Addiction Counseling in Charleston, SC—Addiction Counselors and Therapists
People seek counseling and therapy for addiction because the obstacle is more than a physical dependence on a substance, whether it is alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter medication, marijuana, or cocaine. Process addictions like gambling, shopping, food, and more are addictive behaviors that can be just as crippling as those associated with substance addictions.
Once the physical dependence on substances has been dealt with—or the dependence on process addictions has been controlled–addicts are at a high risk for relapse. Psychological and social factors incite addictive behavior. The pressures of family life and one’s job, trips to certain locations, and meeting up with friends and acquaintances who still use substances and process addictions, may provoke individuals to return to the addiction.
Thriveworks Charleston provides addiction counseling that can assist individuals in managing their addiction and counteracting their cravings without using substances or other addictions.
Addiction counseling and therapy at Thriveworks Charleston has helped many people with their addictions. The addiction counselors and psychologists at Thriveworks help their clients overcome their suffering, enjoy fruitful lives, and build meaningful relationships. If you think you could benefit from the assistance of an addiction counselor, reach out to Thriveworks Charleston today by giving us a call at (843) 480-4034.
Do I Have an Addiction? Should I Work with an Addiction Counselor?
Whether it is a substance or process addiction, each case can be examined with the help of a professional therapist who can guide individuals through the difficulties that come with their addiction. Some reasons for addictions include:
1. To feel good.
Most abused drugs produce magnified feelings of pleasure. The initial sensation of euphoria is followed by other effects that are different depending on the type of substance used. Stimulants, such as cocaine, produce a “high” that is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence and increased energy. Opiates like heroin, create exhilaration accompanied by feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. Taking drugs can make a person feel good for a short time, requiring them to continue in order to recapture those good feelings. Even though the individual is taking more and more of a drug, the good feelings don’t last. The person now takes the drug to keep from feeling bad.
2. To feel better.
Many people who suffer from social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and depression begin using drugs to lessen their distressing feelings. Stress can play a big role in drug use–in the beginning, in continuing, and in relapsing patients recovering from addiction. Everyone has bad days. Because of problems at home, at work or in relationships, people experience “down” periods in their lives. For most people, these periods come and go in a reasonable, ordinary fashion and can be remedied by things that make them happy. But, for millions of people who suffer from depression, the emotional low periods don’t go away as easily. Clinical depression is a serious mental disability with severe consequences for the individual and their loved ones. Addiction is common among people who battle a depressive disorder. In fact, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and its use tends to trigger depression symptoms, such as sadness and hopelessness. Many depressed people reach for drugs and alcohol as a way to lift their spirits or to numb painful thoughts. The result is that the depression and substance abuse feed into each other, and many times one condition will make the other worse.
3. To do better.
Drug abuse occurs in all sports and at most levels of competition. Athletes may turn to drugs for various reasons, including performance enhancement, to self-treat otherwise untreated mental illness and to deal with stressors, such as pressure to perform, injuries, physical pain and retirement from the sport. These various pressures can lead to initial experimentation and move to continued use of drugs, such as prescription stimulants or steroids.
These examples are only a few of the many reasons people turn to addictions. Whether the addiction is drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, the internet, food or shopping, there is help.
Schedule Addiction Counseling at Thriveworks Charleston
Call Thriveworks Charleston at (843) 480-4034 to schedule a session or to find out more about how addiction counseling and therapy can help you get on the road to a healthier, stronger you. A scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you find a convenient day and time to come in! Rest assured that we have flexible scheduling opportunities, including extended hours in evenings and on weekends.
We’re ready to get started when you are. Call Thriveworks Charleston today to schedule your appointment.
