Family Counseling Services of Athens, Inc.

Quick Notes

According to a special health report in the Harvard Health Letter (special supplement January 2002), nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) suffer from severe alcohol problems such as alcohol dependence or abuse while millions more engage in risky drinking.” Four common signs of alcohol dependence given in this report are:

Craving - There is a strong need or compulsion to drink.

Loss of Control – Dependent drinkers will drink when they have promised not to and will continue even when they realize they have had too much.

Physical Dependence – Dependent drinkers will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop abruptly or sometimes when they cut down on their consumption.

Tolerance – Dependent drinkers need increased amounts of alcohol in order to become intoxicated.

 

Programs & Groups

Alcohol - Drug Issues
Anger - Violence Issues
Children & Divorce: Education
Employee Assistance Program
Drug Court Services
Prime for Life
Sexual Offender Services
Student Assistance Program
Victim's Assistance Program

 

 


Addictions Counseling --
Substance Abuse and Dependence

Problems of addiction are heart breaking, frustrating and mystifying for most individuals and families who are affected by them. Substance abuse and dependence all too often lead to loss of health, job, income and self-respect, as well as to divorce and alienation from family and friends, indescribable pain and sometimes death. Sadly, anyone can become addicted to one or more substances that can lead to a life of loneliness and despair. Unless a problem of addiction receives responsible attention it will continue to plague the addicted person mercilessly.

Counseling often provides a meaningful intervention for those who are affected by the carelessness of substance abuse or the more frightening specter of dependence. In such cases counseling can add insight, support, and education and can help reduce symptoms that may trigger the use of psychoactive substances. Traditionally, substance related problems have been addressed by professionals using individual and family counseling as well as structured groups that combine both educational and psychological components. Community support groups of the client’s choosing are often encouraged as an adjunct to treatment. Counseling can serve to provide a critical external control factor as well as a generator for relevant insights to play a key role in helping substance affected individuals remain in control and accountable for their behavior. It is important to emphasize that often addiction is accompanied by other mental health problems that need to be diagnosed and treated, in order to give the addicted individual a better chance to recover.

Related: See Drug Court Services >>>

Helpful Links

AthensAA.com - Athens Area Alcoholics Anonymous
thecommencementcenter.com - Offer local outpatient treatment and services related to alcohol & drug addiction
AlcoholScreening.org - An online resource to assess you drinking behavior
NOTICE and Disclaimer: The information accessed at this site is for general educational purposes only. Online browsers should consult with licensed professionals (physicians, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, etc.) if they have questions whether they may be in need of psychological or any other form of treatment.