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Substance Abuse Counseling
Addiction is defined as the compulsive and repeated seeking of the chemical “reward” the brain secretes despite the negative consequences. Because substance users develop a tolerance, greater amounts must be used to get the same effect. This leads to making choices in order to get that “reward” despite the negative consequences that may occur.
The consequences of substance abuse are many and far-reaching. Continued abuse of drugs or alcohol causes the brain cells, visceral organs, and veins to deteriorate, which results in a progressive decline in physical and mental health. This deteriorated condition affects judgment, reasoning, and memory. Drug users, especially first-time users – often teens – of hardcore drugs are highly at risk for overdose and death. In addition, there are legal consequences since many drugs are illegal, placing the user in jeopardy of arrest, jail time, and a criminal record.
The one word that is always associated with substance abuse is “loss.” The addict will invariably suffer loss in every area of his or her life: health, wealth, family, friends, trust, employment, reputation, freedom, even life itself. Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are promise-makers and promise-breakers. They promise escape from whatever it is that the user needs relief from.
If you suspect that someone in your life has a substance abuse problem here are some signs to look for:
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Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
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Becoming distant
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Feeling sick in the morning but fine later in the day
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Missing money or valuables; short on funds
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No memory of recent conversations or happenings
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New social circles
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Change in hygiene (more or less than normal)
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Lying
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Mood swings
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Absences from work or school
Substance Abuse Is Prevalent
Because of the strong emotion of shame, substance abusers don’t talk about their condition because they believe that most people don’t have this problem. The truth, is that addiction is the most common behavioral health condition in America, affecting around 38% of American adults, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that substance abuse is the nation’s number one health problem, cutting across all ages, genders, levels of education, and socioeconomic status.
Often, substance abuse co-occurs with a mental health disorder. Current estimates are that 37.9% of everyone with a substance abuse problem have a coinciding mental illness like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder. Someone with depression, for example, often uses stimulants like amphetamines to offset the depression. Or someone with anxiety often uses depressants like alcohol or barbiturates to take the edge off of their anxiety. The problem is that the alcohol or drugs don’t address the root problem but only mask the symptoms and then, because of the now altered brain chemistry, adds a new problem of chemical dependence.
Recovery Is Possible
The path to recovery isn’t easy, but know that it is possible. Many have traveled that path and are now living healthy and substance free. And so can you with the help of substance abuse counseling. One of our counselors will work with you to establish your needs and goals and give you the empathy, support, and safe space to get to the root problem. This is critical because lasting rehabilitation depends on addressing the root issue of the abuse.
Take The First Step
You are not alone. The hardest part is taking that first step forward and asking for the help you need. Please call 972-422-8383 or use the contact form on this website to reach out to Christian Counseling Associates for the help.