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What are Substance Use Disorders?

Substance use disorders (SUD) are treatable mental health conditions identified by behavior and biological symptoms. Substance use behaviors are chronic, often include relapsing and worsen over time. Individuals suffering from addiction often engage in compulsive behaviors despite desire and active effort to stop.

Despite cultural stigma, no one intends to become addicted. Individuals from all walks of life unintentionally develop addictions over time. Whether using recreationally, a tool to cope with life stressors or developing from prescribed medications, addictions develop for numerous reasons.

Long-term addiction can be observed as permanent changes to the brain’s structure. Overtime, prolonged use erodes a person’s ability to make rational decisions, control their behavior, making the cycle harder to escape. Left untreated can lead to life-altering impacts including, permanent memory loss, reduced motor functions, and diseases can have fatal outcomes.

Addiction thrives in isolation. It can be overwhelming to seek support. It takes immense courage and integrity to take that first-step, but you are not alone on this journey.  

What does working together look like?

Consultation

During our initial call, I’ll learn about where your needs, substance use concerns and goals for therapy. I’ll provide an overview clinical approach to address your needs. If we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your intake session.

Intake

Beginning therapy, we’ll lay the foundation for our work together. Exploring your history, identifying immediate concerns, priorities, and clarify goals.

Using Evidenced-Based Interventions for treating substance use disorders to focus on your goals. Some potential examples:

Therapy Focus Areas

  • Developing coping skills to manage distressing thoughts & feelings.

  • Identify areas for potential relapse and create prevention plan to manage cravings.

  • Develop relationships and support network to aid recovery goals

  • Explore unprocessed trauma and unconscious beliefs influencing substance use behaviors.

Growth & Evolution

We will continue to evolve and refine our treatment focuses. Ensuring the pace and focus are meeting your needs. By collaborating, we’re able to adjust to changing needs and goals. Recovery is a process, not a destination.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

―Carl R. Rogers,

What if don’t know if I want to quit?

My role isn’t to force you into an abstinence only, complete a 12-step program or push an agenda of change you aren’t wanting. I’m here to provide guidance, hold space and work with you on goals authentic to you.

I operate from a harm reduction model prioritizing safety and preserving dignity, compared to rigid abstinence only models. This evidence-based approach has been proven to reduce illness, fatalities and long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

Whether you’re curious about exploring your relationship with substances, wanting change or are on your recovery journey, I’m here to support your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Substance use can often go unnoticed as signs can be subtle. Some signs which may indicate a person may be struggling with substance use are changes in appearance, uncharacteristic mood swings, changes in school or work performance, and missing social obligations.

  • Early models treating addiction emphasized “will-power” and corollated addiction and relapse as moral failings. These narratives, which have been empericaly disproven, continue perpetuating myths that those struggling chose addiction.

    In reality, addiction is a chronic disorder that affects brain chemistry; impairing the ability to control their cravings and not engage in substance use.

    False myths condemn people who become addicted are “lazy” only care about getting “high”. Long-term addiction is often driven to ease withdrawal symptoms, cope with co-occurring mental health concerns, physical discomfort, and interpersonal challenges.

  • Yes, several factors can make one more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Some of these include: family members with history of substance use, environmental factors, co-occurring mental disorders, social environment, developmental history and access to substances at an early age.

  • No, Alcoholic Anonymous is one path among many for those seeking support with their recovery. Many alternatives exist including SMART Recovery, The Phoenix, NA, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS).

“It is impossible to understand addiction without asking what relief the addict finds, or hopes to find, in the drug or the addictive behaviour.”

- Gabor Maté

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re curious for additional information or are ready to start your journey, fill out the contact form.

I aim to get back to you within one business day.