Addiction and Substance Abuse

Addictions and substance abuse involve compulsive behaviors formed in an attempt to soothe oneself and manage negative emotions. Fundamentally, addiction is a complex brain disease. Failing to address addiction can lead to increasingly destructive behavior, harmful symptoms, and negative life consequences.

Identification and Symptoms

Sometimes it can be challenging to determine when a type of behavior has escalated into a full-blown addiction. After all, partaking in something often does not necessarily mean it is a problem. Addiction refers more specifically to actions and coping mechanisms that become overused or misused, interfering with your ability to function and perform necessary tasks.

Signs that behaviors have become an addiction:

• Being unable to do things you need to do because you are too busy engaging in a particular behavior
• Becoming distant from family or friends or having major relationship struggles
• Suffering from impacted areas of function
• Struggling to complete assignments or tasks for school or work

Dual-diagnosis is common with addiction, and during therapy, we will attempt to explore all potential underlying factors. I have experience working with many substance addictions, including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines as well as other oftentimes prescribed medications such as benzodiazepines, opiates and Adderall. My expertise also extends beyond substances and includes a broad range of addictions, such as gambling, shopping, food, sex, internet and social media, and more.

Causes of Addiction

Addiction is a multifactorial disease rooted in feelings of profound disconnect. Though some people are more biologically prone to addictive behavior, everyone looks for ways to care for themselves and cope with distress. In other words, they are a form of self-implemented treatment. Under certain circumstances, anyone can become addicted to such behaviors, and sometimes users may not even be aware of what drives their addiction.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Treatment does not focus narrowly on the substance or behavior in question. Rather, it is essential to look beneath the surface at motivational factors. Together, we will take a holistic look at your life through a trauma-focused lens and explore what might be happening that leads you to engage in your addiction.

I incorporate both abstinence and harm-reduction models to accommodate my client’s unique needs, circumstances, and goals. I am not here to make choices for you but rather to walk with you and provide support as you figure out the best way to take care of yourself. My ultimate objective is to connect you to useful resources and help you find positive ways of coping.