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Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance abuse is defined as the "continual misuse of any mind altering substance which severely interferes with an individual's physical and mental health, social situation, and responsibilities". It is a pattern of use that persists even when there are negative consequences to the user and those around them.
Substance abuse often leads to addiction where there is not only an increase in tolerance, but also withdrawal symptoms when the substance is no longer being used.
Alcohol abuse is the most common problem, but substance abuse can occur with any drug such as marijuana, prescription medications, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, heroin, or volatile substances such as glue and aerosols.
Substance abuse can and should be addressed and treated at any of the stages of abuse — experimentation, regular use, risky use, dependence, or addiction. Despite popular belief, people do not need to "hit bottom" before they can benefit from help. The earlier substance abuse is addressed, the better. The longer it continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the more difficult it becomes to treat.
The process of treatment involves addressing physical issues along with the mental reasons behind substance abuse. Addiction is a powerful driving force that can lead to many negative events in your life.
The recovery process occurs as you gain awareness and manage your behavior in terms of:
1. Abstaining from alcohol and drugs
2. Separating from negative influences and establishing social networks that are supportive of recovery
3. Stopping self-defeating behaviors
4. Learning to manage feelings and emotions responsibly
5. Learning to change addictive thinking patterns
6. Identifying and changing mistaken core beliefs that promote irrational thinking.
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Getting Through a Trigger - Back to drug Addiction
Recovery is damn hard, especially when you are surrounded by triggers. I know that no matter where you are there willalways be some kind of trigger close by, but that doesn’t make handling themany easier. Lots of things set me off,from someone that might look familiar to the smell of cigarette smoke, and evenseeing a bus [...]
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Drug Addiction & Denial
Defense mechanisms are coping strategies used to deal with the everyday stress of living life on life’s terms. They are helpful tools, when used in managing the variety of “curve balls†that life can throw, acting as a filter when hurtful, overwhelming or stressful events occur.Defense mechanisms can cross over to the unhealthy when the person employing [...]
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Drug Addiction & Trauma
The statistics linking trauma and substance abuse are eye-opening: it is estimated that up to two-thirds of men and women who seek treatment for addiction also have experienced some form of trauma in their past – be it sexual, physical, psychological or emotional. Other forms of trauma include military combat, natural disasters, violent acts, severe [...]
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Getting Honest
The Truth is…I’m in pain. I’m in so much pain that sometimes I don’t think I can stand up. The pain is less of an emotional distress, and more of a shame. I’m so ashamed of what I’ve done in my past that sometimes I don’t feel like I can move on with the future.Once upon a time [...]
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Addiction and Older Adults
Addiction and Older Adults The term “baby boomers†refers to the estimated 77 million infants born in this country between 1946 and 1964 – the largest-ever American generation. The “charter members,†those born in 1946, will turn 65 in 2011 and the average baby boomer is expected to live to be about 83-years-old.This generation has [...]
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The Boy
So, I know we’re not supposed to, and it’s like the ultimate taboo, but… There’s this boy! He’s 23, so he’s like 4 years older than me, but I don’t care, and neither does he. He’s super cute. I realize that we’re not supposed to talk to the boys, but I’ve never felt this way [...]
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Tips For Parents - Drug Addiction Treatment
Tips For Parents - Drug Addiction TreatmentMaybe you’re concerned that your child is using drugs or alcohol.The question is: What can you do to help them before addiction ruins or even claims their life?The answer: PLENTY!Perhaps you’ve already “been there, done that and got the been-to-treatment t-shirt.â€The question is: does that mean they’re “cured†[...]
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60 Days Clean - landmark event in my sobriety
Today was definately interesting… to say the least! Staying clean is always a struggle, I think we can all relate to that. However no matter how hard it gets, the tough times can often be reminders of all the beautiful relationships we have developed since getting clean. Today was one of those days for me.This morning I [...]
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Staying Local - uncovering all my relapse triggers
Staying Local After RehabThere is nothing easy about leaving treatment. It seems like from the day I started rehab the only thing I could think about was getting out. At the beginning I saw getting out of drug rehab as the ultimate goal, it seemed to me that if I could just finish my time in detox, [...]
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Detox is the Beginning- The Work Begins after drug detox
The Work Begins After DetoxWhen I was first encountered with the idea of drug rehab the only thing I thought about was the physical withdrawal I would inevitably be forced to endure. After I was told there would be a medical detox, which would make me comfortable and alleviate the withdrawal pains I was so fearful [...]
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The Boy pt.2 - Peter relapsing again (drugs again) !
Today was the worst day of my life. Peter relapsed. I can’t believe it, I just can’t. I guess he went out to a meeting with his roommate last night, and instead of going to the meeting they went and got high. I first noticed he was missing when he wasn’t at breakfast. I [...]
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Dealing with Pain
Dealing with pain is one of the things I’ve spent my entire life trying to avoid. I think the avoidance of issues involving personal struggle, or emotional injury is something innately human. There is no one in the world, or no healthy being rather that would choose to suffer instead of be at peace. That [...]
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