Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance abuse counseling can be a powerful form of treatment for those dealing with dependencies on alcohol and other substances. Through this form of therapy, individuals learn to become self-sufficient and break away from their addiction.

Individuals may turn to alcohol and drugs to help with negative emotions they might be feeling. These can include stress and anxiety, depression, anger, and guilt. They might also turn to it during a challenging time in their life, including loss of employment, financial troubles, issues within their relationship and family, or grief and loss.

Having a glass of wine occasionally to help cope with a stressful situation does not indicate a substance abuse issue. However, when it becomes a negative cycle of continually turning to alcohol or drugs to help cope with a challenge, it can lead to an unhealthy addiction.

Signs and symptoms of substance abuse include:

● Change in appetite and eating habits, including noticeable weight gain or loss
● Nausea and vomiting
● Change in productivity at school or work
● Sleep issues including insomnia
● Changes in behavior including craving more privacy, experiencing intense mood swings, and changes in relationships
● Changes in financial health and habits

Therapy is an essential part of overcoming substance abuse. Many different forms of treatment can be used to help including cognitive behavioral therapy, couples therapy or family therapy, and others. Sometimes, it might make sense to use a combination of these different forms of treatment.

Detoxification is the first step towards a healthier life

Many people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction undergo a process called “detoxification” that helps remove toxins from the body. It is an effective, and many times uncomfortable or painful, process of withdrawal. This process helps restore and rejuvenate the body to help you break the cycle of addiction and to move towards a healthier lifestyle.

Counseling goes hand in hand with other forms of therapy

Some individuals will remain at risk for relapse even after they have completed the detoxification process. Meeting with a counselor can help keep patients from relapsing by offering a plan for navigating through future challenges that can arise along their journey to sobriety.

What will my substance abuse counselor discuss with me?

Substance abuse counseling typically covers areas such as learning how the individual’s choices affect those around them like friends, family, and romantic partners. Counseling can also include the emotional, psychological, and physical consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Learning to properly cope with stressful and challenging life events without drugs and alcohol will also be explored, as well as setting goals and shifting to a more positive outlook on life.

Recognizing triggers

Learning proper coping mechanisms is an essential step in breaking the cycle of addiction. There are many different types of triggers that your counselor will help you identify. Some of these triggers include emotions, such as stress, anger, anxiety, guilt, and depression.

There are also environmental triggers, including being around people and places that remind someone of drinking or using drugs. Parties or other social events where people are drinking can also be challenging to navigate for someone who is working through an addiction.

Learning how to cope without drugs and alcohol

Your counselor will work with you to learn new, healthy coping skills such as building out a support system in your life, attending meetings and groups that can help, and learning how to distract yourself with healthy activities like art, exercise, or listening to music. Finding new hobbies that bring joy is a powerful way to work through addiction.

Your counselor can also help you learn how to engage in positive self-talk, which can help make you feel more encouraged, relaxed, and happier. Self-talk is another powerful tool for learning how to navigate life’s tough situations.

To learn more information about our substance abuse therapy services in Cumming and Alpharetta, GA or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 404-388-3909.