Substance abuse and addiction are complex problems that affect most people, whether struggling with it yourself or knowing someone who does. While alcohol and drug use may start off as harmless fun, there is always a potential for it to lead to dependence and addiction. This is the same for behavioural addictions like sex, shopping, pornography, gambling, eating, video game, technology, etcetera. An indication that you may have a problem is your inability to stop using a particular substance or engaging in a particular behaviour, despite negative consequences. These may include issues at work, increased conflict within your relationships, legal problems, family difficulties or increased financial stress.
Substance use and addiction counseling is deeper than addressing the behaviour; it’s working through the past to determine what was going on in your life that led you to rely on substances/behaviours in the first place. What factors led up to your increased use and what keeps it going? Do you struggle with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep issues, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, chronic pain, boredom, or loss of a loved one? If so, you are more vulnerable to abuse substances and engage in unhealthy behaviours to help you cope.
With that said, not everyone with these struggles will go on to develop a substance use disorder or addiction. Why? It really depends on the person; their upbringing, their genetic makeup, their current environmental stressors, and whether they have a positive support system. I know how isolating it is to go through something and feel like no one understands. I do understand and there are a lot of negative emotions that are going to arise when you stop numbing them and avoiding them. My goal is to support you through this journey and I am committed to providing a non-judgmental space so you feel safe and validated in sharing your experiences with me.
