Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a condition characterized by a strong urge to consume alcohol compulsively, often resulting in repeated relapses despite efforts to quit.

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Woman Suffering With Alcohol Addiction
Dr Pamela Walters

Dr Pamela Walters

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Dr. Pamela Walters is our Medical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist at Eulas.

Page last updated:

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, often termed alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic condition characterised by an inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. People struggling with alcohol addiction might experience strong cravings, withdraw from social and work responsibilities, and even develop severe health complications like liver disease or heart issues.

Why It’s a Growing Concern

  • Escalating Statistics: The rate of alcohol misuse has been climbing, impacting individuals across all age groups and backgrounds.
  • Complex Nature of Dependency: Alcohol addiction isn’t just about the substance itself; it’s influenced by psychological, social, and biological factors.
  • Need for Effective Solutions: Conventional programs can be effective, but they don’t work for everyone. This gap has paved the way for alternative alcohol addiction treatments, such as ketamine therapy, to gain popularity.
What is alcohol addiction

Alcohol Addiction and Ketamine Therapy

Alcohol addiction and ketamine therapy has become a much-discussed topic in recent years, especially for those seeking an alcohol addiction treatment that goes beyond traditional methods. The reasons are clear: with alcohol abuse affecting millions of lives globally, innovative and evidence-based treatments are in high demand.

Ketamine therapy, once known primarily as an anaesthetic, now stands at the forefront of alternative and holistic approaches. But what exactly is this new approach, and how might it reshape the way we view addiction recovery?

Supporting someone who has symptoms of alcohol addiction

Ketamine Assisted Therapy For Alcoholism

Trials showed ketamine-assisted therapy delivered 86% abstinence at 6 months post treatment, which is significantly more than the approximate 25% abstinence in the standard treatment. Trial participants also experienced significant improvement in liver function and substantial decrease in depression.

The results were published in the American journal of psychiatry in January 2022.

 

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Addiction Stages

Alcohol addiction, like many addictions, can develop over time and progress through several stages.While the progression of alcohol addiction can vary from person to person, there are some common stages that many individuals go through. These stages include:

  • 1.Experimental stage

    This stage typically occurs during adolescence or young adulthood when an individual first starts experimenting with alcohol. During this stage, drinking is occasional and usually in social settings.

    eld by your GP to gain a comprehensive understanding of your medical background. This part of the process is necessary to ensure that it’s safe for you to receive treatment. For example, high blood pressure can be a contraindication for ketamine therapy.

  • 2. Regular use

    In this stage, an individual begins to drink regularly, often to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues. At this stage, the individual may start to drink alone, and the amount of alcohol consumed begins to increase.

  • 3. Problematic use

    During this stage, alcohol use becomes problematic and can cause negative consequences in the individual’s life, such as problems at work, financial issues, or trouble with the law. The individual may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop drinking.

  • 4.Dependence

    At this stage, an individual has developed a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. They may experience intense cravings and struggle to stop drinking, even when they want to. The individual may experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking, such as tremors, sweating, and nausea.

  • 5.Addiction

    In this final stage, an individual’s entire life may revolve around drinking, and they may experience severe negative consequences, such as damaged relationships, job loss, or serious health problems. They may feel unable to stop drinking, despite the harm it is causing in their life.

Benefits of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a form of psychotherapy that involves the use of the drug ketamine to enhance the therapeutic process. KAP sessions are typically conducted with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist, who guides the patient through the experience while also providing therapeutic support.

During a KAP session, the patient receives a controlled dose of ketamine, typically administered through an IV infusion, nasal spray, or oral medication. The therapist then engages in talk therapy with the patient, using the altered state of consciousness induced by the ketamine to explore and address underlying emotional and psychological issues. The goal is to help the patient gain insight into their thoughts and feelings, process past traumas, and make positive changes in their behavior and relationships.

Rapid relief of symptoms

Ketamine can induce a temporary altered state of consciousness that has been shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. This can provide immediate relief to individuals who may be struggling with severe symptoms.

Enhanced therapeutic experience

The use of ketamine during therapy sessions can enhance the therapeutic experience by providing a deeper level of insight and understanding into one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can help individuals gain greater self-awareness, process past traumas, and make positive changes in their lives.

Increased motivation

Ketamine has been found to have a mood-enhancing effect that can increase motivation and help individuals feel more engaged in the therapeutic process.

Long-lasting effects

Some studies have found that the benefits of KAP can last beyond the immediate effects of the drug, with some patients experiencing sustained improvements in symptoms for weeks or months after treatment.


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Meet The Team

Find out how we use brand new developments in psychedelic advamcements to help improve addiction recovery for our clients

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    David Clogg

    Psychotherapist

    With over 15 years experience, David Clogg is an experienced psychotherapist specialising in the treatment of various mental health conditions.

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    Dr Alexander Lapa

    Psychiatrist

    Dr. Lapa, Psychiatrist at Eulas Clinics, graduated in Medicine in 2000. MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified.

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    John Gillen

    CEO & Director

    For the past two decades John Gillen has dedicated his life to exploring the latest NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) therapies, delivering cutting-edge treatments to the UK and across Europe.

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    Sean Gillen

    Registered Manager / Director

    Sean has over 10 years’ experience in the field, during this time he has been an integral part of various services management structure.

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    Dr Pamela Walters

    Medical Director

    Pamela is our MD and consultant psychiatrist, offering extensive experience and expertise in general adult, addiction and forensic psychiatry.

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    Dr David Luke

    Patron

    Dr David Luke is currently a highly experienced Honorary Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich.

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    Dr Lee M Riddell

    Consultant Anaesthetist

    Dr. Riddell has over 20 years of experience working with ketamine therapy and brings a wealth of expertise in the mental health sector.

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    Dr Luqman Khan

    Psychiatrist

    Dr Luqman Khan (MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych) is a highly experienced and well-qualified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in general psychiatry and addiction services.

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    Dr Christoph Zwolan

    Lead Therapist

    Christoph is a Senior Counselling Psychologist and Psychedelic Integration Therapist based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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    Meghan Newton

    Virtual Reality Therapist and Admin

    Psychology graduate working as an administrator in the addiction sector, with experience in administrative duties. Further responsibilities in areas of: compliance and risk, training and development and data analysis.

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    Raymond McGregor

    Pharmacist

    Raymond McGregor is an experienced pharmacist with a strong background in providing expert pharmaceutical care.

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Enquire About Treatment Today

Eulas Clinic, we pride ourselves on being Scotland’s first psychedelic addiction treatment centre, offering safe, effective, and empathetic care. If you’re ready to explore how ketamine treatment in Scotland could benefit you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

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