Addiction
Therapy
How Addiction Starts
People form addiction to substances for many, many reasons. Some started using rather innocently with friends, just hanging out as teenagers and doing what teenagers do to feel cool. Some, young or old, started using and discovered great relief from every day problems — finding solace in those who gave them a sense of belonging to the “tribe” — almost a spiritual relief from a deeper suffering difficult to face.
Coping
Sadly, others may have suffered significant physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in their life where substance use has become the “way out," or way to cope, only to find things get worse.
In all cases, things always get worse when it comes to addiction. The disease is designed to get progressively worse. It hides in all kinds of ways disguised as the “right thing” or “a good idea at the time” in thoughts, feelings, and behavior without you ever noticing the argument it is winning. Addiction forms it owns reasons, usually without your input.
Things Just Get Worse
Responsibility is two words: “Response” and “ability”
— the ability to respond when responsibility is a
struggle and the least favorite option.
You Are the Way Out
None of the above is who you are.
Repeat, it is not who you are or aspire to be.
It is not your fault that it happened to you.
However, with help, be it AA, therapy, or both, you are the way out.
Being responsible for a substance-free life is developing a practice in responsibility, not a blame-game that means you are weak.
Forming New Habits
Even though that sounds good, it takes the collaborative work of at least two people to form new and healthier habits.
My approach to recovery and treatment comes from the point of view that substance abuse changes the natural structure of the brain in ways that force poor physical and emotional choices. You are not your brain, but you are responsible for its well-being: as the brain goes, so do you.
Recovery
Working with those in recovery who are struggling or looking to strengthen their practice of recovery is a specialty of mine. I have worked for 10 years with those who have substance problems in individual therapy, groups, and families.
When you call, we will talk a little about our work together and determine if we could be a good fit.
Addiction Issues
I Work With
I have the following specialties working with those in recovery from Addiction:
Worry about relapse
Self-blame
Loss
Betrayal
Rejection
Humiliation
Confidence