The Impact of Being an Adult Child of an Alcoholic

Are you wondering what’s the impact of being an adult child of an alcoholic? To find answers read on…

ACOA

Did you grow up in a home with an alcoholic parent or have a difficult childhood leading to anxiety, low self-esteem or relationship issues.

Some of the most common traits of adult children of alcoholics include:

Conflict Avoidance

Alcoholics are often angry, aggressive and irrational. So, as a result, adult children of alcoholics tend to avoid conflict. This leads to ‘people pleasing’ behaviour and a tendency to not ‘rock the boat’ as a safety mechanism.

Fearing Losing Control

Did you grow up in an unpredictable environment? If so, feeling the need to maintain control for two reasons is common. Firstly, for fear of provoking anger. And, secondly, to avoid feelings of upset and anger. This experience results in a strong desire to control your own behaviour. As well as people and situations that cause anxiety when this isn’t possible.

Co-Dependent Relationships

Many adult children of alcoholics develop unhealthy relationships in later life. Moreover, finding themselves attracted to emotionally unavailable people or those with compulsive issues. Sometimes needing to rescue other people which can lead to co-dependent relationships and neglecting their own needs. In addition, their self-esteem depends solely on the approval of their partner.

Fear of Authority

A parent figure is usually an example figure of authority. However, when their behaviour is unpredictable or threatening this leading to the child developing a fear of authority later in life. Furthermore, causing issues at work or other social situations.

Low Self Esteem

If you’ve been subjected to degrading behaviour this can produce low self-esteem in adult life. If you haven’t received praise or support as a child, it’s often hard giving or accepting praise in an adult relationship.

Further Help for ACOAs

In conclusion, if you’re an adult child of an alcoholic and identify with some of the issues mentioned above I’m more than happy to help you. I’ve helped many clients whose childhoods are impacting on the way they feel today.

If you’d like to talk about any of the issues raised here please do get in touch.

Alix Needham

My techniques guarantee that you remain in control at every session. These techniques, developed over 25 years, are so effective that many issues can be addressed in as little as three sessions and my location in the very heart of London means you can book sessions to work around work.

Adult Child Of An Alcoholic Or Acoa Issues

Stoptober Help
What is Stoptober? Stoptober takes place during the month of October and is a nationwide campaign encouraging people to quit smoking. It’s helpful as it can give people extra support and many people find challenges easier when faced alongside other people. Why is Smoking so Hard to Quit? A habit as deeply ingrained as smoking can be is extremely hard to kick. When relying on willpower alone, many people will unfortunately find the challenge too much. However, when you add something else into the mix – a way to address the deep rooted addiction of smoking – then it becomes much easier. Smoking is physically addictive but also emotionally and mentally addictive. Many people don’t realise how much these other aspects of the addiction are influencing their behaviour. Why Stoptober is a Good Time to Quit Everyone knows that smoking is inherently bad for you. Never a day goes by without scientific or medical reports featured in the media outlining the various health hazards caused by excessive smoking. The simple fact of the matter is that although many people have the desire to give up smoking, the reality is that when it comes down to finding the willpower and motivation required to actually give up, they find themselves struggling. This is why the Stoptober campaign offers hope for these individuals. The campaign provides that additional motivation for people, who require extra help in terms of willpower that’s required to be successful in breaking old patterns of behaviour. Another benefit of this kind of campaign is that it has been shown in many clinical studies that if an individual can refrain from smoking for a period of time such as 3 to 4 weeks, there is a significant increase in the chances of giving up smoking completely. The Stoptober campaign works by providing a starting block and because it is a national campaign it provides the opportunity for friends and family to get involved which can also help with motivation. Why You Might Need More Help However, the reality is that although this type of campaign does provide an initial burst of enthusiasm, as the days progress and the desires of the individual for a cigarette increases, their self discipline begins to weaken. This is where hypnotherapy for smoking cessation can help. Renowned for being a highly effective method of helping people to give up smoking, it provides a simple solution to keep focused on their goal at that time when the motivation and enthusiasm start to wane. Hypnotherapy for Stopping Smoking I’m Alix Needham, an advanced hypnotherapist who has been helping individuals for over 25 years with a variety of issues including giving up smoking. Why not get in touch and see how I could help you? I can often help people quit smoking in as little as three sessions. These can be either face to face from my central London hypnotherapy clinic or using online hypnotherapy so you can have sessions from the comfort of your own home. Read More About Stopping Smoking Best Way to Stop Smoking Naturally Hypnosis to Stop Smoking: A New Way to Quit Smoking Treatment: Case Study Smoking Cessation How to Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy
The Truth About Alcohol Dependency
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How to Cut Down on Alcohol
There are many good reasons to cut down on alcohol. Many people are seeking help with this problem, which affects millions of people. Drinking problems usually start with the odd social drink. But as time progresses, alcohol is used as a coping mechanism to deal with unresolved issues . Stress and Alcoholism Periods of stress such as long work hours, financial difficulties and even a newborn baby, can all become a catalyst for alcohol related problems. Inherently as stressful events continue, and the alcohol intake increases, a person’s drink dependency gets to the point where it needs to be addressed or serious repercussions can happen. So how do you cut down on your alcohol intake? One step at a time is probably the best advice to give. In addition there a few tips which should make life easier. Trying to have some alcohol free days. If you’re drinking every day, then drink alcohol only on alternative days. Avoiding situations that usually mean drinking. Trying to break the of drinking by developing other interests. Or going for a workout. Using relaxation techniques to reduce stress As habitual drinking is often used as stress reduction, taking part in other forms of relaxation will reduce your desire for alcohol. Anxiety and Alcohol For some people the circumstances in their lives become out of their control. And for some anxiety becomes overwhelming . In these situations drinking to excess becoming the only way of relaxing and forgetting about problems. Hypnotherapy to Cut Down on Alcohol Are having difficulty switching off and unable to manage your drinking? If so, consider a course of hypnotherapy. A trained hypnotherapist will provide appropriate treatment for controlling your alcohol intake. As well as supporting you in dealing with what’s causing of your desire to drink to excess. Contact me today to learn how I can help you cut down on alcohol. Further Reading on Alcohol & Addiction How much alcohol is too much alcohol Confessions of an alcoholic Is alcohol becoming a problem for you? Is alcohol dependency becoming a problem? Are you in denial about your drinking?
Is My Drinking A Problem?
Drinking problems are common in today’s society. Are you looking for drinking problem help? Many people are asking me questions such as …is my drinking a problem? Am I an alcoholic or not? However, the spectrum of drinking behaviour is not black or white. Moreover, alcohol addiction is a destructive force leading to a number of problems including relationship breakdown, stress and depression. Signs of a drinking problem may go unnoticed at first. However, many signals highlight that alcohol has become unhealthy. It’s important to recognise when drinking become a problem for you and those around you. Being truthful with yourself involves getting help and support. Tolerance for Alcohol Do you find that you need to drink more for the alcohol to have the same effect? This is because the body builds up a tolerance. In time, alcohol stopping having the same benefits it once had. You are then left dealing with your issues (unhappiness/stress/shyness etc.) alone. And when this becomes too much, you drink more in an attempt to recover what was lost. The unfortunate truth is that whilst it may feel like one or two drinks provide short term relief. In the long term this quick fix is making matters worse. Drink Related Health Problems Experiencing any kind of health problem due to drink means your habit has become a problem. These may include sickness, insomnia, sweating, stomach upsets. As well as depression and anxiety. These symptoms leading onto more serious illnesses such as heart disease further down the line. Changes in Behaviour/Mood Are you finding yourself in trouble at work or with the law? Perhaps feeling anxious or unhappy. In addition, engaging in uncharacteristic high risk behaviour. Alcohol can drastically alter your mood and behaviour. As a result you be may regretting the consequences, Especially if you start feeling out of control, aggressive or suffering from memory loss. Drink Reliance Do you find you’re relying on drinking so you can’t go without? Drinking becomes a problem when you feel unable to cope without it. Drinking should be a fun and optional activity. Relationship Breakdown Often the most noticeable sign that your drinking has become a problem is other people telling you so. Have your friends or family commented on your drinking .Or your moods and behaviours? Are you feeling isolated ? Perhaps struggling to maintain relationships? If so, then drinking has become a problem Other people may not be understanding what alcohol has become to you. The fact that you’re struggling to cope. So why not talk to an experienced professional who can help? What Next? Alcohol issues are usually symptoms of other problems. Are you turning to drink as a form of relief? Perhaps you’re dealing with a trauma or repressing memories that you find hard to face when sober. Maybe you have social anxiety and turning to alcohol for confidence. Whatever’s behind your drinking, hypnotherapy is the best way to discover the truth. If you’re looking for drinking problem help ? If so please do get in touch to learn more. Start creating a healthier relationship with alcohol, yourself and others. Further Reading on Drinking Problems What’s Causing Your Drinking Problem? Are You In Denial About Your Drinking? Effective Ways to Overcome A Drinking Problem How to Cut Down on Alcohol How Much Alcohol Is Too Much Alcohol?
What’s Causing Your Drinking Problem?
What’s causing your drinking problem? If you’re looking for answers read on. Alcoholism and drinking problems have no single cause. Instead drinking too excess is likely to be symptomatic of many factors. However, tackling the cause will help reducing your desire to drink. Common Causes of Drinking Problems. Stress Firstly prolonged stress causes a huge strain. Are you feeling pressurised by your job or having difficulties in your family? Maybe this is causing you to drink too much? Alcohol seemingly relieving your stress but the effects soon wearing off. Finding ways of managing stress is the best way of resolving your alcohol problem. Trauma Secondly have you experienced a trauma such as death of a loved one or someone close to you? Perhaps suffering from the effects of losing your job. These factors often linked to alcohol abuse. Moreover asking yourself is alcohol making you feel temporarily ‘happy’. Or simply helping you to forget. Unfortunately drinking often making matters worse. And avoidance failing to provide a long term solution. Depression Depression because of it’s nature causing some people to drink too excess. For some alcohol temporarily numbing their symptoms. But although, masking their problem it doesn’t provide an effective solution. Are you turning to alcohol to overcome feelings of desperation, misery or emptiness . If so please seek help for a better solution. Social Anxiety In addition are you drinking before a night out? Or suffering from social anxiety? Is drinking providing the extra courage you need to socialise ? Confidence Finally are you lacking confidence? Are you turning to alcohol to help you feel happier? Nevertheless drinking having the opposite effect once you sober up? In short are you making yourself weak and vulnerable by drinking too much? Social anxiety is much better treated with advanced hypnotherapy for building true confidence and releasing fear. Next Steps These are just a few of the issues that maybe causing your drinking problem. If you would like help with alcohol issues please don’t hesitate to get in touch Discover a safe, permanent and effective solution. Further Reading on Drinking Problems Case Study:; Help with Drinking Problems Are You In Denial About Your Drinking? Drinking problem hypnotherapy treatment Is My Drinking A Problem? How Online Hypnotherapy Helps with Unwanted Habits
Are You Suffering From an Addiction?
Are You Suffering From an Addiction? If so read on …. Addictions are varied and common. Some of the most common issues I help clients with are stopping smoking, alcohol problems and food addiction but others such as internet addiction are becoming increasingly prevalent. The most important question when we begin discussing addition is what constitutes an addiction? The truth is that any behaviour which is causing you or your loved ones problems can be treated as an addiction but there are three important points to consider: Is the behaviour maladaptive or counter-productive, undermining your ability to function normally in daily life? Is the behaviour persistent? Do you feel like you lack control and are unable to stop? If you answer yes to all of these it’s likely that you have an addiction. Warning Signs of Addiction Physical signs of addiction are usually those that show your body is struggling to deal with the pressure you’re putting on it. These can include bloodshot eyes, weight changes and disturbed sleep as well as many others. Psychological signs may include feeling fearful or anxious, obsession, changes in energy, mood swings, anger, personality changes and trouble with motivation. These may be hard for you to notice yourself so pay attention to how others are reacting to you or the opinions of your friends and family. It may be that they’ve been trying to express their concern but are unsure how to do so. Behavioural signs include things such as damaged relationships, loss of interest in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed, financial issues, fights, getting in trouble with the police and lying. Whilst some of these might seem quite extreme, ask yourself whether your habit is having any negative effect on your life, relationship or happiness. If it is, the sooner you seek help the more quickly you can find freedom from the controls of addiction and rebuild your life. Treatment for Addiction The good news is that addiction is not just lack of willpower or weakness, but a real medical problem that can be treated similarly to depression or anxiety. The causes of addiction are varied but it’s often possible to cure addiction by addressing the underlying issues. These could include traumatic experiences or memories, family history, other disorders such as depression and anxiety, low self-esteem or reliance. Hypnotherapy Treatment Hypnotherapy is an effective way of achieving permanent behaviour changes because it addresses the cause of the behaviour. I can help you break free of your addiction for good rather than having to struggle each day with willpower alone. To learn more about how I can help you with any type of addiction please do get in touch. Further Reading on Addiction Signs of Relationship Addiction How to Cut Down on Alcohol Online Therapy to Lose Weight Hypnosis to Stop Smoking: A New Way to Quit Do You Have A Work Obsession?
Are You In Denial About Your Drinking?
Signs of Relationship Addiction
What are the Signs of Relationship Addiction? A relationship addict is someone who is addicted to being in a relationship and struggles to function or feel complete without one. These people have probably had multiple relationships and messy breakups. They may seem to repeatedly make the same mistakes or get involved with the wrong people. They live in a world of paradoxes – craving love and affection but with a desperation that often attracts people who fear commitment or who treat them poorly. This cycle can be painful and destructive and with all their energy going into finding, attracting and pleasing another person, they often have very little time and energy for themselves. Without a relationship they may feel lost, depressed, alone, empty, unworthy and anxious. At the start of a relationship they will often display great excitement and move quickly from attraction to attachment. Sadly, the nature of these intense relationships means that the addict then experiences more anxiety as they struggle to build and maintain the commitment. A growing feeling of unease and dissatisfaction quickly develops. When the relationship ends they are left at the mercy of despair, worthlessness, guilt and anger, constantly ruminating about what went wrong. Friends may try to comfort and reason with them, but deep down they want that relationship back, no matter how toxic it was. The only cure they see is a new relationship. Common Traits Co-dependence – many addicts find themselves repeatedly in unhealthy co-dependant relationships. These relationships involve excessive control or compliance, often with one partner lacking self-sufficiency and autonomy. One person holds all the power and the addict goes along with it because they are afraid of losing the person. They may also have an overwhelming desire to “fix” the other person which makes them stay in the relationship much longer than is healthy. Outbursts and apologies – relationship addicts often fear ‘rocking the boat’ and try to keep all of their complaints or issues to themselves. Sooner or later this descends into an angry outburst, often followed by strong feelings of guilt, remorse and fervent apologies. Feelings of inadequacy – because relationship addicts measure most of their worth by their value to another person, their own self-view is often distorted. They rarely feel happy with their lives, their appearance or their own personality. They set extremely high expectations for themselves, believing they have to earn their worth from another, but they set very low standards for their partner. Stress or depression – when things are not going well and the relationship needs are not being met the addict may start to feel very anxious, stressed or depressed. They may not have learned healthy ways to deal with emotions on their own or have strong enough self-worth to handle these things alone. Patience – relationship addicts are often very patient people. They can withstand a lot that others might not endure in order to protect their relationship status. They may hang on to unhealthy or toxic relationships for far longer than many others would. Treatment for Relationship Addiction If you recognise some of these traits in yourself and want help to end this cycle, consider my unique form of hypnotherapy and coaching treatment. Together we can tackle the addiction head-on – identify the subconscious roots of the habit which perpetuate the addiction, find you freedom from the harmful urges and foster self-respect and self-worth. With hypnosis and relationship coaching you can begin to find health and happiness in other areas of your life and begin to love and trust in yourself. This outlook is much more likely to result in happiness and true, lasting love from another. Please do get in touch to learn more about how I can help. Further Reading Are You Suffering From an Addiction? Online Hypnotherapy for Relationship Issues How to Escape Toxic Relationships Co-Dependent Relationships