Are You New To Recovery Or Feel Like ‘Something Is Missing’ From Your Existing Recovery?
Have you recently gone through an in-patient addiction recovery program and need additional support?
Or maybe you have been in recovery for a while but you feel dissatisfied with the progress you’re making?
Do you wish you could find someone who understands the challenges you’re facing and will support you with compassion?
Being in recovery can feel like an uphill battle each day. Even though you may have received treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction, getting sober is merely the first step in a far longer journey. Regardless of where you are in that journey, recovery can present challenges that impact every facet of your life, including social situations and intimate relationships.
If you are new to recovery, you might feel uncertain about your future because you haven’t lived without substances for very long. The cravings that come and go may preoccupy your mind and the thought of relapsing probably terrifies you. Or perhaps you have already relapsed and the shame of it weighs heavily on you. You could be dealing with the consequences of having an addiction—such as job loss, financial problems, or the breakup of a relationship—and the aftermath has left you depressed or anxious.
If you have been sober for a while, you might be frustrated because you thought that things would be easier by now. But if you haven’t yet addressed the underlying issues of living with an addiction, you are likely still struggling. Moreover, if you are experiencing conflict with your partner or family members, you may feel isolated and lack the support you need to make progress.
The good news is that it is possible to live in the present, find peace in your life, and cultivate connection to yourself and others. When you understand the reasons that precipitated the addictive behavior, you can find the self-compassion necessary to make long-lasting changes.
Do I Have To Be Completely Abstinent In Recovery?
Recovery is not a one size fits all type of treatment and your relationship with substances isn't always black and white. There are many different paths of recovery, and the bottom line is to help you recover, discover and reconnect with yourself. Some people practice what is called Harm Reduction or Moderation, reducing the amount of a substance used while continuing to assess and evaluate if the areas in their life they wish to improve are beginning to improve. Others may incorporate the use of Medication Assisted Therapy, MAT, where a prescriber works with a client prescribing medications that can help with cravings, symptoms of withdrawal and/or anxiety. There is also the use of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy that can help relax long held belief systems that can interfere with a person’s ability to practice moderation or abstinence from substances. Together we can discuss what you would like your recovery to look like and what path may work best for you.
How long does substance abuse counseling usually take?
Making long-term, positive changes in your life will not happen overnight. However, I have found that by using Compassionate Inquiry, Internal Family Systems and Polyvagal Theory, you can generally expect to understand yourself in a fundamentally new way within about five sessions. As we work together, it is my hope you will learn to approach your addiction and behaviors with curiosity and compassion vs. judgment, helping you to live and respond within the present moment rather than react from the past.
Your Path Of Recovery Can Be One Of Self-Discovery And Empowerment
The part of you that loves you the most is making you aware that something in your life needs attention. With thoughtful support and guidance, you can find your path in recovery and thrive in life. For a free, 20-minute consultation, please contact me.