SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
Alcoholism, drug dependence and addiction, known as Substance Use Disorders, are complex problems. People with these disorders were once thought to have a character defect, moral weakness or impoverishment of will. Some people still mistakenly believe that. However, most scientists and medical researchers now consider dependence on alcohol or drugs to be a long term illness or brain disease, like asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes.
Substance Use Disorder is an illness that can affect anyone. No one knows for sure exactly what causes it but the chance of developing a Substance Use Disorder depends partly on genetics or biological traits passed down through families. A person's environment, psychological traits and stress levels also play major roles by contributing to the use of alcohol or drugs. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), especially in women and soldiers returning from battle, is often a precursor to Substance Use Disorder.
People who start using alcohol and/or drugs early in life run a greater risk of developing Substance Use Disorder. Using drugs and alcohol for a long time changes the brain in important and long lasting ways; ways that often include dependency.
Even though an individual or a family member has an illness it doesn't excuse the negative behavior that often accompanies the disorder. No one is at fault for having a disease but they are responsible for getting treatment.
Psychotherapy can help the individual with alcohol abuse or drug abuse issues repair the often damaged relationships with self, friends and family, as well as build new relationships with people who don't use drugs and alcohol.
We work with people who have made a commitment to their sobriety and have been clean and sober for at least one year.