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Alcohol is a drug

February 8, 2023 by Shan Oliver MS LPCS

Alcohol is a drug. I know, shocking, isn’t it? I did not grow up thinking alcohol was a drug. But after almost 10 years working in the treatment of substance abuse, I know it’s true. I believe it is the most difficult drug to stop using. It is everywhere and it is encouraged everywhere. It’s harrowing to try to stop drinking alcohol when you go into a local gas station and there’s more beer than there is any other beverage in the store. Or when you go to the local discount store and there is an entire aisle devoted to alcoholic beverages. When you go to grandmother’s house, and she serves wine with dinner. Not to mention uncle Bob in the backyard and his keg. Interestingly, alcohol is not a problem if you don’t have a problem. Problems include DUI/DWIs, job loss, social isolation, family arguments about drinking, physical health issues as a result of drinking, and a myriad of other issues. Being an alcoholic is not how much you drink or how often you drink or who you drink with or why you drink, rather it is the consequences of your drinking. If you are able to drink with no consequences, you are probably a heavy drinker but not an alcoholic. You probably don’t know exactly how long it takes you to get to the liquor store before it closes. You probably don’t go to several different liquor stores because you don’t want the clerks to think you are an alcoholic. You probably don’t switch from liquor to beer in an effort to slow down drinking. You probably don’t have to rationalize or justify (lie or manipulate) drinking.

Nobody wants to be an alcoholic.  When you were 7 years old and asked what you wanted to be when you grow up – the answer was not an alcoholic. You also don’t become an alcoholic at your first drink.  You can drink for years and be fine.  Then suddenly you realize you have an alcohol problem.  Alcohol is physically addictive.  In fact, you can die from alcohol withdrawals.  And you can overdose on it.

Alcoholism is not a weakness of character. The Alcoholics I worked with in residential facility environments we’re self-medicating. Alcohol made them feel better about themselves and more socially acceptable – until they weren’t. If you believe you might have a problem with alcohol, go to a 12-step meeting. And most important see a therapist to find out what you’re self-medicating, why you’re self-medicating and alternatives to feel better about yourself and more socially acceptable.

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See what our clients have to say!

Kathleen Bradford
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Kathleen Bradford
February 12, 2024

Ray has been an extremely effective therapist utilizing a multitude of different techniques, including talk therapy and EMDR. He is very intuitive, kind, and sensitive to his patient's needs. Cannot recommend him enough.

Lauren Goodley
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Lauren Goodley
February 9, 2024

I love this place. Office is super helpful for scheduling and payments. I do all my appointments online. My counselor Raymund Begaye is always professional and helpful, and offers different therapies including talk therapy and EMDR. Counseling with Ray has improved my quality of life and ability to handle, and enjoy (!), my life.

Ryan Dicke
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Ryan Dicke
February 9, 2024

I have dealt with 2 therapists in the past, and I can tell you from experience that Raymund Begaye is world class. He has all the wisdom, grace and savvy of Hannibal Lector without the cannibalistic tendencies. Always selfless, supportive, and non judgemental, meeting Raymund has been a huge blessing in my life. I know from the bottom of my heart that he got into this business because he cares about people and the human element. He also thinks outside of the box. His knowledge and ability to conduct EMDR sessions have been pure gold. I was skeptical at first about EMDR, but after several sessions with Raymund I can honestly say past traumatic experiences that have kept me in a state of bondage, are not as intense as they once were. Raymund is a true American hero in many ways. He saved many lives fighting for our great country, and he continues to save lives by providing hope to the hopeless.

Stefanie Anderson
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Stefanie Anderson
February 9, 2024

I've been seeing Ray for over 3 years now. He has helped me work through so much of my trauma. We started with talk therapy and it was a big help. As we opened up through my past traumas, we utilized the EMDR therapy, and let me tell you, it works wonders. I'm not sure of the exact science behind why EMDR works but I promise it does. I've come along way from the start of my therapy journey. Ray is very patient, understanding, and even when you think he doesn't get it, he does. He's always been very reassuring and has let me ease into dealing with my past. I think I found my therapist for life because before him, I had gone through several therapists that never made me feel like I'm being heard. I would recommend the EMDR therapy to anyone. Thanks InMindOut for employing such a wonderful therapist. Please don't let him go anywhere lol.

Faith Harris
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Faith Harris
February 8, 2024

My therapist has been Ray B since fall of 2021. I was diagnosed with PTSD after the death of my husband. We were together 24 years and have a son. I know I'm alive today thanks to God and Ray. His techniques, patience, experience, care, effort, ideas and many more I can't think of, have been amazing. Ray is a blessing in my life.

Maggie Anaya
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Maggie Anaya
February 3, 2024

Great therapists, always friendly

Charles Earley
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Charles Earley
January 17, 2024

Canceled 3 weeks in a row.

Jessica Wicklund
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Jessica Wicklund
December 25, 2023

I saw your video on FailArmy. Sorry your beautiful ferns got stolen. If I ever make it to your area I’ll have to stop by and check it out. Looks like a cool place!

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