Do you ever find yourself wondering whether you might be dependent on a substance to help you manage your day-to-day mental or emotional challenges?
Do people ask why you choose a substance over your relationships?
Do you feel ashamed of your inability to stop using a substance?
Do you spend a lot of time and energy trying to acquire, use, and hide a substance?
Do ever think that “it’s not fair” that others can manage their substance use but you can’t?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to manage your recovery or that of a loved one on your own. With the right support, you can find the compassion and grace you need to regain control of your life.
Despite having overwhelming feelings of being alone, millions of people struggle with the same substance use disorders, including:
27.9 million Americans 12 and older met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2024.
21.2 million adults were diagnosed with both a mental health disorder and an SUD in 2024.
Among people 12 or older, 16.8%, or 48.4 million people, were diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year in 2024.
Among 134.3 million alcohol users aged 12 years or older in 2024, 57.9 million people, or 43.1%, had at least one binge-drinking session in the past month.
* Based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
Why do people use substances?
The majority of people who misuse substances begin their downward slide after a relatively innocent start, whether it’s drinking with friends in high school due to peer pressure or social anxiety or taking opiates as an adult after a medical procedure. Typically, a person’s substance use is manageable until it’s not and no amount of maintenance use or flat-out denial can turn back that clock.
How therapy can help
A Chinese proverb says that “A journey of a thousand miles starts beneath one’s feet.” When you’re looking at a life in recovery, it can feel overwhelming at times and impossible at others. Our approach to substance use disorder treatment is to create a judgment-free safe space for you to share thoughts that you’re afraid to say to anyone else. We also take time to understand your needs so we can create a recovery plan that is realistic and achievable.
We employ evidence-based interventions that will guide you through your recovery journey. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to create a foundation for finding new, healthy coping mechanisms. Shadow Work allows you to explore your subconscious mind and recognize the parts of yourself that you repress, often because they were stunted in childhood or conflict with your conscious self-image today.
We also work with the partners, children, and others who are supporting someone who wants to be or is in recovery. Addiction is commonly called “a family” disease because it can change the home environment, cause financial difficulties, and create chaos or even just grief for those who care for someone with a substance use disorder. We will listen to your fears and resentments and provide you with the feedback and resources to help you care for your own mental health as you navigate the stages of your loved one’s recovery.
Things we hear all the time….
Do I really have a drinking problem?
Raise your hand if you’ve heard this myth: No matter how much people tell their physician they’ve been drinking your doctor will automatically double that amount because no one tells them the truth. If you have experienced this “drinking math,” whether due to feelings of shame about your consumption or fear that you’ll be told to stop drinking, you may be answering your own question.
I’m afraid to face my issues.
Using a substance in excess is manageable until it’s not. It typically begins as a means of relaxing, alleviating social anxiety, and/or escaping from thoughts of the past or future. Unfortunately, coping via a substance only works for so long, eventually forcing you to face what you suppressed as well as SUD. That’s why we treat co-occurring mental disorders alongside substance use disorders to help you process and promote your mental health.
Why can’t I just use like everyone else?
“It’s not fair.” That’s what we hear from a majority of our clients, and it’s a valid comment because addiction doesn’t discriminate. We know that the three predictors of an SUD are biology, environment, and developmental stages, but there is no magic formula or accurate forecast that can tell us who will and won’t struggle with addiction—so no, it’s not fair! However, seeking compassionate and educational therapy work can help you balance those scales a little more in your favor and help you realize that a sober life is just as enjoyable, if not more so, than it is during active addiction.
You've Already Taken the First Step
Reaching out does not have to feel overwhelming. We invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation — no pressure, just a simple conversation. Finding the right therapist matters, and we want you to feel confident in that choice. Browse our therapist directory to find the warm, personal fit that feels right for you. Whenever you are ready, we are here.
Meet the Team
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Amy Waldron LCPC (She/Her)
Adult and Family Substance Use Therapist
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Sherry Bithell LCSWC (She/Her)
Adult Substance Use Therapist