Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a symptom of a larger problem…

Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, poor boundaries, loss, neglect, tragedy, having fucked-up parents… these are all examples of larger problems that are often found underneath substance abuse.

For many, using substances allows them to escape or numb themselves when faced with these problems. And I don’t blame them!

It is often the most sensitive people who are afflicted by addiction, and they find extra “armor” in drugs and alcohol.

And, often, getting sober makes that problem worse.

Well, that is not exactly true. It’s not necessarily that the problem gets worse; it’s more that now that you are sober, you have to deal with it without any armor… so it feels worse.

If addiction were a technical problem…

… then getting sober would solve everything,

But addiction is an adaptive problem… meaning that you are the problem, so you’ll need to change. Being sober has stopped the bleeding, but nothing will heal until your core issues are addressed.

I understand the medical model, I understand the 12-step model, and I understand recovery…

… but I am a therapist, so I am inherently biased to believe that the emotional problems need to be addressed in order to achieve true recovery.

Support is here…

I work with people who have gotten sober and now need help sorting through all their problems, including the ones that led them into their addiction in the first place.

Many of my substance abuse clients have struggled the most after they have been sober for a year or two – when the novelty of sobriety has worn off, and they realize that they are still dealing with the same old shit: the toxic relationships, the negative thinking, the fear, doubt and low-self-esteem, and the depression that just won’t quit.

Some clients are still trying to determine if their drinking or using is a problem. Others know they must quit but are scared.

No matter where you are in your journey…

…I can help you make sense of what is going on. I believe strongly that therapy is a useful and often necessary tool in the journey to sobriety and recovery.

I help clients understand their triggers, as well as how their addiction “helps” them, so they can find more positive, healthy ways to get those needs met.

All behavior is to either get something or get out of something – and in our work, we will seek to understand what that looks like for you, so you can identify what (and how) to change.

I will be here when you are ready.

You know where to find me (at least now you do!).

This work isn’t for the faint of heart, so be ready to show up to work. But remember, you aren’t alone – and I don’t expect you to know what to do, nor do I expect that you won’t make mistakes along the way.

All you have to do now is just call or text me: (949) 514-8690. We’ll find a time to chat on the phone and then book your first appointment.