Addiction problems are prevalent in our world today. Millions and millions of people misuse substances and grow addicted to other things too, like shopping, gambling, watching pornography. In any case, the individual suffers as a result. They might struggle to focus at school or work; put their relationships on the backburner; spend all of their money to obtain the desired substance; and more.
Fortunately, there is help out there for those who struggle with substance abuse or another form of addiction. So, if you are in dangerous territory or you think that you might have an addiction, please consider reaching out for the proper help. Addiction counseling has proven to help people manage their addiction and stay sober. Addiction counselors have an important job: to help, guide, and support their clients every single step of their recovery journey.
Changing the face of addiction is not the most difficult thing…
in order to change it, you must first identify it.
–Diana Keone
Thriveworks Counseling in Worcester, MA has addiction counselors on staff who are taking appointments now. These professionals have completed years of education, training, and experience, specific to helping people with addiction recovery. So, if you are facing an addiction or a substance abuse problem, consider contacting our office. We can set you up with an addiction counselor right now; and you might even meet with them today or tomorrow. Often, new clients do meet with their counselor within 24-48 hours of their call. Keep in mind, too, that we have in-person and online counseling appointments.
Substance Use Disorder: What Is It? Can Counseling Help?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a leading health problem in the US. Certain substances, like prescription drugs, have appropriate uses but are abused. Other substances are illegal in which way you use them. Both of these drug categories contain drugs that one can develop a serious addiction to.
To better understand what classifies or signifies substance use disorder, we can look at the criteria set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The DSM says that there are multiple levels of substance use disorder, including mild, moderate, and severe. Symptoms include:
- Taking a drug for a longer period of time (or in greater amounts) than the individual intended
- An inability to stop use of the substance or cut back on use of the substance
- Devoting a lot of time to obtaining and using the substance, as well as recovering from it
- Experiencing ongoing cravings for the substance
- Failing to meet one’s responsibilities at work or school
- Missing out on important activities and events
- Continuing use even when it endangers the individual
- Continuing use even when it negatively impacts one’s relationships
- Using the substance even when you know it could cause or further health problems
- Needing larger quantities to obtain desired result from substance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when one doesn’t use the substance for a period of time
Reading through this might be difficult, especially if you relate to more than a few of the above symptoms. Now, if that is the case, it’s important that you talk to a professional about your symptoms so that they can help you figure out how to manage your substance or addiction problem.
How Can Addiction Counseling Help Me?
Treatment for addiction or substance abuse often begins with counseling. And often, this is also the extent of treatment. Counseling, be it in a group or an individual setting, is highly effective. Now the specific path that addiction counseling takes is heavily dependent on the needs of the individual. That said, it does revolve around teaching the individual the necessary skills for dealing with their addiction in day to day life. Also, addiction counseling often involves teaching the individual how to identify harmful thinking patterns, which when unmanaged, can cause them to step back into their old ways.
Group counseling, as we just mentioned, is also an effective approach to care. This is all about establishing a support group, which helps to keep the individual accountable. Addicts often feel like they are alone in the world and thus in recovery, which can lead them to feeling hopeless or unmotivated to continue on their recovery journey. Fortunately, having a support group helps to prevent this from happening.
Schedule Addiction Counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Worcester, MA
The Thriveworks in Worcester, MA team truly cares about each and every individual that we see. We want to help as many people as we can find more success and happiness out of life. If you are struggling with an addiction or think that you might be on your way to developing one, consider reaching out to our office. We have addiction counselors who can help.
To schedule an appointment, simply call our office at (508)-409-6134. We look forward to your call and accompanying you on your journey to recovery.
