How to Approach Substance Abuse and Encourage Going to Therapy
The stories can be heartbreaking – once they were a bright, promising individual, filled with ambition and hope. Now, they find themselves trapped in a cycle of addiction; their potential dimmed by the destructive grip of substance abuse. This is a story shared by countless individuals in a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed until it reaches a crisis point.
What is Substance and Alcohol Misuse?
Substance abuse, whether it involves drugs or alcohol, has a wide reaching impact in an individual’s life.Some issues to be aware of are:
An Effect on Physical Health: It can lead to a host of physical health problems, including organ damage, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to illness.
An Effect on Mental Health: It can exacerbate mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. It can also lead to new mental health issues, such as psychosis and cognitive impairment.
Relationship Problems: It can put strain on relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. It can also lead to arguments, resentment, and ultimately, broken bonds.
Financial Problems: It can be an expensive habit, leading to financial difficulties, debt, and even bankruptcy.
Legal Problems: It can sadly lead to legal problems, such as arrests, DUIs, and criminal charges.
The Cycle of Addiction
This is a complex issue with a variety of contributing factors. It often involves a cycle of use, craving, and relapse. Your friend or loved one may start using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. Over time, they may develop a physical and psychological dependence on the substance, leading to compulsive use and difficulty quitting.
How to Help Them Break Free from Addiction
This is the ultimate challenge, but it’s an achievable goal.
Here at PVD Psychological Associates, we also help those supporting the person suffering. Guiding the sufferer with effective strategies such as:
Treatment: A qualified addiction treatment therapist can provide guidance, support, and evidence-based treatment options.
Support Groups: We can sign post to appropriate support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These offer a safe and supportive environment to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, when the time is right.
Having a Strong Support System: It’s critical the substance abuser has positive, supportive people around them, to help them stay on track.
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Learning healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and other triggers, is something that comes with the therapy journey.
Self-Care: Prioritizing physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise is an important part of recovery.
What Type of Therapy Is Used?
There are a number of avenues for therapy and the recommended type for the patient will depend on their emotional needs and how they are suffering with the abusive behavior.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Motivational interviewing can help individuals increase their motivation to change. Family therapy can help address family dynamics and improve communication.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals who have difficulty managing their emotions, handling “crisis situations” of peak distress without engaging in impulsive and self-destructive behaviors and navigating relationships effectively. In order to achieve best results, individuals will participate in both individual DBT and group skills training.
Whether it’s you or a friend or family member that’s suffering, we are entirely confidential and here to help and advise.
PVD Psychological Associates specialize in anxiety, eating disorders, depression, college and graduate student mental health, trauma, and providing LGBTQIA and Gender Affirming therapy, though we also see individuals for many other reasons.
If you would like to discuss your needs with a therapist, complete the enquiry form on our Contact page and we’ll call or email you for a confidential chat.
