Substance Abuse

Addiction is a disease that impacts brain chemistry and behavior. People who abuse drugs and alcohol or are addicted to substances aren’t weak or bad people. They are affected by a complex interaction of brain circuits, genetics, and life experiences. Though addiction is a disease, without substances abuse therapy it can ruin relationships, finances, professional reputations, and lives. Further still, it can complicate anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges.

Everyone’s path to addiction is different. Your experience of alcohol or drug use doesn’t have to be the same as someone else’s for it to be a problem. Our substance abuse therapy approach doesn't rely on a one-size-fits-all model. We will work closely with you to understand your situation, the root causes of your addiction (i.e., anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, poor coping, cultural factors, etc), what you want to change, and the ways that addiction is impacting your life. Together we will build a plan for treatment that considers your living and financial situation in order to customize a realistic plan for recovery.

Denial often makes the identification of addiction especially difficult. Denial distorts reality and lies to you. It’s the brain’s way of keeping you from closely scrutinizing your relationship with alcohol or drugs and the ways in which they impact your life. Alcoholism can be especially hard to identify because cultural norms regarding drinking often normalize alcohol abuse. A trained and experienced addiction counselor can help you recognize denial and challenge your distorted thoughts.

LGBT and queer people have higher rates of substance abuse and addiction. Our LGBT affirming therapists understand the relationships between sexuality, gender identity, and addiction.

We know the culture and the diversity of the LGBT and queer experience with alcohol and drugs. We understand that minority stress and trauma, not weakness or brokenness, explain the higher rates of addiction and substance abuse in the LGBT community. Let us help you to be honest with yourself and feel empowered in your relationship with alcohol and drugs.

Interventions for substance abuse and addiction can include:

• Individual Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Medication
• Rehab
• Nutritional Changes

We don’t have a magic wand, but we do have training and experience helping people establish healthier relationships with alcohol and drugs, achieve sobriety, and sustain recovery. The process of overcoming addiction isn’t easy, but you aren’t alone. Let our individual therapists for addiction support you today.

If you’re looking for help with addiction, please schedule an in-person appointment at our Lakeview offices or a telehealth appointment to meet virtually. We have a team of exceptionally trained and experienced psychologists, social workers, and clinical counselors ready to help you overcome substance abuse, addiction, or an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or drugs.