Coming to realize that you have a problem with substances can feel like the end, but actually it is the beginning. The beginning of the life you want to live. It takes a lot of courage to admit you have a problem and even more to seek help for it.
Maybe you wouldn’t call it abuse, but realize you’ve had some consequences. Maybe you’ve heard terms like addict or alcoholic and don’t want these labels. In clinical settings, it is generally now termed a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The label of addict assumes an identity, which is not the truth; it is a disorder. What you name it is of less importance than what you can do to address it.
Substance Use Disorders typically worsens over time and affects physical and psychological health. The sooner treatment is sought, the sooner the body and mind can begin to heal.
The stigma towards any behavioral/mental health condition, particularly substance use problems, comes with a lack of information and understanding. This stigma is what holds some people from reaching out for the care they truly need. But if we think about it, is there shame in seeking help for diabetes, asthma or arthritis? Of course not! These, with substance use disorders, are all chronic medical conditions that can be treated and attain remission.
There is no quick fix. It took time and other factors to reach this point and it will take time and other factors to heal.
Let’s work together and begin your path to a healthier and happier life. You have the power to change!
Please contact me today so we can talk about your goals for therapy.
Some of the factors which aid in this healing are lifestyle changes. Among a few are diet, exercise/movement; the mind, the body, and spirit are all connected.
- Do you have concerns about your use of substances?
- Does it leave you feeling empty, anxious, depressed or lost?
- Do you rely on a substance for fun/relaxation/to feel comfortable in social settings/intimacy/communicate, express emotions?
- Do you feel lonely even when others are around?
Here some questions to ask yourself:
- Have you ever gone out with friends for a couple of drinks and ended up drinking much more and for a lot longer than intended?
- Have you tried to cut back, but couldn’t?
- Have you ever felt guilty about your use?
- Have you continued to use even though your ability to meet obligations at home, work or school, has been affected negatively?
- Have you given up activities that you used to enjoy? Time with friends, exercise,
- Recurrent use despite knowledge of a physical or psychological condition that is made worse or caused by your use?
- Have you found that the same amount doesn’t give the same effect and more is needed?
- Do you feel physically sick if you stop?
Commonalities of persons with Substance Use Disorders
Lack of ability to cope with difficulties in life….(leads to numbing out)
Past trauma or events that need to be healed / processed / assimilated.
Negative beliefs affecting cognitions and subsequent unhealthy behaviors
Dr. Daniel Amen – Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The End of Mental Illness
Our brains are our most precious resource, and despite what you may have been told we all have the power to change them for the better, even with a diagnosis of mental illness. You’re not stuck with the brain you have! I hope you’ll tune in.
Mark Hyman, MD
The term “psychotherapy” encompasses a broad spectrum of interventions led by therapists, for the benefit of patients. A partial list of the things that psychotherapy may attempt to accomplish would include but not be limited to:
- providing a safe and trustworthy forum in which hurting people can discuss their present-day issues and problems
- providing a safe and trustworthy forum in which hurting people can talk about how they came to be the way they are (exploration of past experience)
- promoting the sharing and releasing of shameful and emotionally toxic experiences in a way that promotes personal empowerment and feelings of self-worth and belonging.
- teaching specific coping skills for managing specific problems and symptoms
From among this list, at least four specific therapy agendas may be discriminated:
- Supportive psychotherapy aims to offer patients a safe and trustworthy forum in which they may discuss the troubling aspects of their lives. The therapist strives to listen to the patient, who is encouraged to share emotionally. Coping-focused psychotherapy aims to teach patients specific and practical ways to cope with specific problems such as Depression, Anxiety, Panic and Substance Abuse relapse prevention. The best and most effective forms of coping-focused psychotherapy are those that are based on scientific research. Most any form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is recommended. Relapse Prevention programs are highly recommended.
- Social skills/interpersonal/growth psychotherapy aims to teach patients to become more emotionally and socially mature in their dealings with others. For a variety of reasons, many addicts tend to have poor interpersonal skills and to deal with their emotions in self-destructive ways. Social skills/interpersonal/growth psychotherapy helps patients to learn about and practice healthy ways of communicating with others.
- Exploratory psychotherapy aims at helping people to uncover the links between past experiences (trauma, violence, abuse, etc.) and present behavior. Because exploratory forms of psychotherapy often involve recalling painful past events, this sort of therapy can be disorganizing and itself traumatic to fragile recovering persons, and to dually diagnosed patients with psychotic or other severe symptoms, it is not recommended. There is much evidence in fact that healing from many forms of mental illness can proceed just fine without any need to bring up past traumas (the most effective forms of psychotherapy for improving functioning being the coping focused varieties). However, exploratory psychotherapy (and particularly a behavioral form known as exposure therapy) is useful in treating many anxiety and trauma-based disorders, and should not be ruled out as an option for recovering persons with stable sobriety under their belts.