Addiction Treatment

Is An Addiction Taking Over Your Life?

© Jessica Siciliano Designs

Are you or a loved one struggling with drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, or another form of addiction? Has the addiction worsened over time, perhaps to the point that it now feels out of control and is creating relationship, work, legal, financial, or health problems? Maybe you feel guilty, powerless, and helpless—especially if you cannot seem to stop or even cut back your use. Or perhaps you are still able to function and maintain your responsibilities, but you are not fully present in your relationships and others have expressed concern about your erratic or unusual behavior. Has your addiction kept you from reaching your potential or caused you to miss important events in your life or the lives of those you love? Do you want to experience improved functioning and mental clarity, build healthy relationships, and live a happy, empowered life free from addiction?

Struggling with addiction of any kind can be shameful, stressful, and frustrating. You may still be functioning fairly normally but have begun to wonder—especially if you are susceptible to triggers, mood swings, or cravings—whether your use has turned into abuse or addiction. Or you may recognize that there is a problem, particularly if you are facing serious consequences related to your use, yet feel trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage. Others may be expressing concerns that mirror what you suspect but are not yet ready to admit. You may feel confused, uncertain, or overwhelmed. Whether you are worried about yourself or someone you love, you may vacillate between denial and fear, between hope and hopelessness. Losses, potential losses, feelings of powerlessness, or ongoing concern may leave you wondering whether addiction treatment is needed.

Addiction Is Becoming Increasingly Common In Our Culture

Addiction takes many forms. Some people develop addictions to substances such as alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. Others become addicted to behaviors such as sex, work, pornography, eating, shopping, gambling, or gaming. Addictions develop for many reasons, and in today’s society, cultural attitudes toward certain substances and behaviors can make them difficult to recognize.

Alcohol is socially accepted in many settings. Marijuana is approved in many states for medical use and is legal for recreational use in several states. Prescription drug use continues to rise, and addiction can develop when medications are used to manage pain or sought out for recreational purposes. Beyond substances, working 60–90 hours per week is normalized in some professions. Sexual imagery saturates media. Technology dominates daily life. Activities like shopping, gambling, and gaming are widely encouraged and easily accessible.

People often gravitate toward substances or behaviors as a way to relax or cope with stress, pain, or unresolved emotional wounds. These activities can temporarily distract from deeper issues. Many individuals—especially those with a history of trauma—rely on avoidance strategies to manage overwhelming feelings. In cases of sex addiction or drug and alcohol dependence, there is often a history of sexual abuse. Some individuals may also have a biological predisposition toward addiction, and addictive patterns can span generations within families. Additionally, addiction can develop within normal human processes, such as eating (eating disorders), sexual activity (compulsive behaviors), or relationships (codependency).

The good news is that regardless of the type of addiction you or your loved one may be facing, there is help and hope for recovery. An experienced, skilled, and compassionate therapist can provide support and guidance as you address core issues, learn to manage cravings, and begin living a more intentional and empowered life.

Addiction Counseling Can Help You Reclaim Your Life

© Jessica Siciliano Designs

Whether you or a loved one is in denial, afraid to admit there may be a problem, unsure whether addiction is present, or already identifying as an addict, treatment can help. While relapse rates can be high, motivation and a willingness to engage in counseling significantly improve the likelihood of recovery. In addiction counseling, you can learn from setbacks (if they occur), develop coping skills to manage cravings and triggers, and build tools that support lasting change.

I understand that everyone is unique, which is why we will work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan that supports your personality, history, values, needs, and therapy goals. We will consider all aspects of your life and incorporate a relapse prevention and support strategy into your plan. While I respect and support a 12-step approach, I recognize that it is not for everyone and is not the only path to recovery. There are many tools and strategies you can practice in sessions and use when triggers or difficult emotions arise. The more you practice these skills, the greater your self-awareness will become, and the more accessible these tools will be when you need them most.

I believe in taking a compassionate yet practical approach to addiction recovery. While we will work to reduce the likelihood of relapse, I also understand that you may not be ready to quit completely. In that case, we can develop a strategy to help you build awareness around your use and explore ways to cut back. If you are ready to quit but experience a relapse, I can help you pause, learn from the setback, and regain momentum. Although recovery is challenging and requires effort, it is absolutely possible. With a willingness to engage in the treatment process, you can change your life. You can strengthen your relationships, achieve your goals, improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and create the life you want to live. You still may have questions or concerns about addiction treatment and recovery…

I’m not sure if I’m dealing with an addiction or if I need treatment.

Given the acceptance of certain substances and behaviors in our culture, it can be difficult to determine if use has turned into abuse or addiction. If you are questioning if you have an addiction, a qualified therapist can help you gain clarity and determine if a problem exists. Furthermore, if you are suffering legal, financial, relationship, or career consequences as a result of your use, I strongly urge you to seek out an addiction assessment. I can help assess your history, background, use, and issues, and make recommendations.

I worried about someone I love, but he or she is in total denial. What can I do to help?

Many people struggling with addiction do not see themselves as addicts and may fear admitting they have a problem or seeking help. Unfortunately, as use increases over time, problems often become more serious. It is important to understand—no matter how painful it may be—that you are not responsible for your loved one’s choices or behaviors.

I encourage you to express your concerns in a calm and caring way and suggest that he or she seek treatment or, at minimum, complete an addiction assessment with a qualified therapist to determine whether a problem exists. You may also want to consider therapy for yourself. An experienced therapist can provide support and guidance as you navigate the challenges of having a loved one in the midst of addiction.

I’ve heard that addiction treatment can be expensive and take a long time.

If you are dealing with an addiction, it is difficult to quit or even cut back without help. While addiction counseling does require time and a financial investment, it can lead to improved functioning, health and wellbeing. Furthermore, there are resources available at low cost and no cost that can support you in your recovery. If cost is an issue, call my office to receive referrals and discuss options. If you think you need treatment, I urge you to listen to yourself and seek some form of help.

You Can Reclaim Your Life