After a DWI stop, you may feel overwhelmed and worried about your future. If you fear that alcohol use disorder may contribute to your DWI, treatment may not only help you live a more healthy life, but it may help your case.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, many people with AUD benefit from alcohol counseling or behavioral therapy.
Motivational enhancement therapy
In motivational therapy, your focus on the benefits and disadvantages of treatment. Think about how alcohol currently affects your life and what your life looks like without its influence. Motivational enhancement therapy strengthens your ability to stick to a plan. You may become more confident in your ability to change your current drinking habits.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive therapy tends to involve small groups or one-on-one sessions. Most people have feelings and situations that trigger an interest in drinking. For example, some people drink heavily when under stress. Others may drink heavily when around certain social groups. In counseling, you identify your triggers and learn to manage them to keep you from relapsing later. In some cases, you may need to learn new skills to cope with situations. While you may avoid some triggers, like a social group, you cannot always avoid stress.
In some cases, you may choose to include your family in behavioral therapy. Some family members may play an important, supportive role in recovery. When you have family with you, you have a higher likelihood of maintaining positive drinking behaviors. Additionally, family therapy can repair relationships harmed through drinking.
Generally, choosing to receive treatment is more important than the type of treatment.
