Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — mental health conditions in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 29.5 million Americans aged 12 and older had AUD in 2022. Despite its prevalence, fewer than 10% of those affected receive any form of treatment. Stigma, shame, and a lack of accessible care keep millions from getting the help they need.
At Berkley Wellness in Breckenridge, TX, we believe that addiction is not a moral failing — it is a medical condition that deserves the same compassion and clinical rigor as any other health concern. Our dual-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Cortney Berkley, DNP, offers confidential, judgment-free mental health counseling for alcohol use disorder and addiction, combining evidence-based therapy with medication management and holistic wellness strategies.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
- The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction
- Our Approach to Addiction Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for AUD
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- The Sinclair Method at Berkley Wellness
- Holistic Wellness and Recovery Support
- Telehealth Options for Addiction Counseling
- Why Choose Berkley Wellness
- Taking the First Step
- FAQ
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Common signs of AUD include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or stop drinking
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
- Experiencing cravings or strong urges to drink
- Continued drinking despite relationship, work, or health problems
- Developing tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
AUD is diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The severity — mild, moderate, or severe — depends on how many criteria a person meets. Regardless of where someone falls on this spectrum, effective treatment is available, and recovery is possible.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction
One of the most critical aspects of treating alcohol use disorder is addressing co-occurring mental health conditions. Research consistently shows that AUD rarely exists in isolation. Individuals with alcohol use disorder are significantly more likely to experience:
- Depression — Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can worsen depressive symptoms over time, creating a vicious cycle of self-medication and worsening mood.
- Anxiety disorders — Many people use alcohol to cope with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or panic disorder, only to find that alcohol withdrawal amplifies their anxiety.
- PTSD and trauma — Trauma survivors frequently turn to alcohol to numb painful memories, flashbacks, and hypervigilance.
- ADHD — Impulsivity associated with ADHD increases the risk of developing substance use disorders, including AUD.
- Bipolar disorder — The mood instability of bipolar disorder can lead to increased alcohol consumption during manic or depressive episodes.
At Berkley Wellness, we take a dual-diagnosis approach, meaning we assess and treat both the addiction and the underlying mental health conditions simultaneously. Treating one without the other often leads to relapse, which is why integrated care is essential for lasting recovery.
Our Approach to Addiction Counseling
Our addiction counseling program is built on three foundational pillars:
1. Evidence-Based Psychotherapy
We use clinically proven therapeutic modalities tailored to each patient's unique needs, history, and goals. Our primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supplemented by motivational interviewing, relapse prevention planning, and mindfulness-based techniques.
2. Medication Management
When appropriate, we incorporate FDA-approved medications to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support long-term sobriety. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has been shown to significantly improve outcomes when combined with counseling.
3. Holistic Wellness Integration
Recovery is not just about stopping drinking — it is about building a fulfilling, healthy life. We incorporate nutritional guidance, stress management, sleep optimization, and hormone health into our treatment plans because physical wellness directly impacts mental health and recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for AUD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for alcohol use disorder. CBT works by helping patients identify and change the thought patterns and behaviors that drive their drinking.
In CBT sessions at Berkley Wellness, patients learn to:
- Recognize triggers — Identify the people, places, emotions, and situations that prompt the urge to drink
- Challenge distorted thinking — Replace negative thought patterns ("I can't cope without alcohol") with healthier, more accurate beliefs
- Develop coping strategies — Build a personalized toolkit of healthy responses to stress, anxiety, boredom, and social pressure
- Practice refusal skills — Rehearse saying no in social situations where alcohol is present
- Set achievable goals — Work toward measurable milestones, whether that is reduced drinking, moderation, or full abstinence
CBT is typically delivered in structured sessions over several weeks or months, with homework assignments that reinforce skills between appointments. The goal is to give patients the mental tools they need to maintain long-term sobriety.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines behavioral therapy with medications that target the neurological pathways involved in addiction. At Berkley Wellness, we may prescribe one or more of the following FDA-approved medications for AUD:
- Naltrexone — Blocks the opioid receptors in the brain that produce the pleasurable effects of alcohol, reducing cravings and the reward associated with drinking. Available in oral and injectable forms.
- Acamprosate (Campral) — Helps restore the brain's chemical balance after prolonged alcohol use, reducing symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness that can trigger relapse.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) — Creates an unpleasant physical reaction (nausea, flushing, headache) when alcohol is consumed, serving as a deterrent to drinking.
MAT is not a "crutch" or a replacement for willpower — it is a scientifically validated tool that addresses the biological component of addiction. When used in conjunction with therapy, MAT significantly reduces relapse rates and improves quality of life.
The Sinclair Method at Berkley Wellness
One of the innovative approaches we offer is The Sinclair Method (TSM), a pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder that uses naltrexone in a targeted way. Unlike traditional approaches that require complete abstinence from the start, TSM involves taking naltrexone one hour before drinking.
Over time, TSM works through a process called pharmacological extinction — the brain gradually unlearns the association between alcohol and pleasure. Clinical studies have shown that TSM has a success rate of approximately 78% in reducing drinking to safe levels or achieving abstinence.
The Sinclair Method may be an excellent option for patients who:
- Have struggled with traditional abstinence-based programs
- Want to reduce their drinking gradually rather than stopping cold turkey
- Are looking for a science-backed, low-pressure approach to recovery
- Want to maintain a sense of control over their treatment journey
To learn more about this approach, read our detailed guide on The Sinclair Method.
Holistic Wellness and Recovery Support
At Berkley Wellness, we understand that recovery extends far beyond the therapy room. Alcohol use disorder affects every aspect of a person's health — physical, emotional, and social. That is why we offer comprehensive wellness services that support the whole person:
- Hormone optimization — Chronic alcohol use disrupts hormonal balance, including testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol levels. Our hormone therapy and testosterone therapy services help restore balance during recovery.
- Nutritional support — Alcohol depletes essential vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins. Our B12 injection therapy can help replenish stores and restore energy levels.
- Cellular recovery — NAD+ injections support cellular repair, improve mental clarity, and reduce cravings — making them a powerful complement to addiction treatment.
- Stress management — We teach evidence-based stress reduction techniques, including mindfulness, breathing exercises, and lifestyle modifications that reduce the risk of relapse.
This integrated approach ensures that patients are not just sober — they are thriving.
Telehealth Options for Addiction Counseling
We understand that seeking help for alcohol use disorder can be intimidating, especially in a small community. That is why Berkley Wellness offers secure telehealth appointments for addiction counseling and medication management.
Telehealth allows patients to:
- Receive care from the privacy and comfort of home
- Avoid the stigma of being seen entering a clinic for addiction services
- Access treatment regardless of location (available throughout Texas)
- Maintain consistent appointment schedules without travel barriers
Our telehealth platform is HIPAA-compliant, ensuring that all sessions are completely confidential. Whether you are in Breckenridge, Abilene, Fort Worth, or anywhere in Texas, we are here for you.
Why Choose Berkley Wellness
Choosing a provider for addiction counseling is a deeply personal decision. Here is what sets Berkley Wellness apart:
- Dual-certified expertise — Cortney Berkley holds certifications as both a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), giving her the unique ability to address both physical and mental health needs.
- 20+ years of experience — With over two decades in healthcare, Cortney brings a depth of clinical knowledge and compassion to every patient encounter.
- Judgment-free environment — We believe in meeting patients where they are, without shame or stigma. Your journey is your own, and we are here to support it.
- Personalized treatment plans — No two patients are alike. We create individualized care plans that reflect your specific goals, challenges, and circumstances.
- Integrated services — From mental health counseling to hormone therapy, weight management, and nutritional support, we offer a full spectrum of wellness services under one roof.
Taking the First Step
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use disorder, know that you are not alone — and you do not have to figure this out by yourself. Recovery begins with a single step, and that step can be as simple as making a phone call.
Contact Berkley Wellness today to schedule a confidential consultation. Call us at (254) 212-8014 or book online. We offer both in-person appointments at our Breckenridge, TX clinic and telehealth visits for patients throughout Texas.
You deserve a life free from the grip of alcohol. Let us help you get there.
FAQ
What is alcohol use disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences. It ranges from mild to severe and is diagnosed using clinical criteria from the DSM-5. AUD is treatable with a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Does Berkley Wellness treat addiction?
Yes. Berkley Wellness offers mental health counseling for alcohol use disorder and addiction. Our services include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), The Sinclair Method, and holistic wellness support.
What is The Sinclair Method?
The Sinclair Method is an evidence-based treatment for AUD that uses naltrexone taken one hour before drinking. Over time, it reduces the brain's association between alcohol and pleasure through pharmacological extinction, with a reported success rate of approximately 78%.
Can I receive addiction counseling via telehealth?
Absolutely. Berkley Wellness offers HIPAA-compliant telehealth appointments for addiction counseling and medication management. Telehealth is available to patients throughout the state of Texas.
Do I need to be completely sober to start treatment?
No. We meet patients where they are. Whether your goal is complete abstinence, reduced drinking, or harm reduction, we will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and comfort level.
What medications are used for alcohol use disorder?
FDA-approved medications for AUD include naltrexone (reduces cravings), acamprosate (restores brain chemistry), and disulfiram (creates aversion to alcohol). Your provider will determine which medication, if any, is appropriate for your situation.
Is addiction counseling confidential?
Yes. All sessions at Berkley Wellness — whether in-person or via telehealth — are completely confidential and HIPAA-compliant. Your privacy is our priority.
How do I get started?
Call Berkley Wellness at (254) 212-8014 or visit our contact page to schedule a confidential consultation. We accept both in-person and telehealth appointments.