Addiction & Substance Abuse Therapy

Do you find it challenging to decrease your substance use or addictive behavior, despite wanting to?

  • Are other areas of your life, such as work, home, school, or relationships, being neglected?
  • Is a significant amount of your time spent on the addictive behavior or thinking about obtaining drugs, using them, or recovering from their effects?
  • Are cravings to use the substance or engage in the addictive behavior becoming overwhelming?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex condition characterized by the repeated use of substances, such as drugs or alcohol, despite the negative consequences they cause. SUD can have a profound impact on various aspects of an individual's life, including their physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. When substances are consumed, they interact with the brain's reward system, leading to pleasurable effects and reinforcing the desire to use them again.

Over time, this repetitive substance use can alter the brain's structure and function, disrupting normal cognitive processes, decision-making abilities, and impulse control. As SUD progresses, individuals may develop a tolerance, needing larger amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effects, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or cut back. The cycle of addiction can be powerful and overwhelming, as it hijacks the brain's reward system and impairs an individual's ability to control their substance use, ultimately leading to significant disruptions in their personal, social, and professional life.

It's important to understand that addiction is a chronic disease that requires specialized care and support. If you or someone you know is facing these challenges, know that you are not alone, and there is help available.

Signs of Addiction and Substance Abuse

  • Increased tolerance: Needing larger amounts of a substance to achieve the desired effect. Over time, the same amount of substance no longer produces the desired high.

  • Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce substance use. These symptoms can include nausea, tremors, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and intense cravings.

  • Loss of control: Being unable to stop or control substance use despite negative consequences. You may have a persistent desire to quit or cut back but find it extremely challenging to do so.

  • Neglected responsibilities: Prioritizing substance use over work, school, or family obligations. You may find yourself neglecting important tasks or duties due to preoccupation with obtaining and using the substance.

  • Relationship problems: Experiencing conflicts and difficulties in relationships due to substance abuse. Substance use can lead to strained relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, and colleagues.

Signs, side effects, and withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the specific addiction one is facing. Each addiction presents its own unique set of indicators, physical and psychological effects, and withdrawal symptoms.

Types of Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders can involve a variety of substances, each with its own unique effects and risks. It's important to be aware of the different types of substance use disorders to understand the specific challenges they present.

Some common types of substance use disorders include:

  • Alcohol

  • Caffeine

  • Inhalants

  • Cannabis / marijuana

  • Opioids

  • Hallucinogens (i.e. phencyclidine, LSD)

  • Sedatives, Hypnotics, and Anxiolytics

  • Tobacco

  • Stimulants (i.e. cocaine, amphetamine)

Common Types of Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addiction refers to compulsive patterns of behavior that can become addictive and have negative impacts on an individual's life. While substance abuse is commonly associated with addiction, behavioral addictions do not involve the consumption of substances but rather the engagement in certain activities or behaviors.

Similar to substance addictions, behavioral addictions can result in a loss of control, leading to an overwhelming preoccupation with the addictive behavior. Individuals may find themselves constantly thinking about and engaging in the behavior, often at the expense of their personal relationships, work or academic performance, and overall well-being.

Behavioral addictions can trigger similar neurochemical responses in the brain's reward system as substance addictions. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when engaging in these behaviors, creating a reinforcing cycle that can lead to cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal-like symptoms when the behavior is interrupted or restricted.

The consequences of behavioral addictions can be severe, affecting various areas of life and causing significant distress.

  • Gambling addiction

  • Gaming addiction

  • Internet and social media addiction

  • Shopping addiction

  • Compulsive exercise

  • Workaholism (addiction to work)

  • Eating disorders (e.g., binge eating, bulimia)

  • Self-harm or self-destructive behaviors

  • Compulsive hoarding or collecting

Co-Occurring Disorders:

Addressing the full picture

It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with addiction to also experience co-occurring mental health disorders. These are known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Addressing both the addiction and the underlying mental health conditions is crucial for successful recovery.

Co-occurring disorders can include:

  • Anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, etc.

  • Mood disorders: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, etc.

  • Trauma-related disorders: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex Trauma, etc.

  • Personality disorders: Borderline Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, etc.

  • Psychotic disorders: Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, etc.

By integrating the treatment of addiction and co-occurring disorders, we can address the interconnectedness of these conditions and provide comprehensive care for your overall well-being.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Therapy in New Jersey and Florida

What To Expect In Therapy Sessions

  • Comprehensive assessment: I will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your unique situation, including the substances involved, the severity of the addiction, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment will guide the development of an individualized treatment plan.

  • Individual therapy: Through individual therapy sessions, we will explore the underlying factors contributing to your addiction, develop coping strategies, and work towards sustainable recovery. I will incorporate CBT techniques to help you identify and modify unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors related to addiction.

  • Relapse prevention: I will provide you with the tools and strategies to prevent relapse and manage cravings effectively. We will work on developing healthy coping mechanisms, enhancing your resilience, and creating a relapse prevention plan tailored to your specific needs.

  • Support for co-occurring disorders: Many individuals with addiction also experience co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related conditions. I am trained in addressing co-occurring disorders and will provide integrated treatment to address both addiction and mental health concerns.

  • Collaborative approach: I believe in a collaborative approach to treatment, involving you as an active participant in your recovery journey. We will work together to set achievable goals, track progress, and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

  • Other Support: In addition to therapy, I may recommend additional resources and support services to complement your treatment. This may include support groups, family therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or referrals to specialized addiction treatment programs.

As a mental health therapist specializing in substance abuse and addiction, I provide compassionate and evidence-based care to help individuals overcome their struggles. I am experienced in utilizing various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to address the complex nature of addiction and support lasting recovery.

You don't have to face addiction and substance abuse alone.

Together, we can work towards breaking free from the cycle of addiction, rebuilding your life, and reclaiming your future.

If you're ready to take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life, I encourage you to reach out.

Contact me to schedule a confidential consultation or to learn more about the services I provide.

Let's embark on this journey of healing and recovery together.