Drug & Alcohol Addiction

What is Addiction?

In the simplest terms, addiction is an unhealthy coping skill used for managing unwanted emotions, trauma history, impulsivity, mental health problems, and dysfunctional relationships. Dependence on substances can interfere with close connections, professional pursuits, or financial stability. When severe and untreated it can present legal issues, loss of family relationships & work opportunities.

Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery is an individual journey; no two people heal from addiction with the same treatment course or timeline. If you’ve completed residential treatment and an intensive outpatient program, you’re at the beginning. Consistent treatment, sober community support, relapse prevention training, and accountability are essential for sustained recovery.

I can help you heal from substance dependence by working to uncover and intervene in family dysfunction, negative beliefs, and impulse control. Trauma is at the root of addiction and should be addressed once you’re ready. Watch here.

Treatment Options for Addiction:

Family of Origin Work is very important when in addiction treatment. Addiction frequently has roots in dysfunctional family systems, family roles & expectations. Recovery from addiction means redefining these relationships and uncovering family triggers that may have contributed to the development of drug & alcohol dependence.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps to identify negative thought patterns that lead to correlating negative behaviors & feelings.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a skills-based therapy that teaches practical exercises to help you with core mindfulness, impulsivity, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship effectiveness.
Brainspotting is an integrative body-based psychotherapy approach especially designed to facilitate healing from the trauma that can contribute to the development of addiction.
Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) is a skills-based intervention to reduce negative feelings, thoughts, and beliefs.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) & Mindfulness Training helps reduce the impact of substance use triggers. Mindfulness is an important tool when in treatment for addiction & mental health. It helps you connect with yourself which strengthens inner awareness, the ability to observe your thoughts & behaviors, and builds resilience.
Essential wellness activities including regular exercise, a nutrient-dense diet, stress management, mindfulness and/or spiritual practices, journaling, building supportive connections, and play.