Department of Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the treatment?
Treatment will involve individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions with a qualified psychologist. CBT involves developing practical skills and strategies to help you better manage your anxiety and drinking. This treatment has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of these problems.
The skills we will cover include:
- Understanding how to approach high risk situations by setting realistic goals
- Identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns
- Learning practical skills to manage your cravings
- Understanding how your drinking and social anxiety interact
- Examining the beliefs that maintain your low self confidence
- Identifying and improving relationship issues with family/friends
- Enhancing life satisfaction by beginning to engage in activities that anxiety has stopped you from attending or enjoying
You will also receive a medical consultation to determine whether the medication Naltrexone (Revia) would be of assistance in reducing or stopping drinking. All treatments have been shown to be effective in previous research studies.
** Please note. Treatment sessions for the Combined Alcohol & Soial Phobia trial will conclude at the end of 2011. We will be accepting the final participants into treatment in early October 2011. If you are interested in participating, please contact us as soon as possible to secure your place.
What is the medication? How will it affect me? Are the medications addictive?
Naltrexone (Revia®) blocks the 'high' or 'euphoria' that alcohol can induce. This medication is not addictive.
More information about Naltrexone
Are there any side effects? I want to participate in the program but am afraid of side effects of the medications.
Side effects are rare - only occurring in <10% of people and will dissipate within a couple of weeks. The side effects that have been reported include fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea and/or headache depending on the medication you receive. The few clients that have reported side effects state that the advantages associated with abstinence far out-weigh initial side effects.
Taking medication is not compulsory for participation. If you would like to be involved in the project but are not sure about taking medication please contact us to discuss your concerns.
I have a job, how flexible will the program be with my work times?
Appointments are flexible throughout the week and some after hours/weekend appointments are available. Speak to our staff about your scheduling needs and we will endeavor to arrange mutually convenient appointment times.
I don't think I have an alcohol problem, my family member just wants me to participate?
It is required that you possess at least some intention to diminish your alcohol intake. Obviously, as you are the person who will be attending the appointments and taking the medications, it is important that you are the one willing to try the programme.
What happens if I forget/cannot make an appointment?
If you cannot make an appointment, simply contact one of the friendly researchers and inform them (Ph. 9850 8670). If you forget or do not turn up then you can expect to receive a kind call from one of the researchers or psychologists.
How will information about me be treated?
Any information or personal details gathered in the course of the study are completely confidential. You will not be individually identified in any publication of the results. Only members of the CASP research team will have access to the data. Some other researchers investigating social phobia who are affiliated with our team may be given access to your responses, but any identifying information, such as names or personal details will be removed before access is granted.
I live out of Sydney, are there any options for me?
The Australian Psychological Society provides a referral service to help you find a psychologist to suit your needs. Call: 1800 333 497, or visit their website.
How much is a standard drink?
In Australia, the use of standard drink sizes have been designed to help people monitor their alcohol consumption and exercise control over the amount they drink. Different types of alcoholic drinks contain different amounts of pure alcohol. A
standard drink is defined as one that contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. The following guide can help you in determining how much you are currently drinking:
How do I know if I have an alcohol problem?
According to NHMRC guidelines, harmful drinking is considered 29 or more standard drinks of alcohol per week for men, and 14 or more standard drinks per week for women.
If you are relying on alcohol to get through or recover from social situations, and your drinking has caused problems with your health, relationships, work/study, or arguments with family or friends, then you are likely to benefit from our treatment program.
To find out more about how you fit in, take our ALCOHOL SELF-TEST, or read our Fact Sheet about Alcohol.
How do I know if I have social anxiety?
People who suffer what is often called social phobia or social anxiety disorder experience extreme shyness. That is, they worry a great deal about what other people think about them, and often feel that people are thinking negatively or judgementally. People who are socially anxious may feel uncomfortable in any situation where they may be the focus of attention. They worry that they will act in an embarrassing or humiliating way.
As a result of these worries, people with social anxiety often avoid social activities such as going to parties, attending meetings, giving talks, making telephone calls, being assertive and even writing, drinking or eating in front of others. Over time, socially anxious people can develop a restricted and unfulfilling lifestyle, including feeling lonely and isolated. As a result, people with social anxiety often suffer from low self-esteem.
To find out more about how you fit in, take our SOCIAL ANXIETY SELF-TEST or read our Fact Sheet about Social Anxiety.
Source: most questions taken from the Sydney Alcohol Treatment Group website.
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