At Connexus Counseling, addictions are seen more as a systemic issue rather than a personal one.  While most everyone struggles with an addiction to certain thought patterns or behaviors, those who struggle with substance addictions (alcohol & drugs) also struggle with additional factors that keep them stuck and dependent on their substances in order to function 'normally'.  Stopping the use of those substances presents you with a series of challenges that may feel overwhelming, including:

• biological withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• increased feelings of anxiety and depression
• panic attacks or feelings of being lost without the substance
•  sense of disorientation and a loss of identity
• lack of support for your new lifestyle
• loss of friendships or sense of connection with others
• peer & family pressure or minimization of your attempts to be free of the substance
• daily rhythms/routines that must be resturctured

Many people recovering from substance addictions find that when they stop using, life begins to fall apart worse than when they were using.  These feelings are a normal part of the life re-structuring process and the assistance of a therapist can help provide you with new resources and skills for coping with these feelings. 

Further, most substance addictions do not develop 'just because'.  Gaining insight into the stressors or family traits that led to you becoming an addict can support you in your desire and ability to quit.  Drug and alcohol addictions do not happen in isolation, and just because you struggle with them does not mean that you are 'weak' or 'bad'.  It is important, however, that you fuel your motivation to quit using with effective strategies for supporting yourself in the process.

 Whether you are thinking about quitting, in the process of quitting, or would like some support in staying quit, we offer a safe and supportive environment to help build your resrouces and skills in addressing the addiction itself as well as other life forces surrounding it.  

If you are the loved one of someone who you believe is struggling with an addiction, we also offer services to you in how you can support then in their recovery, while taking care of yourself at the same time.  

Find out more about:

Individual Counseling
Couples Counseling
Sex Therapy
Trauma Recovery
Addictions Counseling
Men's Issues