Alcohol addiction is the most common of all addictions. It also often occurs alongside addiction to another substance, though not always. Because alcohol is legal, easily available and widely accepted in society, the line between normal use and problem drinking can be difficult to recognise. Few people readily want to admit that they need treatment for alcohol addiction, because that means they must do something about it. Those around them often notice it too, but may also find it difficult to confront their addicted family member.
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Alcohol, with its deceptively cheerful effects, activates both positive and negative feelings by influencing your reward system. You gradually develop a physical dependence, making the growing addiction difficult to notice.
When someone stops drinking for a period, withdrawal symptoms put the brain into compensation mode. This often leads to feelings of depression. The desire for the euphoric feeling and the struggle against these symptoms create a vicious cycle that makes recovery more difficult.
Alcoholism is a progressive condition with diverse and complex causes. It is characterised by continued alcohol use despite the negative consequences. This can be explained by the fact that it triggers both psychological and physical dependence, increasing its addictive effect.
Loss of control and prioritising alcohol over other activities are signs of this medical disorder. You also develop tolerance, meaning that you need increasing amounts to achieve the same effect. As a result, the addiction steadily deepens.
Recognising alcoholism is often challenging, as people with an addiction frequently become very adept at concealing their problems. The following signs may indicate alcoholism:
I had just gone to bed when I was completely overwhelmed. My entire family and Peggy-Sue were standing in my home. They told me, “Things cannot go on like this; you have to do something about it.” The intervention, based on the Johnson Model, was completely unexpected, so it had a huge impact. I was given two choices: either I entered treatment, or I continued drinking and my family distanced themselves from me. It frightened me terribly, but I accepted the help straight away. My addiction had spiralled out of control, so deep down I knew I needed help. Although I felt a great deal of resistance at first, I ultimately persevered. Peggy-Sue helped me realise that recovery is a good thing. She taught me not to underestimate my addiction and, above all, not to trivialise it. I have my family back and, even more importantly, myself.
Together, we consider appropriate help: outpatient treatment, residential treatment, detox, intervention or family support. The pathway is tailored to the situation and its urgency.
"I had to choose between two evils. It was either call Peggy-Sue or choose my illness. The support gave me direction again."
Saskia (aged 27)
"I truly needed that confrontation. My family and Peggy-Sue showed me that things could not continue this way."
Jordan (aged 33)
"Peggy-Sue helped me understand what addiction is and what recovery can look like in practical terms."
Victor (aged 22)
