ALCOHOL ABUSE
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
Are you worried about your substance use?
Do you make promises about not using that you don’t keep?
Find yourself uncomfortable if you don’t use?
Notice secret-keeping behaviors?
Find that relationships or work are impacted by your using alcohol or other substances?
A problem with alcohol or drugs (“substances”) can be identified by experiencing at least two or more of the following:
The substance is take in larger quantities or over longer period of time than intended.
There is a desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down use of the substance or control the use of the substance. “I’m only going to drink beer now, no more liquor.”
A great deal of time is spent acquiring, using and recovering from the effects of the substance.
A strong desire to use.
Continued substance use resulting in failure to meets responsibilities at work, school or home.
Continued use of the substance despite it causing problems for you socially. (Social problems are made worse as a result of using the substance.)
Reduced interest in other things due to focus on drinking or using. (Preoccupation with using.)
Using substances in which it is physically hazardous. (Like while driving or before driving.)
Continued substance used despite negative consequences to your mental health.
Building a tolerance (needing more to feel the same effects.)
Experiencing withdraw symptoms when not using. (Irritability, sleeping issues, edginess.)
Maybe you are questioning your own relationship to substances or alcohol abuse, questioning whether your use is normal. Maybe you are noticing that you use more frequently or consume more of a certain substance than you use to. Do you wonder if you have a problem with drinking? Or have you noticed some strange behaviors around your drinking or drug use- like hiding behaviors or only drinking around certain people? Maybe you make goals to not use and wind up doing it despite having said you wouldn’t. And you are left feeling ashamed and disappointed in yourself. Maybe even thinking that no one would understand how isolated you feel.
Feeling confident, connected, and fulfilled is absolutely possible!
I use specific therapeutic strategies to help people make the changes they want to make. You are not alone. I can help you. I have personal and professional experience in this field. Not only have I had my own struggles with substance abuse issues, but I have also had the experience witnessing a loved one suffer at the hands of alcoholism and drug addiction. I have been where you are. In addition to my Masters program, I completed an additional 1.5 years of classes and certifications to hone my skills specifically toward substance abuse issues and addictive behaviors.
Are you worrying about your loved one?
Are they addicted or dependent on drugs or alcohol?
Why are they so moody?
They need money, should I give it to them?
How can I take care of myself while being in a relationship with someone who is self-destructing?
Am I enabling my loved one?
Have you noticed that your loved one isn’t acting like themselves and has not been for a while? Maybe they are acting erratic, volatile, overly-sensitive, or defensive about their substance use? That you find yourself questioning their choices and wonder, “What are they thinking?” Have you known for a while that they have substance abuse issues, and you are not sure how to approach them about it? Or maybe you have approached them about it, and they are unwilling and unable to change. You may finding yourself thinking:
Read more in my blog about identifying problem using in family members.
This is not an unfamiliar story; I have worked with many family members who feel like they are at times being held hostage by their loved ones’ alcohol and drug use. I imagine you think that maybe it is your loved one that needs the help. Yes, that is true, and also, family members are deeply impacted by addiction and alcoholism and also need healing. I assist people in finding skills to cope with the stress, worry and, upset that comes with having a family member who is dependent or addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. I help families differentiate between helping their struggling loved one versus enabling them.
Family healing is possible with or without the person in active addiction. I help parents or spouses of someone in active addiction learn communication skills, identify enabling behaviors, let go of self-blame, and loving detached from the behaviors of their loved one. Long-lasting wellness and healing for families are most successful if all people impacted are willing to engage in therapy.
Find peace amidst the chaos.
“I pay close attention to the feedback I get from the clients that I refer to Loretta. I continually hear about her skill and knowledge in working with family members of people impacted by alcoholism or drug addiction. She has a relatable, warm presence and constantly provides reputable help to her clients and families.”