Substance Use Recovery

Substances can create more problems than they solve.

Throughout the pandemic, many people increased their substance intake. Substance use seemed like a great coping tool to manage stress, fear, loneliness, and uncertainty.

That use works to take away all those feelings in a reliable manner over and over – until it doesn’t. It starts to backfire and make things worse.

The hangovers worsen, the anxiety and depression the next day worsen, and you start drinking or smoking more consistently. Then, you start feeling bad or guilty the next day.

Trying to cut back to weekends or one day a week doesn’t work. You ask the question on Google, “Am I an alcoholic?” Dr. Google tells you that you aren’t. That’s fine, but you keep asking yourself, “So why can’t I stop, and why do I feel so bad?”

The proper support helps you examine your relationship with substances.

You know what works and doesn’t work for you. In your heart, you have intrinsic, deep-seated wisdom that will turn your life toward abundance and away from scarcity.

Our work together is fine-tuning the antenna that seeks out that call to abundance.

Sometimes, to hear that call requires figuring out a way to reduce the noisy interference from substance use. But that’s OK – you won’t have to do it alone!

Therapy helps you find answers to your questions.

“Do I have a problem if I talk to you about it?” No, not necessarily.

Substances can effectively manage challenging feelings (until they backfire, of course), so our work will review those underlying feelings. In using a substance, you made the best choice you could at that time to manage those feelings. It can be a place of deep shame, but therapy can let it be a place of insight and growth instead. Substances also are habit-forming and can create problems in and of themselves, so we’ll examine that, too.

“Do I have to get sober?” No. We can work together and determine the best course of action to obtain the most abundance for your life. For some people, that’s sobriety; for others, it isn’t. Above all: it’s not my choice. It’s yours.

I’m with you in a judgment-free place to explore what works for you. Together, we can keep what you need and let go of the things that no longer serve.

Therapy can enhance and complement the work of sobriety groups.

You might wonder whether AA, Tempest, or another sober curious group is a “better” alternative than therapy.

These groups are practical and valuable, but they serve different purposes than therapy.

Alcoholics Anonymous and other mutual aid support groups have helped many people get (and stay!) sober. But until you examine the person and behaviors behind the drinking, it’ll be far harder to sustain a joyful and abundant life, even if you abstain. Therapy and the 12 steps can work in tandem beautifully to accelerate personal growth.

“Sober Curious” groups are great for social support. These organizations can weave together with therapy and other supports in life – a job in a non-toxic environment, supportive friends and family, and an understanding partner – to create a healthier path. Still, as standalone elements, they make an incomplete picture.

Also? Maybe you don’t want to go to meetings or go all in with a sober group. That’s fine, too! Our work can sustain and tolerate thinking about these things and figuring out where it feels healthy and safe to expand.

Find answers from a more informed source.

If you feel worried about your substance use and have questions to which you can’t find the answers, I am here to help.

Our job is to work together to evaluate your substance use, get to the heart of the problem, and start finding answers to those questions you keep asking.

Therapy provides a safe place where you can explore the reasons behind your substance use.

Let’s start finding answers to your questions and developing solutions that meet your needs.