Counselling for individuals is a goal-orientated support-approach which requires the active participation of a committed individual. It entails that specific behavioural patterns be addressed, skills be developed to alter and improve reaction to specific problematic temptations, dependencies and recurring trends or tendencies. The eventual outcome of repetitive sessions aims to enable and empower the individual to regain control of his/her reaction to and interaction with substances, to improve self-esteem and establish an overall wellness and solution in all regards pertaining to the causes, stimulators and situations which may aggravate the occurrence or hinder the progression to overall recovery.

This syndrome is formally classified as a chronic disorder rendering the individual dependent upon significant amounts of alcohol on an ongoing and frequent basis. In being dependent upon alcohol, the individual has little control over his or her urge (or perceived need) to consume it. The dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the use of alcohol.

Its existence constitutes a behavioural disorder.

The necessity of counselling will benefit the individual when it is determined that the individual’s normal course of existence is disrupted to the extent that negative consequences or results occur, whether by the dependence or withdrawal.

From a counselling perspective, the solution lies in altering the recurring existing behavioural patterns.

Trust is established between the counsellor and the individual in order to enable the counsellor to guide and empower the individual to establish a solution inspired – depending on the individual’s needs and unique circumstances – by a combination of any of the following approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioural Adaption: Aiming in the long terms to support the indefinite solution by preventing relapse. By imparting skills upon the individual to enable him/her to understand problems and the risk of their occurrence or temptation, and the ability to cope with these challenges in a healthier method, it constitutes an important part of the holistic approach.
• Dependency Management: The counsellor supports the development of skills to manage urges, to stop abusive consumption of alcohol, and remain committed to recovering from the dependence.
• Community Reinforcement: Encouraging the adherence to a holistic approach, improvement of the individual’s relationships with close family members is considered and discussed and attended to should the individual’s needs and circumstances require such involvement.
• Motivational Enhancement Encouragement: By establishing which behavioural problems occurred resultant of alcohol dependency, the individual and counsellor determines whether guidance is required to solve subsequent and ongoing challenges in order to promote the individuals indefinite commitment to remaining recovered once counselling concludes.