Substance Abuse

Substance abuse causes a wide range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, concentration problems, personality changes, and memory loss. These issues are often worsened by the effects of substance abuse on the brain. Long-term substance abuse can cause permanent or semi-permanent changes to the way a person thinks or responds to situations, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, and overwhelmed with guilt and worry even after quitting their drug use. Substance abuse can also lead to decreased motivation and self-esteem, making it difficult for an individual to find a job or maintain relationships. Moreover, addiction can become its own mental health disorder in itself where thoughts and behaviors become changed in order to achieve uninterrupted access to the drug of choice. While seeking help from counselors and therapists is necessary in order to cope with any mental health concerns related to substance abuse; recognizing when there's an issue present is always the first step.

How can therapy help?

Therapy is an invaluable tool when it comes to treating substance abuse and addiction. It can provide insight into a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors surrounding their decision to use drugs or alcohol, allowing them to identify potential triggers for use. In addition, therapy helps people gain the skills necessary to manage cravings and effectively cope with stress in healthier ways that don’t involve the use of substances. By learning positive problem-solving techniques in therapy, individuals are better equipped to make responsible choices when faced with decisions related to their addiction. Thanks to the many benefits of therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavior modification, and mindfulness practice, those struggling with substance abuse can acquire effective strategies for living a healthier life free from drugs or alcohol.