Counselor responds to study linking child abuse to excessive drinking

ALTON — A WellSpring Resources director responded to a study indicating people who were abused as children are more likely to drink alcohol saying there is hope for those at risk via therapy.

According to a study published earlier this year in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, college students with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) drink more alcohol than their peers.

 

In addition to problems normally associated with alcohol abuse, the students’ heavier drinking also exacerbates their PTSD symptoms, the study found.

 

WellSpring Resources Director of Counseling Services Erin Bickle confirmed the study based on her research, saying that some people who were abused during childhood sometimes turn to drinking to mask the pain.

 

But there is help Bickle said, through cognitive behavioral therapy which WellSpring offers.

 

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

 

“By exploring patterns of thinking that lead to self-destructive actions and the beliefs that direct these thoughts, people with mental illness can modify their patterns of thinking to improve coping,” Bickle said.

Full Article:http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/news/1255209/Counselor-responds-to-study-linking-child-abuse-to-excessive-drinking

Photo Credit: http://www.understanding-child-abuse.com/alcohol-and-child-abuse.html