Substance misuse is extremely common in our society. Alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, and other substances are often being used to manage emotions when the individual does not have a more sophisticated method of responding to how they feel. Substances are very effective at making us feel different, which is why some of us end up depending on them as a substitution for healthy emotional regulation.
What Substance Misuse Often Looks Like
- Using more of a substance, or more often, than intended
- Difficulty cutting back despite wanting to
- Substance use affecting work, relationships, or responsibilities
- Using substances to cope with emotions
- Withdrawal symptoms or strong cravings when not using
Many people reach out to a therapist when they realize their relationship with a substance becomes problematic for them. Many issues with substance misuse can be dealt with in an outpatient therapy setting, while sometimes people need medical detox or residential treatment in order to successfully initiate changes in their life.
Why Treating the Substance Use Alone Isn't Enough
Focusing only on stopping the substance use, without addressing underlying processes, often leads to relapse or a shift to a different coping mechanism entirely. Lasting change usually requires understanding the emotional or relational pain driving the use in the first place.
How I Approach Treatment
My work with individuals struggling with substance misuse includes a variety of approaches to help people understand their relationship with the problematic substance, how to effectively regulate emotion, and how to redefine their life on their own terms. I also work with couples and families affected by a loved one's substance use, since these struggles rarely affect just one person.
If substance use has become a struggle for you or someone you love, I encourage you to reach out. Real, lasting change is possible with the right support.