Facing Addiction: How To Find A Substance Use Counselor Near You

Addictions can be physical or mental. You might experience dependency on substances, relationships, shopping, sex, or other behaviors that can cause a dopamine release. Once dependency occurs, it can be challenging to overcome without support or treatment. Addiction is experienced by people of all genders, ages, races, classes, and backgrounds. 

Dependence and addiction are commonly used interchangeably. However, there's a difference between dependence vs. addiction. Whether you experience dependency on an illicit substance, alcohol, or tobacco, substance use disorder may impact many areas of your life. 

Addiction is a mental health condition that physically changes the brain. For this reason, quitting may be challenging, and many individuals experience shame when dependency occurs. However, healing from addiction is possible. Finding an addiction counselor or substance use counselor to confide in and receive guidance from might be the first step toward a new beginning. You may try searching "alcohol counseling near me" online to find counselors. In addition to in-person counseling, individuals may also consider the convenience of alcohol online therapy options.

How to find a substance use counselor in your area

Seeking help for an addiction is often a step to recovery, and looking for an "addiction therapist near me" is one of the first steps. Getting treatment can improve your physical and mental health. 

Addiction counselors often offer support by monitoring symptoms, helping clients locate resources in their community, helping them identify the underlying issues related to their addiction, and providing coping mechanisms. With a supportive mental health professional, you may gain relief from the emotional pain and fear often associated with substance use. When researching who to see for help, seek a trained and experienced professional. Therapists must have at least a master's degree, and you may find one who specializes in addiction treatment or substance use counseling.

To find a therapist online, use a search engine to search for "substance use counselors in (city name)." Then, send emails or make phone calls to counselors who look promising and accept your insurance. You can also ask your insurance company or primary care physician for a referral if you are unsure of where to look for local counselors who are covered by your insurance.

What does dependency look like?

When someone has a dependency, they may have the sense of being consumed with the thought of using a particular substance, such as alcohol. They may crave it to the point that it consumes their life. The craving could be physical or mental. 

Addiction and substance abuse may look like a cycle of using, thinking about when you'll use it again and then using it again. Often, individuals struggling with addiction may use substances multiple times during the day and night or during inopportune moments. This cycle can also lead to physical and mental health risks, such as the risk of death, lowered blood pressure, or liver toxicity. Other signs of addiction include:

• Craving more and more to get the same effect over time 
• Continuing to use even when it's harming yourself or others
• Going to profound lengths to acquire the substance
• Experiencing problems in one's relationships
• Withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities and loved ones
• Having withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit
• Participating in risky activities while using 
• Lying or stealing to obtain the substance
• Neglecting work or other responsibilities at school or home
• Experiencing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety

Science and addiction

When someone experiences addiction, their brain's wiring is impacted, which leads to intense cravings. Addiction may impact multiple cognitive functions, including memory, behavior, judgment, and decision-making. When a person keeps using a substance, it can continue to change their brain and its wiring. 

As the person becomes accustomed to a substance or alcohol, they may desire more significant amounts to experience intoxication or the sensation of being "high." This process is called tolerance. When someone is unable to obtain a substance, behavioral changes could occur. With some substances, a person may need medical treatment from health professionals and mental health professionals to quit. Recovery can take a long period of time, but it is possible.

Why is it hard to stop using?

At times, you might have the belief that your dependency controls your body and mind. Knowing that it would be wise to stop can exist alongside a struggle to stop because of addiction or a substance abuse disorder.

The American Psychological Association explains that the impulse to use overrides knowledge of the associated negative consequences. This information may help you understand how addiction is a mental health concern that can require treatment from mental health professionals like substance abuse counselors.

Some people struggling with addiction may want to or attempt to stop but have difficulty following through. Addiction can seem illogical or confusing to onlookers or those impacted. However, support from a therapist can assist in the process. 

Who develops a substance use disorder?

Various factors can contribute to the development of substance use disorder. Genes often play a significant role, as an individual with a family history of addiction may have an elevated risk of developing one. Psychological factors (such as trauma) and environmental factors (such as one's parents or peer group engaging in regular consumption) may also contribute to the risk of developing addiction and substance use disorders.

Addiction treatment options 

You're not alone in your dependency, and support is available. Forms of treatment, such as therapy sessions, counseling services, medication, support groups, and treatment centers, could help you recover from addiction, including the following.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of mental health therapy that can be beneficial to people struggling with the mental aspects of addiction. CBT is a psychotherapeutic treatment that teaches individuals to identify their thoughts and feelings and how they impact their behaviors. 

CBT is a common therapeutic approach used by clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals to treat behavioral disorders, addiction, depression, and other mental health conditions. When CBT is used for addiction therapy by health professionals, it may teach individuals to identify the thoughts and urges that arise in addiction and methods for changing the behavioral patterns. CBT can help break up negative thoughts and help individuals change their thoughts, which may result in healthier choices.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

DBT works similarly to CBT in the sense that it works on changing thought patterns to alter unwanted behaviors. This modality may be effective in supporting clients at high risk of harmful behaviors or those who have not experienced improvement through other forms of mental health treatment. 

Patients are encouraged to accept their circumstances and situations as a way of breaking the control that it has over their lives. They may learn to identify inaccurate thought patterns and replace them with healthy behaviors, such as mindfulness. DBT may be utilized in a group or individual setting. Additionally, you might work through a workbook and have take-home assignments. 

Meditation and mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness are relaxation and stress management methods that often have benefits when combined with addiction counseling. The skills learned while practicing mindfulness and meditation may teach a person to step back from a situation and identify and label emotions. 

Clients may learn to experience situations without passing judgment and understand how specific thought patterns impact their dependency. Learning how to control your breathing can have a significant impact on your physical health, as well. 

Biofeedback is a therapy technique in which you are hooked up to electrical sensors. This option allows a doctor to monitor your body's health throughout counseling. Health professionals can see brain waves, heart rate, or breathing patterns while you are hooked up to the machine. 

During biofeedback therapy, you may see what changes you can make to improve the areas of your body you want to control. This process may aid you in gaining more control over your body to move past your cravings. Biofeedback is done with a medical professional in a clinical setting. 

Group counseling or support groups

Support groups are often a popular method for addiction treatment, as they allow individuals to meet with others experiencing similar patterns, behaviors, and feelings. Often, addiction support groups offer a sponsorship option to allow others in the group to help you stay accountable when deciding to quit. Group therapy may have similar benefits but with a licensed professional leading the session. 

Some treatment programs and health professionals encourage patients to participate in support groups following addiction mental health treatment. Support groups such as 12-step programs (like AA and NA) may be a helpful part of recovery for some people. Other support groups may be led by licensed substance use counselors or other mental health professionals.

Addiction support groups may provide a way for individuals to tell their stories and connect with others undergoing similar challenges concerning addiction and their mental health. Engaging in support groups can allow people to ask for strategies for managing recovery. 

How to find a counselor 

You may work with a team of professionals when looking to recover from dependency, including psychiatrists, therapists, medical doctors, and addiction specialists. 

An addiction psychiatrist may help individuals manage addiction symptoms with medications as part of their treatment plan. Therapists cannot prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a medical degree. These doctors can write prescriptions for medications and perform diagnostic testing. Consult with a medical professional before changing, starting, or stopping a medication. 

If you choose to see an addiction therapist or psychologist, they will have done research and training in providing therapy to help individuals manage, overcome, and heal from mental health challenges. Psychologists are mental health professionals who cannot write prescriptions when treating patients but can provide therapy after a diagnosis. However, you do not need a diagnosis to attend therapy, and therapy is for everyone. 

There may be local and nationwide support groups that you can join online or in person, as well. Working through recovery with others who understand your struggles can be helpful. You may be able to find an addiction support group in your area, or you can ask your therapist about programs in your area. In addition to support groups, it may be beneficial to attend family therapy as addiction often impacts more than just the person experiencing the addiction. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Ask for counselor referrals

Referrals from doctors, therapists, family, or friends may help you find quality care for your addiction. Suppose you know someone who has struggled with addiction in the past. In that case, they may be able to point you in the direction of where to find reputable addiction specialists or treatment centers with qualified health professionals.

Look online

A quick online search may provide information about providers. If you believe you would benefit from going to an inpatient facility, you can search for rehab facilities to find addiction resources. If you want to go somewhere during the day, try to find an addiction treatment center that offers outpatient care, which may be beneficial when managing withdrawal symptoms.

Try online therapy 

Online counseling may help you reframe underlying thoughts that contribute to addiction. If you are struggling with an addiction, getting care may be challenging due to struggling to commute to appointments. For example, if you have an alcohol or substance dependency, you may be unable to drive or utilize public transportation safely. Online counseling allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home. A search for "substance counseling near me" may help you find options near you, potentially making it more accessible to find a substance abuse counselor.

Studies have shown that online therapy can help individuals recover from the disorder. Research suggests that internet-based therapy can be effective in treating tobacco dependence, gambling addiction, alcohol addiction, and other types of addiction. The study found that online counseling reduced addictive behavior and achieved positive behavioral changes. 

If you're interested in trying online counseling, BetterHelp can be a beneficial option. It offers a growing database of counselors and the option to choose your therapist.