Find Substance Use Counseling

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical and psychological condition that involves the problematic use of alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences. It affects brain function, behavior, relationships, and physical health. SUD is more than occasional use or bad habits—it's a chronic, often relapsing condition that changes how the brain perceives pleasure, stress, and decision-making.

Key signs include:

• Inability to control use
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Cravings or strong urges to use
• Building a tolerance (needing more to feel the effect)
• Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
• Neglecting responsibilities or activities due to substance use

SUD can range from mild to severe, and early intervention through substance abuse counseling increases the chances of long-term recovery.

Not everyone who uses substances has a problem. Many people drink socially or use prescription medications responsibly. The key difference lies in how much the substance use interferes with your life.

Casual use typically:

• Is infrequent and within safe limits
• Doesn't cause significant harm or consequences
• Isn't used to cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma
• Can be easily stopped or moderated

Problematic use or addiction, on the other hand:

• Escalates over time
• Is used to self-medicate emotional pain
• Interferes with relationships, work, health, or legal standing
• Feels out of control

A substance use therapist can help you or your loved one assess where you fall on this spectrum and explore next steps without pressure or shame.

It can be hard to recognize when use has become a problem, especially because denial and secrecy are common. Some questions to ask include:

• Do you or your loved one use substances to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, or boredom?
• Has use led to conflicts, job loss, health problems, or legal trouble?
• Are there efforts to cut back that haven't been successful?
• Are friends or family worried, even if you aren't?
• Is more of the substance needed over time to feel the same effect?
• Are you hiding how much or how often you use?

If you answered "yes" to several of these, substance abuse counseling may be beneficial. Early support can prevent deeper harm and offer pathways toward healing.

Substance use and mental health are deeply connected. Many people with addiction also live with co-occurring disorders, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD or complex trauma
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders

Substances are often used as a way to numb emotional pain, regulate mood, or cope with past trauma. But over time, they tend to worsen these conditions. A skilled substance abuse therapist will treat the whole person—not just the substance use.

Yes, and this is essential. Integrated treatment is key to long-term recovery for people with co-occurring disorders. When you only treat one issue—say, the addiction but not the depression—both tend to come back.

Effective addiction therapists use approaches that address both substance use and mental health, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Reframes harmful thought patterns and behaviors
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Strengthens your internal motivation for change
• Trauma-informed care: Helps heal the root causes of addiction, not just the symptoms

This kind of comprehensive approach is often called dual diagnosis treatment.