Addiction Treatment for Smoking/Vaping, Alcohol, Opioids, Cocaine, Marijuana, Pornography, and more.
Are You Stuck In An Unhealthy Cycle Of Substance Abuse?
Do you drink, vape, smoke weed, use nicotine or other drugs more often than you’d like?
Is your substance abuse negatively impacting your mental health, relationships, or performance?
Yet, do you feel as though you can’t overcome the need to use on your own?
Though many of us intend to use alcohol and other substances in moderation, the truth is that our use can get out of hand before we even recognize there is a problem. No matter how intelligent, accomplished, or strong we are, addictive substances can get a physiological and mental hold on us. Despite wanting to cut down or quit entirely, it’s easy to experience slip-ups and setbacks that cause us to doubt our abilities in managing urges.
How Is Substance Abuse Negatively Impacting Your Life?
Of course, there are physical consequences of substance abuse, including hangovers, sleep issues, and other disruptions to our daily routines. Not to mention, there can be long-term physical ramifications of overuse, leading to illness and/or decreased organ function.
There are also mental, emotional, and relational challenges that can arise from using. Symptoms of withdrawal can be particularly distracting, leading to obstacles in focus and concentration. And for many of us, our judgment becomes cloudy with use, sometimes resulting in aggressive behaviors, poor decision-making, and, in some cases, legal consequences. Substance abuse often has a way of making life’s existing struggles even worse.
The cycle of substance abuse is one that introduces a lot of shame and anxiety. It can often feel like for every step we take forward, the need to use takes us two steps back. At a certain point, we can develop the belief that we aren’t strong or skilled enough to escape the cycle.
Counseling for substance abuse acknowledges the strength it takes to seek outside help. If you are struggling, a therapist can offer you empathy and perspective as you establish new coping skills. Working together, we can create a treatment plan that makes reducing your use or quitting altogether feel achievable.
Online therapy for substance use in Connecticut or New York
Addiction can be caused by:
Our Culture Reinforces Unhealthy Relationships With Substances
Let’s face it: substance abuse is normalized—and even glorified—in our culture. Drinking is a huge aspect of our society, especially when it comes to socializing. And with more and more states legalizing cannabis, smoking weed is becoming a means of escape for many Americans. Nicotine use is also widely prevalent, especially with the increase in vaping and e-cigarette use.
If you are one of the millions of Americans battling the urge to use, you are not alone. As of 2022, it’s estimated that close to 17 percent of American teens and adults will develop a substance abuse disorder. [1] Almost a quarter of Americans report using tobacco products, including vapes. [2] Within those populations, many individuals experience co-occurring alcohol and substance abuse.
Furthermore, mental health conditions are common among users; though many individuals use substances to ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma, self-medicating ends up worsening the cycle of addiction.
Many factors contribute to substance abuse, including genetics and circumstantial stressors that lead to an increase in urges. For many, there has been such a dependence on the substance for so long that it can feel nearly impossible to quit. However, substance abuse treatment can be very effective, especially with the ongoing, individualized support of a therapist who can help reinforce healthier habits.
