Substance Abuse
There are a variety of substance abuse treatment programs. These include outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, partial-hospitalization, residential, and half-way houses. The decision to receive treatment can be very difficult. It is important to allow a trained substance abuse professional to assess the appropriate level of care and make treatment recommendations.
I believe that addressing substance abuse requires more than one approach. In addition to receiving individual therapy from me, many of my clients attend AA/NA/CA meetings, Celebrate Recovery, meet with sponsors, have weekly structured activities, develop new social networks, and receive couples/family counseling. It takes a collaborative approach to address addiction.
You may be wondering if you have a problem with alcohol or drugs. I see clients who have varying degrees of addiction. In the substance abuse field we determine the scale from abusing a substance to being dependent on a substance. The following questions may assist you in determining whether or not setting up an appointment with me would be helpful.
- Have you ever wanted to cut down on your drinking or drug use but were unable to do so?
- Have you ever wanted to quit but then went back to using?
- Have you planned to only have one drink, one line, or one pill but ended up taking more?
- Has anyone been angry with you because of your using?
- Have you ever felt guilty, embarrassed, or ashamed of your use?
- Have you ever tried to hide your using habits from others?
- Have you been in trouble with the law or at work due to your drinking or drug use?
“Secret” Addictions
Sometimes these other situations present themselves in combination with alcohol and drug abuse. They can also stand alone as a presenting problem:
- Addiction to Unhealthy Relationships
- Sexual Addiction
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Body Image Issues
- Food/Eating Disorders