Substance Abuse

Substance abuse or addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps on you slowly. You start by needing to take a drug that makes you feel better. Sooner or later, that need becomes stronger, and you become dependent on that substance. That’s the point where counseling comes in. Whether you are battling drug addiction or alcohol abuse, the team at Counseling Works is here to help. Our therapists work closely with people with substance abuse disorders to help them regain control, developing strategies and skills to discontinue this harmful behavior.

What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is a progressive and relapse-prone condition that leads to loss of control over the use of legal or illegal drugs. Many people think of marijuana and alcohol when talking about substance abuse. However, besides these, there are many other addictive substances that are known to create dependence. Types of substance use disorders in the United States involve the use of:

• Alcohol
• Prescription drugs (stimulants, anti-anxiety medication, painkillers)
• Methamphetamine
• Opioid (Opium, Morphine, Heroin)
• Tobacco (cigarettes, cigars)
• Cocaine
• Marijuana

Are You Struggling With Substance Abuse?

Recognizing the signs of substance abuse is the first step to getting the much-needed help for yourself or someone you care about. Watch out for behavioral, physical, and psychological signs, such as:

• Social withdrawal or secretiveness about whereabouts
• Unexplained spending habits or financial problems
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Missing school, work, or other important engagements
• Physical injury or illness
• Legal problems, like frequent arrests for driving while intoxicated
• Relationship problems
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Short term memory loss

How Does Counseling Help With Substance Abuse?

Here at Counseling Works, we believe that recovery from substance abuse entails more than simply breaking dependence on drugs. Our therapists strive to offer more to make the recovery journey more successful by helping you or your loved one with:

• A new perspective – Counseling allows for a new viewpoint, which helps the client identify any behaviors, thoughts, or habits that make them want to use drugs. Our counselor will then help change these destructive patterns by using therapies that allow people suffering from addiction to learn new approaches.
• Support – Many people with a substance abuse problem may feel isolated or alone. However, when they seek counseling, they choose to connect with a professional who really cares about helping them and giving them the tools to succeed.
• Coping strategies – Substance abuse counseling teaches people coping strategies by helping them recognize the triggers that lead them to use drugs or alcohol. Thus, they will be better equipped to resist these triggers when they arise again.
• Relapse prevention – One of the benefits of counseling is helping people with substance abuse issues find effective ways to remain sober during and after the treatment program.
• Tools to repair and maintain healthier relationships – Substance abuse often leads to weakened or broken Our therapists teach skills for creating new and repairing broken relationships, which is essential during the recovery journey.

Ready to explore how overcoming substance abuse can help you or how to better cope with a loved one struggling with drugs or alcohol?

Recovery from substance abuse is considerably easier when you have a professional counselor by your side. If you wish to learn more about substance abuse counseling or know a loved one who needs it, get in touch with us today.