Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling

• Are you experiencing problems in your life because of your substance abuse?
• Do you struggle with challenges in your recovery and recently experienced a relapse?
• Have you had difficulties developing new coping skills in sobriety?

Determining if your use of substances is problematic, or whether or not you have an addiction, is an important first step is making a decision about your life. Not everyone who abuses substances is addicted, but addiction is a progressive condition that can result in serious life consequences if left untreated.

Addiction can include many things and take many forms inclusive of addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs, or illegal and prescription drugs, or even medical marijuana. Additionally, there are process addictions such as gambling, gaming, and sexual compulsivity.

Below are some signs and symptoms of addiction:

• Increase tolerance in the amount used/consumed.
• Increased frequency of the amount used/consumed.
• Loss of control (ie binge use, blackouts)
• Changes in behavior (ie isolation, change in social group)
• Changes in personality (ie irritability, secrecy)
• Consequences because of use (ie DUI, loss of family/friends, health concerns)

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, addiction affects 20.2 million adults in the United States. Recovery from an addiction can be a difficult journey when attempting to do it alone, for the individual, but also for families, who are negatively affected and in need of support.

Making changes to live life as a sober individual is often difficult and the challenges can feel overwhelming, but it is important to know that there are many effective approaches to treating addiction that can result in a healthy and fulfilling life. There is help available, and there is hope.