We are constantly chasing the next high. The next promotion, paycheck, relationship, party, the next “something better”. All too often, we look for the next high in things that are more detrimental to ourselves than helpful. Drug abuse and addiction is one such thing.
It may have started innocently enough. You just needed a little reprieve, or something to fit in, or were bored of your current life, or needed to drown a bad memory. But now, you’re staring down the barrel of addiction and you’re not sure where you slipped.
Toms River addiction counselors at Thriveworks understand the steep, slippery slope of addiction and we want to make it abundantly clear: you are not weak or broken for struggling with drug or alcohol use. There is so much out of control in our lives, but one thing is consistently in our realm: healing.
Only you can make the decision to start down the path of healing. Toms River substance abuse counseling is here to make that path as easy and productive as possible. We will support, encourage, and help you, but only you can make that first call.
For more information or to schedule an appointment today, call Thriveworks in Toms River at 732-852-4977.
What Are the Effects of Addiction and Substance Abuse?
The long-term effects of drugs and alcohol are scary, so they can be hard to accept. Afterall, drugs and alcohol feel so good in the moment. They’re a welcome reprieve. But that reprieve has negative consequences stretching far into the future.
You deserve better. You deserve a future you’re excited for, with a life you’re proud of. You are still you, and that is amazing. Let’s build an environment where you can thrive.
Some of the negative effects addiction and substance abuse can have include:
- Cravings for the drug/alcohol continue throughout day
- Unsustainable or reckless spending patterns; financial strains
- Painful physical reactions to withdrawal (headache, anxiety, inability to sleep or oversleeping, muscle aches)
- Changes in social patterns or groups
- Lying or being secretive
- Unable to feel happy or safe without a drug or alcohol high
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Physical health problems such as cancer, heart disease, or skin disease
It’s all too easy to get sucked into the trap of substance abuse, and it feels nearly impossible to break out. The good news is twofold: it’s not impossible, thousands of people have done it before, and you don’t have to do it alone! Thriveworks in Toms River is excited to meet you and start creating a future you’re excited for.
What Does Substance Abuse Counseling Look Like?
Too often what we do becomes who we are. “I am an alcoholic.” Or “I am a drug addict.”
But that’s untrue. You are not what you do; you are so much more. You are your passions, goals, pasts, behaviors, loved ones, hobbies, regrets, memories, and dreams all in one. Maybe you are struggling with abusing alcohol or drugs. That’s just one part of you. Toms River counseling works off of a philosophy of allowing all of you into a counseling session, because it’s going to take all of you to heal!
Of course, it will also take professionalism and researched therapeutic techniques to overcome a struggle with substance abuse, and that’s what we are here for! Some common practices and topics we might discuss in Toms River substance abuse therapy include:
- Addressing the root need or desire behind using drugs.
- Identifying and building a support system.
- Connecting to your passions, goals, and reasons for quitting drugs.
- Finding healthy coping mechanisms or alternative behavior to drug use.
- Working through any co-morbid anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, or other mental health concerns that might come with substance abuse.
- Creating a future plan that excites and motivates you.
Your future is still out there, just waiting to be discovered. And the current you deserve the absolute best- no excuses! Substance abuse is a cheap lie of the best you can do- you are worth so much more than a couple of feel-good highs. So, no matter where on the path of recovery you are, know that you deserve complete healing and freedom. Toms River substance abuse counselors are here to help you get there.
To schedule an appointment or get more information, call us at 732-852-4977.
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Addiction, +4 more 
