The Roots of Addiction
Substance Use Disorder (SUD), as defined in the DSM-5, is a clinical disorder characterized by a pattern of symptoms caused by persistent substance use, even when it results in harmful consequences. An individual who is struggling with SUD experiences an intense, enduring, and often irresistible desire for their effects of substances like alcohol or drugs.
Addiction remains a significant crisis in the United States:
- Over 48 million people struggle with SUD annually, representing about 17.3% of the population.
- Drug overdose deaths surpassed 106,000 in 2022, this was primarily driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects 29.5 million adults yearly.
It’s important to remember that SUD is a complex medical condition, not a personal failure. SUD can be addressed through evidence-based addiction recovery services such as addiction recovery counseling services with licensed addiction therapists, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), group therapy, and more. With support, recovery is possible.
So, what are the signs of addiction?
Understanding the signs of addiction is the first step toward getting help or helping someone you love. Here are a few of the most common indicators of addiction:
- Problems at work or school, including poor performance, lateness, and social dysfunction.
- Performing risky behaviors while intoxicated.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
- Lying about consumption habits or getting defensive/aggressive when questioned about consumption.
- Changes in behavior such as secrecy, mood swings, or loss of interest in activities.
- Neglecting one’s physical appearance.
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
Whether you or someone you know is struggling, individual therapy for substance use and other addiction recovery treatment services can offer tailored support on your path to healing.
The importance of seeking help.
Addiction is a complex disorder, and although not everyone’s journey to recovery looks the same, it’s possible with the right support. Seeking help through substance use therapy or behavioral therapy for substance use can provide essential tools for managing triggers and developing healthier habits.
It’s important to remember that there are options out there that make treatment more accessible and comfortable too, such as online substance use counseling. Additionally, early intervention through counseling for substance use is key – this can make a significant impact on one’s recovery journey, offering a foundation for long-term recovery and a healthier future.
You may also be wondering, what causes addiction?
As stated, everyone’s path to recovery is different, therefore the root causes of addiction can be complex and may look different. Oftentimes, the root causes may include a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition, trauma, mental health disorders, and chronic stress can significantly increase the risk of substance use disorder, while environmental influences such as peer pressure, early exposure to drugs or alcohol, and lack of social support can further exacerbate addiction.
Benefits of Substance Use Counseling
Substance use counseling empowers individuals battling addiction to regain control over their lives while offering a wide range of benefits. A few of these benefits include:
- Personalized Support: Substance use counselors provide individualized care tailored to each person’s specific needs and goals. In the long run, this helps address root causes of substance use such as trauma, stress, or co-occurring mental health issues.
- Skill Development: Patients are taught coping strategies to help manage their cravings or triggers which improves their problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation skills.
- Understanding Addiction: Patients are educated on how substance use affects their body as well as their brain. Education helps individuals with substance use disorders recognize harmful patterns and eventually develop a better understanding of their behaviors.
- Accountability and Motivation: Regular counseling sessions encourage accountability and maintaining sobriety. Counselors motivate their clients by celebrating milestones and helping them envision a healthier future.
- Emotional Healing: This is key to addressing co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD and provides a safe space to process emotions and past experiences.
- Family and Relationship Support: Oftentimes addiction leads to strained relationships amongst friends and family. Counselors can help repair strained relationships and rebuild trust with loved ones; they can also offer family counseling while educating and involving family members in the recovery process.
- Community and Peer Support: Individuals are often connected with others through group counseling or support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) which builds a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Long-Term Success: The goal is to equip individuals with the proper tools and strategies for sustained recovery while also encouraging personal growth, self-worth, and setting meaningful life goals.
Behavioral therapy for substance use is essential for recovery as it addresses both the psychological and practical aspects of addiction to encourage lasting change and promote healthier living.
Our Approach to Addiction Recovery:
Mindful Care’s recovery program offers personalized recovery strategies that address both the psychological and practical aspects of addiction. Our licensed therapists provide tailored treatment plans, and patients receive the tools they need to foster lasting change, manage their cravings, and rebuild a healthier, more balanced life. As part of our comprehensive approach, we offer medication-assisted treatment to support recovery. Mindful Care’s substance use recovery and online therapy empower individuals to make meaningful progress in their recovery journey. Our safe and private therapy environment helps clients feel secure as they work through mental health and substance use challenges.
Who can Benefit from Addiction Therapy?
- People Struggling with Substance Use: Anyone facing challenges with drugs, alcohol, or other addictive behaviors, regardless of the severity of their addiction, can benefit from therapy to help break the cycle of substance use and begin the recovery process.
- Individuals with Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues: People who are struggling with both substance use and mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, can benefit from therapy to address both issues simultaneously.
- Those Seeking Recovery Support: Addiction is often linked to unresolved trauma, and therapy can help individuals process and heal from past experiences that may be contributing to their substance use.
- People with a History of Trauma: Addiction is often linked to unresolved trauma, and therapy can help individuals process and heal from past experiences that may be contributing to their substance use.
- Family Members of Those with Addiction: Therapy can also benefit family members and loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction by providing education, support, and guidance on how to cope with and assist their loved ones in recovery.
- People Who Want to Prevent Addiction: Therapy can help individuals who are at risk for developing addictive behaviors by teaching them coping skills, how to manage stress, and addressing any underlying issues early on.
- Those Going Through Life Transitions: Major life changes like loss, relationship struggles, or job stress can lead to or worsen substance use. Therapy can help individuals navigate these transitions in a healthier way.
- Individuals in Recovery from Relapse: Those who have relapsed can benefit from therapy to better understand the factors leading to relapse, develop new coping mechanisms, and strengthen their commitment to sobriety.
We accept insurance!
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, and are in-network with most major commercial insurance plans. You can learn more about our insurance plans here.
Steps to Start Your Recovery Journey:
- Pre-register Online: Begin your recovery journey by filling out a brief form on our pre-registration page. Provide your personal details, insurance information, and the mental health services you're seeking.
- Initial Assessment: After pre-registering, a member of our care team will contact you to schedule an initial assessment. This helps ensure that you are matched with the appropriate care and services for your recovery needs.
- Insurance Verification: Our team will verify your insurance coverage to ensure that your treatment is fully supported and that you're getting the benefits you deserve.
- Match with a Therapist or Psychiatrist: Once your information is processed, we’ll match you with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist who best fits your needs. Whether it’s for therapy, medication management, or both, we will then schedule your first appointment.
- Join Your Sessions: Whether you choose in-person or virtual sessions, you will receive all the details you need to access your appointments and begin your recovery journey with Mindful Care.
