Substance Use, Compulsive Behavior, and Co-Occurring Disorders
Substance use and mental health issues often go hand in hand.
And treating either or both takes skill and experience.
One of the most important questions that needs to be answered is why you’re using substances.
Often the reason is to cope with mental health symptoms, daily stressors, or relational problems. Other times, it’s simply because you don’t know how to stop. Learn more about addiction counseling in Northern Virginia.
Addiction and compulsion require a special focus and expertise.
Unfortunately, many professionals believe that because they have a proficiency in treating mental health, they understand how addiction and compulsion work.
We have staff on hand with years of experience working with a variety of substance-using individuals… from teenagers who have just begun drinking alcohol to adults who have been using heroin nearly their entire lives.
This experience has given us the knowledge and perspective needed to treat substance use separately, but concurrently, from mental health struggles.
In other words, addiction and compulsion are not just seen as “symptoms” of a mental health disorder.
Giving you the time and care you need in treatment…
At Family Wellness Group, we treat substance use and co-occurring disorders with care and expertise. We also treat other types of addictions and compulsive behaviors that may impact your personal or professional life, including (but not limited to) gambling addiction, pornography and/or sex addiction, and compulsive shopping in addiction counseling near Fairfax Northern Virginia.
Treatment for substance use or co-occurring disorders can be overwhelming, as it often can feel like a need to repair your life from top to bottom. Because we know addiction can cause havoc in a person’s life, we understand that the process of repairing your life will take time – and we are devoted to spending that time with you.
We will help you explore the reasons why your use started… and differentiate your use with any co-occurring mental health symptoms you might be experiencing. We will help you identify and implement changes in your daily life that will reinforce, rather than inhibit, a healthy lifestyle.
What Are the Signs of Addiction?
It can be easy to tell yourself that your substance use isn’t really a problem. You’re still going to work. You’re taking care of your family. Maybe you’ve even stopped for periods of time before.
But you may also be noticing that alcohol or drugs are taking up more space in your life than you’d like.
Signs of a substance use problem can include using more than you intended, difficulty cutting back, changes in your mood or behavior, keeping your use secret, or continuing to use despite problems at work, home, or in your relationships. You may also find yourself relying on substances to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficult emotions.
You don’t have to wait until your life falls apart to decide that something needs to change.
When Does Substance Use Become a Problem?
There isn’t a set metric that determines whether someone has a substance use disorder. What matters is the role the substance is playing in your life and the consequences you’re experiencing.
Ask yourself: Have I tried to cut back and couldn’t? Is my use affecting my relationships or responsibilities? Do I need alcohol or drugs to get through certain feelings or situations? Am I worried about what will happen if things continue this way?
If you’re asking these questions, talking with an experienced therapist for addiction can help you understand if things are out of control and what steps to take next.
Is Addiction a Mental Illness?
Yes, addiction and substance use disorders are recognized mental health disorders. Addiction can affect behavior, decision-making, relationships, and your ability to manage responsibilities. Many times, patients with addictive tendencies are also struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns.
That’s why understanding why you’re using is an integral part of treatment.
At Family Wellness Group, we don’t just look at the substance or behavior and tell you to stop. We work to understand what is happening underneath it, how substance use and mental health may be affecting one another, and what changes can help you build a healthier life.
If you’re considering addiction counseling near Fairfax or in Northern Virginia, you don’t need to have everything figured out before you call. Recognizing that something isn’t working anymore can be enough to start the conversation.
You’ll need help, but that’s why we’re here. Get addiction counseling in Fairfax Northern Virginia.
The prevalence of substance use disorders in today’s society is no secret: If someone hasn’t struggled with addiction or compulsive behaviors themselves, they are all but guaranteed to know someone who does.
Our staff have years of experience working with a range of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, compulsive behaviors… and the problems that accompany all of these issues with addiction counseling near Fairfax Northern Virginia.
The first step in changing your life is the desire to do so, but no matter how strong your desire, you’re going to need help.
Call (703) 732-6426 or email gregory.adams@familywellnessgroup.com today to get the help you’re going to need to establish real change in your life.
We also offer family therapy, individual therapy and couples counseling.