Substance Abuse, Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors
Substance abuse, addiction and compulsive behaviors are all serious concerns that can have a devastating impact on a person's life. They can lead to health, financial, or relationship problems and even legal matters. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these issues, help is available. Therapy can be an effective way to address these problems and start on the road to recovery.
Whether you are struggling with an addiction to a substance like alcohol or drugs or a process addiction such as gambling, excessive spending or emotional eating, these are all examples of compulsive behaviors that are often accompanied by shame, guilt, self judgment and remorse. Whether you are in the process of determining whether you have a problem with substance abuse or a compulsive behavior or are already in recovery, our counselors can help you gain insight into unproductive beliefs that may lead to or exacerbate compulsive or unhealthy behaviors, identify new ways and tools to address underlying emotional needs, and redirect yourself towards engaging in more productive and healthy behaviors.
There are many different types of therapy that can be helpful for people struggling with substance abuse, addiction, and compulsive behaviors. Some of the most common types of therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps people identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that may underlie addiction.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Many studies have shown that DBT, a type of CBT that was specifically designed to help people with emotion management and self-destructive behaviors, has proven helpful with the development of new and more productive coping skills, as well as learning to self soothe in a healthy way.
Motivational interviewing (MI): MI is a non-judgmental approach to therapy that helps people explore and increase their motivation to change.
Therapy be a very effective way to address substance abuse, addiction and compulsive behaviors by helping people to:
Understand the root of their addiction: Therapy can help people understand the factors that may have contributed to their addiction, such as childhood trauma, mental health problems or stress.
Develop coping skills: Therapy can help people develop healthy coping skills to deal with stress and other environmental triggers that can lead to relapse.
Build a support network: Therapy can help people identify their needs for socialization and support and encourage them to build a supportive social network.
Stay motivated: Therapy can help people stay motivated on their journey to recovery.