Addiction Treatment

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We use substances to escape the discomfort we experience during sobriety and/or to achieve feelings and mood states that aren’t accessible to us in our sober state. Substances are initially very effective at getting us to these places. Unfortunately, the price we pay for that temporary relief can sabotage our relationships, career, health, and freedom, and can worsen the feelings we were trying to escape in the first place. In our society, drinking and use of other substances is often normalized. However, if your substance use has increased over time, has become difficult to manage, or started to negatively impact your life and relationships, it’s important to reach out to a professional for help.    

 

Symptoms

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Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders vary greatly based on the substance, frequency of use, and amount used. Common symptoms of substance use disorders include the following: 

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• Substance is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

• Desire and/or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.

• A great deal of time is spent in activities to obtain, use, or recover from the side effects of the substance.

• Strong desire to use the substance.

• Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home.

• Continued use despite persistent social problems caused by substance use.

• Tolerance: Needing to use larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect.

• ​Withdrawal: Psychological and/or physical discomfort that occurs when no longer using the substance. Withdrawal symptoms vary in severity based on the substance used. Withdrawal from Alcohol or Benzodiazepines can be potentially life threatening and you may need to consult a physician before attempting to stop using these substances.

 

Treatment Options 

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Over time, substance use can damage our brain’s ability to function. However, with therapy and reduction or elimination of substance use, our brain can heal and our mood and functioning can improve. The following approaches to therapy can help facilitate this process:

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Motivational Interviewing: Your therapist will use a non-judgmental approach to help you evaluate your relationship with substances, examine current and potential consequences of continuing or discontinuing use, and work to increase your motivation and confidence to change. 

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Psychodynamic Therapy: Your therapist will work with you to bring awareness to past experiences and/or unresolved conflicts that may play an unconscious role in current feelings and behaviors impacting substance use. With an increased awareness of the root causes and patterns of your current experience, you are better able to make lasting changes.

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Mindfulness Training: Your therapist will teach you various coping and relaxation techniques to manage urges and cravings, reduce stress, and gain clarity regarding your thoughts and decision making. 

 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Your therapist will help you discover thought patterns, behaviors, or core beliefs that impact your thoughts and feelings and contribute to substance use. Once identified you will begin to develop strategies and skills to redirect your patterns of thinking.

 

Support Groups: Attending support groups can help you gain social support and insight from other people with similar experiences. Please see the “Resources” page on our website for more information on local support groups. 

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Medication: There are multiple options for medications that can help curb cravings and urges to use substances. Our therapists are happy to refer you to a medical provider who can evaluate whether medication could be helpful in your treatment. 

 

Get Help Today

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Shame, guilt, anger, sadness, and hopelessness are all common feelings among people struggling with substance use. When we reduce or eliminate substance use, our brains are able to heal and our mood and quality of life can improve. Reach out today, and we will connect you with a therapist who can partner with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs, and will help you get started on your path to recovery.