Image Courtesy Samantha Cohen
Substance abuse involves interpersonal problems exacerbated by the effects of alcohol or drugs (prescribed or illegal).
Despite recurrent negative consequences to one’s personal and professional life, use of the addictive substance continues—supported by a pattern of minimizing, justifying, and rationalizing. Drug and alcohol abuse functions as a coping mechanism for other life issues. People self-medicate, instead of addressing larger problems, fears, or deficits.
Substance abuse is often paired with sexually compulsive behaviors. Alcohol and/or drug intoxication can function to either anesthetize or embolden problematic sexual behaviors. Expert clinicians recognize specific constellations in clients’ active addiction: Cocaine and prostitutes, marijuana and pornography, methamphetamine and anonymous sex.
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Therapy in the East Bay
Chemical dependency and addiction issues can be successfully addressed in psychotherapy. It’s important to find a therapist with specialized training in this area. Effective treatment for substance abuse provides clients:
- Medical intervention, when necessary, to safely detox from physical dependence upon alcohol or other substances.
- Tools and social-support systems to reinforce alternative coping mechanisms.
- Personalized understanding of how chemical dependency behaviors develop and thrive.
- Empathy and normalization for addict/alcoholic’s accumulation of negative consequences.
Click here to request an appointment or to get more information about treatment for drugs and alcohol.