Addiction Counseling

Are you struggling to control your drinking or drug use?

Many people struggle to maintain a sense of control around their drug or alcohol use. Perhaps you’re trying to limit yourself to two drinks per day, or waiting to get high until the end of the day, but struggle to follow through on your goals. Maybe you’ve made promises to yourself or loved ones, but are finding it difficult to make real changes.

Are you starting to see consequences in your life because of your drinking or drug use?

People often become aware of the extent of their addiction after experiencing some undeniable, life altering consequence (or consequences) from their use. Perhaps you have experienced an arrest, the loss of an important job, the loss of a relationship, or a physical or mental health crisis. As difficult as these experiences are, they may provide a gift of increased self-awareness and motivation to change.

Do you feel embarrassed or ashamed about your drug or alcohol use or the things you have done because of your use?

The message that drug or alcohol addiction is shameful and should be hidden is prevalent in our society, and only makes the problem worse by isolating addicts. Many who struggle are led to believe that no one could possibly understand what they are going through, or understand how difficult it feels to quit.

Have you been in and out of recovery for a long time without establishing a clear sense of what you need to stay sober?

Perhaps you feel that it’s impossible for you to quit. Maybe you’ve tried psychotherapy, AA, NA, meditation, acupuncture, 30-day rehab programs, and medications, and nothing seems to stick.

Recovery is Possible

As isolating as it might feel, you are not alone in your struggles. Addiction and substance abuse are incredibly common in the US and in Colorado. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse around 22.7 million adolescent and adult Americans needed treatment for alcohol or drug addiction in 2013 and these rates have been increasing.

I see drug and alcohol abuse or addiction as intelligent coping strategies led astray. When our worlds don’t provide us with the skills or opportunities to be in authentic connection, the ability to self regulate when we feel out of control, or ways to experience the awe of being alive, it makes sense that we turn to substances (or addictive behaviors) to get these needs met. The problem is we become stuck, we lose our freedom of choice, and the thing that initially made us feel better, begins to tear us apart. Our brains and bodies adapt to our use, making it harder to achieve the effects that we crave, and more difficult to abstain. The addiction takes on a life of it’s own and we become sick.

Many people see addiction as a type of moral failing. People are often shamed for their use and expected to just “get it together” on their own. Yet research has shown us that addiction is a chronic disease that causes changes in the physiology and functioning of the brain. Much like diabetes or heart disease, it can be effectively treated and managed. In fact, studies have found that with proper treatment, relapse in addiction is less likely than relapse in other chronic physical diseases. Addiction focused therapy can help.

My Approach to Addiction Counseling:

I am trained in evidence-based treatment models that are proven to be effective in the treatment of addiction. I use these models in an integrated manner, based on the needs and interests of my clients. The foundation of my therapy is my belief that we all have an inherent wisdom and capacity for change, and that we change through compassion and connection to others, not through shame or isolation.

Engaging in therapy with me can provide:

Focused support around creating lasting self-reinforcing behavioral change
Increased awareness of the underlying causes of addictive patterns. Help identifying what you are really looking for, and finding new, sustainable ways to get your needs met
Establishment of new behavioral patterns that are rewarding and safe. There are healthy ways of accessing your brain’s reward system that can help reduce the desire to engage in addiction
Improved ability to connect with others. Often addiction arises out of our struggles to be in relationship. Therapy can help rebuild and rewire your capacity for connection
Trauma processing and integration
Identification of values and support in finding ways to connect with and act in line with what is important to you
Mindfulness skills that support you in accessing self-regulation and internal resources that provide a sense of safety and stability
Strength based substance abuse evaluations

Questions you might still have:

Does coming to addiction therapy mean that I have to quit completely?

I work with people who are in various phases on the substance abuse spectrum. I do not assume that all use is bad, or that the only answer is sobriety. I seek to help you identify what you need and what changes you are ready for.

Do I need to dig up all the dirt from my past?

You are in control of the pace and focus of the therapy sessions. It is often helpful to explore past trauma or experiences that led to feeling shame or self-doubt, but it is not required. The primary focus of my addiction counseling work is in skill building and supporting behavioral change.

Do I need a therapist, or should I just go to a twelve-step group?

Twelve step programs such as Alcoholic Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous provide incredible support and hold real potential for personal transformation, but they are not therapy. Working with a highly trained therapist who provides evidenced-based interventions is proven to be effective in changing addictive patterns, and works from a more holistic perspective; we look at relationships, trauma and mental health concerns, which are often connected to addiction. I often recommend that clients attend 12 step support groups in addition to therapy if they feel drawn to it.

Please reach out if you have any questions, or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment.