Areas of Practice

ADDICTION & SUBSTANCE ABUSE

About Addiction & Substance Abuse

Addiction is a condition where a person compulsively uses substances or engages in behaviors despite negative consequences. It affects the brain’s reward system, leading to cravings, loss of control, and harmful impact on daily life.
Addiction can result from a mix of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Stress, trauma, pain, and social influences also play a role, with repeated exposure to substances or behaviors increasing the risk of dependency.
Therapy helps individuals address the root causes of addiction, develop healthier coping strategies, and break negative behavior patterns.

Common Symptoms of Addiction & Substance Abuse

Cravings

A strong, persistent desire or urge to use the substance or engage in the behavior, even when it's harmful or unwanted.
Loss of Control

The inability to limit or control the amount of substance use or the behavior, despite attempts to stop or reduce it.
Negative Impacts on Daily Living

The individual continues the behavior or substance use despite consequences in daily living

Stages of Change in Addiction Recovery

Stage One: Pre-contemplation

At this stage, individuals are often actively engaging in the problematic area but not considering change & may even be denial.
Stage Two: Contemplation

The individual may begin to recognize their addiction is becoming an area of concern & may begin considering the prospect of change.
Stage Three: Preparation

A person may begin developing a plan for positive change, creating a support team, & setting therapeutic goals.
Stage Four: Action

The individual is taking active steps towards their recovery and engaging in their support plan. This area often requires consistency from the individual to make positive changes.
Stage Five: Maintenance

After the individual has made significantly positive change & their focus shifts to maintaining them to prevent relapse

Therapists Who Treat Addiction & Substance Abuse