There are many types of addictions out there, and often times, addiction is the need for a substance or a certain type of behavior that feels out of control. It is a habit that involves the building up of a tolerance, often experienced as always needing more to feel satisfied. Addiction affects both the brain and the body, seriously disrupting people's efforts to live a satisfying life. Addiction is a subjective illness that may affect each of us in different ways.

Coping with addictions can be challenging, but there are several strategies that you can use to manage your cravings, triggers and urges to use substances or engage in other addictive behaviors. Some of these coping skills that I like to help clients use include: Identifying triggers, developing healthy self-care habits, practice healthy distractions, creating structure and a daily schedule, using mindfulness and relaxation techniques, challenging negative thought patterns, setting goals and rewards, developing a relapse prevention plan, and reaching out to develop a healthy support system. 

Coping with addictions is a process that requires patience, perseverance, and commitment. By implementing these coping strategies and seeking support from others, you can increase your self-resilience, enhance your recovery efforts and move towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. 

I have experience working at a couple of different types of substance use treatment centers, and I enjoy working with these types of clients. While I have experienced working with clients who have used substances, I also have experience working with other types of behavior  addictions that include: substance use, electronic screens, pornography, spending money, and various other addictive behaviors. One of the evidence based models of therapy I use for this is called Motivational Interviewing Therapy. I have had much success with using this type of therapy, and along with others, while helping clients who were in the middle of their addictions.  

If you feel like you are struggling with an addiction and your life is out of control, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

Symptoms of alcohol and substance use disorders can vary depending on the specific substance and the severity of the disorder. Here are common signs and symptoms:

• Cravings: Intense urges or cravings to use the substance, which may feel overwhelming and difficult to control.

• Loss of Control: Difficulty limiting the amount or frequency of substance use, often leading to using larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.

• Physical Dependence: Development of tolerance, requiring increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when the substance is not taken, such as nausea, sweating, shaking, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, or in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.

• Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing substance use over obligations at work, school, or home. This may lead to neglecting responsibilities, missing deadlines, or performing poorly in these areas.

• Social and Interpersonal Problems: Continued substance use despite causing problems in relationships with family members, friends, or colleagues. This can include arguments, conflicts, or withdrawal from social activities.

• Loss of Interest: Diminished interest or participation in activities that were once enjoyable or important due to substance use taking precedence.

• Risk-Taking Behaviors: Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of the substance, such as driving under the influence, unprotected sex, or participating in criminal activities.

• Legal Issues: Getting into legal trouble as a result of substance use, such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence), public intoxication, or possession of illegal substances.

• Continued Use Despite Consequences: Continued use of the substance despite being aware of its harmful physical, psychological, or social consequences.

• Secrecy and Deception: Hiding substance use from others, lying about the extent of use, or making excuses for behaviors related to substance use.

• Mood Changes: Sudden mood swings, irritability, agitation, or depression when not using the substance, and feeling euphoric or excessively happy while under the influence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these symptoms and they are interfering with daily life, it may indicate the presence of an alcohol or substance use disorder. Seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is important for diagnosis, treatment, and support. Please feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test: Guidelines for Use in Primary Care, Second Edition. World Health Organization, 2001. 

This is an Alcohol Screening Questionnaire and can be self-scored. Please consider the time frame of these questions occuring over the last 1-3 months. The scoring scale is at the end of the questionnaire.

1) How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

 Never (0 points)

 Monthly or less (1 point)

 2 to 4 times a month (2 points)

 2 to 3 times a week (3 points)

 4 or more times a week (4 points)

2) How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?

 1 or 2 (0 points)

 3 or 4 (1 point)

 5 or 6 (2 points)

 7 to 9 (3 points)

 10 or more (4 points)

3) How often do you have 5 or more drinks on one occasion?

 Never (0 points)

 Less than monthly (1 point)

 Monthly (2 points)

 Weekly (3 points)

 Daily or almost daily (4 points)

4) How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?

 Never (0 points)

 Less than monthly (1 point)

 Monthly (2 points)

 Weekly (3 points)

 Daily or almost daily (4 points)

5) How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?

 Never (0 points)

 Less than monthly (1 point)

 Monthly (2 points)

 Weekly (3 points)

 Daily or almost daily (4 points)

6) How often during the last year have you needed a first drink in the morning to get yourself going after a heavy drinking session?

 Never (0 points)

 Less than monthly (1 point)

 Monthly (2 points)

 Weekly (3 points)

 Daily or almost daily (4 points)

7) How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

 Never (0 points)

 Less than monthly (1 point)

 Monthly (2 points)

 Weekly (3 points)

 Daily or almost daily (4 points)

8) How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?

 Never (0 points)

 Less than monthly (1 point)

 Monthly (2 points)

 Weekly (3 points)

 Daily or almost daily (4 points)

9) Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?

 No (0 points)

 Yes, but not in the last year (2 points)

 Yes, during the last year (4 points)

10) Has a relative, a friend, a doctor, or another health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?

 No (0 points)

 Yes, but not in the last year (2 points)

 Yes, during the last year (4 points)

Alcohol screen score:

0 to 7 points: Low risk

8 to 15 points: Medium risk

16 to 19 points: High risk

20 to 40 points: Addiction likely

Notes:

Low risk (0 to 7 points): You probably do not have a problem with alcohol. Continue drinking in moderation or not at all.

Medium risk (8 to 15 points): You may drink too much on occasion. This may put you or others at risk. Try to cut down on alcohol or stop drinking completely.

High risk (16 to 19 points): Your drinking could lead to harm, if it has not already. It is important that you cut down on alcohol or stop drinking completely. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice on how best to cut down.

Addiction likely (20+ points): It is likely that your drinking is causing harm. 

If your score is between 8-20, you may want to consider talking with your medical doctor or a therapist as soon as possible. If you are dependent on alcohol, do not stop drinking without the help of a health care professional.

If you think you are experiencing an alcohol disorder and are considering therapy, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

The DAST-20 was developed and copyrighted by Dr. Harvey A. Skinner, PhD, Department of Public Health Services at the University of Toronto, and the Centre for Addiction and

Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.

This is a Drug Screening Questionnaire and can be self-scored. Please consider the time frame of these questions occuring over the last 12 months. The scoring scale is at the end of the questionnaire.

(The following questions concern your potential involvement with drugs other than alcohol. When you answer the questions, remember that the term “drug abuse” does not include alcohol. Instead, it refers to your use of prescribed or over the counter drugs in excess of the recommended dosage. For example, if you were given a prescription for pain killers, but took more than you were supposed to, that would be included. The phrase “drug abuse” also includes any non-medical drug use, including illegal drugs. This includes illegal substances and also legal substances, like marijuana, valium, cocaine, amphetamines, fentanyl, LSD, and heroin. Remember that the term “drug abuse” does not include alcohol. If you have difficulty with a statement, then choose the response that is mostly right.)

1. Have you used drugs other than those required for medical reasons?

2. Have you abused prescription drugs?

3. Do you abuse more than one drug at a time?

4. Can you get through the week without using drugs?

5. Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?

6. Have you had “blackouts” or “flashbacks” as a result of drug use?

7. Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?

8. Does your spouse (or parents) ever complain about your involvement with drugs?

9. Has drug abuse created problems between you and your spouse or your parents?

10. Have you lost friends because of your use of drugs?

11. Have you neglected your family because of your use of drugs?

12. Have you been in trouble at work (or school) because of drug abuse?

13. Have you lost your job because of drug abuse?

14. Have you gotten into fights when under the influence of drugs?

15. Have you engaged in illegal activities in order to obtain drugs?

16. Have you been arrested for possession of illegal drugs?

17. Have you ever experienced withdrawal symptoms (felt sick) when you stopped taking drugs?

18. Have you had medical problems as a result of your drug use?

(e.g. memory loss, hepatitis, convulsions, bleeding, etc.)

19. Have you gone to anyone for help for a drug problem?

20. Have you been involved in a treatment program specifically related

to drug use? 

Score 1 point for each question answered ''yes,'' except for Questions 4 and 5, for which a ''no” receives 1 point.

 A score of 0 is equal to No severity and No intervention recommended

A score of 1-5 is equal to Low severity and Brief Intervenion recommended

A score of 6-10 is equal to Intermediate severity and Outpatient Services are recommended

 A score of 11-15 is equal to Substantial severity  and Intensive Outpatient Services are recommended

A score of 16-20 is equal to Severe severity and Intensive Outpatient Services are recommended           

If your score is between 5-20, you may want to consider talking with your medical doctor or a therapist as soon as possible.    

If you think you are experiencing a substance use disorder and are considering therapy, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

Yes, seeking therapy is highly recommended if you are experiencing an alcohol and substance use disorder. Therapy is an essential component of treatment for several reasons:

• Understanding the Root Causes: Therapists can help you explore and understand the underlying reasons behind your substance use, such as trauma, stress, mental health disorders (like anxiety or depression), or unresolved issues from the past.

• Developing Coping Strategies: Therapy teaches you healthy coping mechanisms and alternative ways to manage stress, emotions, and triggers without relying on substances.

• Building Motivation for Change: Therapists work with you to enhance your motivation and commitment to making positive changes in your life, including reducing or quitting substance use.

• Addressing Co-occurring Disorders: If you have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, therapy can address these conditions simultaneously, improving overall mental well-being and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

• Learning Relapse Prevention: Therapists provide strategies and tools to help you recognize and cope with potential triggers for substance use, as well as develop a relapse prevention plan to maintain sobriety.

• Support and Accountability: Therapy offers a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your struggles, progress, setbacks, and achievements. Therapists can also provide accountability as you work towards your recovery goals.

• Family and Relationship Dynamics: Therapists can assist in addressing and improving family dynamics and relationships affected by your substance use, facilitating healthier communication and support systems.

• Connecting to Resources: Therapists can connect you with additional resources and support networks, such as support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous) or community services, that can complement your therapy sessions and provide ongoing support.

Ultimately, therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders achieve and maintain recovery. It provides the guidance, tools, and support needed to address the complex issues surrounding addiction and establish a fulfilling, substance-free life. If you are considering therapy, it's important to find a therapist who specializes in addiction treatment or has experience working with individuals with substance use disorders. Please feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.

The number of therapy sessions needed to effectively treat alcohol and substance use disorders can vary widely depending on several factors:

• Severity of the Disorder: Individuals with more severe substance use disorders may require more intensive and longer-term therapy compared to those with mild to moderate disorders.

• Co-occurring Disorders: If there are co-occurring mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), addressing these alongside the substance use disorder may extend the duration of therapy.

• Treatment Approach: The type of therapy used can impact the length of treatment needed. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or contingency management may be employed, each with varying durations.

• Individual Progress: Each person responds differently to therapy. Some individuals may make significant progress relatively quickly, while others may require more time to address underlying issues and develop effective coping strategies.

• Commitment to Treatment: Consistency and commitment to attending therapy sessions regularly and actively participating in treatment can influence the effectiveness and duration of therapy.

• Support System: The presence of a supportive network of family, friends, or peers, as well as involvement in support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous), can complement therapy and support long-term recovery.

In general, therapy for alcohol and substance use disorders is often long-term and may involve regular sessions over several months to years. Initially, more frequent sessions (e.g., weekly) may be recommended to establish rapport, address acute symptoms, and develop coping skills. As progress is made and stability is achieved, sessions may become less frequent (e.g., bi-weekly or monthly), focusing on maintenance, relapse prevention, and continued growth.

It's important for individuals to work closely with their therapist and treatment team to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals for recovery. Flexibility in treatment duration is key, as recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders is a complex process that requires ongoing support and commitment to maintaining sobriety and overall well-being.

If you think you are experiencing an alcohol or substance use disorder and are considering therapy, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, and support you on your journey towards healing and recovery.