Substance abuse and addiction are often misunderstood and stigmatized, rather than approached in both a practical and introspective manner. How do you know if your substance use is significant enough to warrant seeking therapy? Has your work performance been decreasing or have your co-workers or boss commented on your tardiness or lackluster performance? Have your relationships been affected over your use (have your friends or family members expressed concern over your use, do you get into conflicts with your loved ones over your use, or have you said or done regrettable things while drunk or high)? Is your health being impacted (fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite, abnormal bloodwork, fatty liver, chronic sinus infections, dental problems, etc.)? Do you have legal issues due to your use? Are you feeling disconnected spiritually? Are you struggling with mood swings or symptoms of depression or anxiety? Or are you simply concerned over the amount that you drink or use? An initial consultation may help to determine if you are the right fit for individual therapy with a focus on substance abuse, and in some circumstances a referral to a higher level of care will be made.

Whether you are struggling with staying sober, have just graduated from rehab, or even suspect that you may have an issue with substance abuse, therapy can help address the underlying issues that fueled your addiction, help you to better understand your triggers, and help you process and explore ways in which you can lead a life worth living. A dialectical abstinence/harm-reduction model is used for therapy in this area, with a focus on identifying internal and external triggers, learning coping skills to manage triggers, and also developing a plan for dialectical abstinence—relapse is not impossible and relapse does not mean you have to stay relapsed.