usually includes one to four sessions, which include the following:

• Demonstrating understanding and compassion
• Embracing and navigating resistance
• Fostering confidence in one's abilities
• Highlighting inconsistencies to motivate change

#3: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that emphasizes the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors, CBT helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies and improve their overall mental well-being.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in treating alcohol use disorder along with other co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.

At Clear Steps Recovery, we customize CBT treatment plans to fit the unique needs of each client. We recognize that every individual faces their own set of challenges with addiction, and our goal is to deliver compassionate, personalized care that supports each person’s path to recovery.

#4: Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a well-established, evidence-based form of cognitive-behavioral treatment used in behavioral health care. For decades, it has been effective in treating a range of substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health conditions. DBT helps individuals shift harmful thought patterns, manage intense emotions, and create meaningful, lasting behavioral change.

The core components of DBT include:

• Mindfulness
• Distress tolerance
• Emotional regulation
• Interpersonal effectiveness

Clear Steps Recovery is happy to offer dialectical behavior therapy as one of our many treatment options.

#5: 12-Step Program

You may be most familiar with a 12-step program through Alcoholics Anonymous. Though AA is probably the most familiar, other 12-step programs are available for a variety of substance use disorders. 

A 12-step program offers a supportive, community-based environment where individuals can openly share their experiences with substance use. These programs foster a sense of connection, accountability, and mutual support, which can be vital to maintaining sobriety.

Their structured, peer-led approach has been shown to support long-term recovery. As a result, therapists frequently encourage participation in 12-step groups and may incorporate elements of the program into the therapeutic process to encourage progress and personal growth.

#6: Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are valuable tools for managing cravings and enhancing focus during recovery. Many rehab centers now incorporate dedicated classes into their programs. Yoga involves a mix of physical and mental exercises and may include a spiritual component as well. 

Meditation promotes relaxation, emotional balance, and mental clarity. Research shows that, especially when guided by a mental health professional, both practices can effectively support treatment for substance use disorders.

#7: Music and Art Therapy

Art and music therapy are forms of creative expression that support emotional healing and recovery. Often offered in rehab programs, these therapies go beyond simple artistic activities. Sessions are led by trained therapists to help individuals:

• Manage stress
• Express emotions
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

By participating in art or musical expression, patients can access feelings that may be difficult to articulate through words. These therapies foster self-awareness, boost motivation for treatment, and help fill the emotional void left by substance use.

Your customized alcohol use disorder treatment plan will likely involve counseling in conjunction with some of these other treatment options.

Medical Detox 

Medical detox is a common method to treat a variety of substance use disorders. At Clear Steps Recovery, our medication-assisted treatment is a client-centered approach, using medications that work by blocking the pleasurable effects of drugs or alcohol, reducing cravings, and helping to prevent relapse. 

The medication-assisted program at Clear Steps Recovery combines the use of approved medications with counseling, behavioral therapy, and other support services to provide a comprehensive approach to treating addiction. Contact us to learn how we can help you.

Aftercare Services

Aftercare is a critical component of your long-term sobriety. 

You’ve made it through the treatment period with success, but the journey to sobriety isn’t finished. Because the risk of relapse is high immediately after treatment, participating in aftercare services is key to continual and long-term success. 

Many people benefit from regular attendance at meetings offered by Alcoholics Anonymous or by taking advantage of having a sober companion to help ease back into the challenges of life at home.

At Clear Steps Recovery, we provide a range of aftercare resources and support to promote lasting sobriety. Our aftercare program includes access to 12-Step groups, regular meetings, counseling sessions, and routine health check-ins to help monitor ongoing well-being. The duration of aftercare is tailored to each client’s unique needs and recovery journey.

Let Clear Steps Recovery help you take the first steps on your road to recovery. Our dedicated and compassionate team combines evidence-based treatments with holistic care to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. 

We know you have individual needs and challenges. That’s why we offer a variety of programs to create a customized plan of treatment, including:

• Day treatment rehab
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Family support program
• Aftercare program
• Men’s and women’s programs
• And more

Begin your journey to recovery today by contacting Clear Steps Recovery.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.