Substance Use

Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.  People with addictions use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.  Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases. 

~Adopted by the ASAM Board of Directors, September 15, 2019

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Although the moral model of addiction is still prevalent in society today, there has been a shift towards a more accurate understanding of substance use disorder.  The moral model views addiction as a character flaw or moral failure, often leading to shame.  This perspective may cause individuals to hide their disorder rather than reach out and seek the help they need.  A more compassionate and less stigmatizing way of understanding addiction is through the biopsychosocial model, which considers the complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to an individual's vulnerability to developing an addiction.    

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Risk factors vary from person to person.  Biological risk factors may include a genetic predisposition, neurochemical imbalances, and substance use beginning at an early age.  Psychological risk factors may include mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, learned behaviors, and impulsivity.  Social risk factors may include peer pressure, social norms, socioeconomic status, exposure to life stressors, accessibility, and legality.

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​​​​Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of substance use disorder may include unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use, cravings or a strong desire to use the substance of choice, continued use despite negative consequences, needing more of the substance to achieve intoxication, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.  ​

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Treatment Approach

Effective treatment involves addressing the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to substance use disorder.  Several levels of treatment are available in the community and include medically managed intensive inpatient treatment, residential treatment, day treatment, intensive outpatient programs, and non-intensive individual and/or group therapy.  My services would be considered non-intensive individual therapy.  Goals for treatment may include addressing underlying mental illness, developing relapse prevention strategies, learning healthy coping skills to avoid substance use, addressing grief from secondary losses as a result of substance use, and improving relationships and social supports.  

 

​If you have any questions or want to learn more about my treatment approach, contact me for a free 30-minute phone consultation.