Addiction Counseling in Woodstock, GA—Counselors, Therapists
From the first sip of coffee in the morning to the last binge-worthy episode on Netflix at night, addictions are all around us. Unfortunately, the human brain is wired for addictions. Of course, our brains can’t become addicted on vegetables. No, it’s all the unhealthy stuff that makes us feel good. Alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and even sugar are all prime examples of addictive substances. Our brain can crave these so badly, it actually changes brain structure.
Oh great, you might be thinking, I’m hardwired for addictions and my brain has already physically changed? There’s no hope for me.
Actually, Thriveworks Addiction Counseling in Woodstock is willing to bet there is! There’s no doubt about it—counseling for overcoming addiction is hard work. It’s an uphill battle against genetic predispositions to addiction, old habits, and the chronic disease nature of addiction. Addiction to alcohol or drugs doesn’t want to leave you, and it doesn’t just go away once we’re off drugs.
We’re not saying it’s going to be easy. We’re saying it’s possible. More than possible with the years of experience and knowledge the Substance Abuse Counselors at Thriveworks Woodstock have armed themselves with. We’re ready and excited to give you the tools and support you need to win the battle against addiction and gain back complete control of your life.
What Are the Effects of Addiction and Substance Abuse?
Addiction occurs because of the very nerdy Dopamine cycle. Neurotransmitters carry messages to our brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that responds to rewards. The brain releases dopamine in very calculated amounts based on the situation. So, when drugs come into the body, they produce a surge of dopamine all on their own. The brain can’t handle that much, so it responds by lowering the amount of dopamine it produces.
The “high” of drugs is that surge of dopamine- your brain loves it! But with continued use of drugs, your brain begins to expect and rely on the drug-produced dopamine high. It produces less and less dopamine in anticipation for the surge the drug will produce. Suddenly, you can’t feel good without the drug, and you’re addicted.
This can be frightening! But the Counselors for Addiction at Thriveworks Woodstock look at it in a different way- your addiction is not a personal flaw or weakness. It is your brain relying on outside substances because it forgot how to feel happy on its own. Even better news: the brain can bounce back! The term neuroplasticity means your brain can be molded by addictions, and it can be healed. Remolding your brain to a healthy, happy brain is the end-goal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling at Thriveworks Woodstock.
When Should I Get Help for My Addictions?
It’s just a stress relief. I’ll stop using when life calms down.
I just do it with friends…it’s a way to connect. And it’s not like it’s every night.
No one even knows about it and it hasn’t impacted my ability to work. I deserve this high; I work so hard all day.
We can rationalize our drug and alcohol use all day, but when has it gone too far? Tolerance levels (the frequency and strength of drug use before true addiction forms) are different for everyone. It can be difficult to tell when your drug habits have gotten out of hand. In general, if you or a trusted loved one has a concern, it’s worth scheduling an appointment or at least calling to talk about potential options. Thriveworks Woodstock isn’t for everyone, but we can help you find the best place for you to heal and grow.
Addictions are easier to overcome earlier in the process. If you or a loved one see any of these signs, it’s worth digging deeper:
- Cravings for the drug/alcohol continue throughout day
- Use becomes regular and chronic
- Unsustainable or reckless spending patterns
- Painful physical reactions to withdrawal (headache, anxiety, inability to sleep or oversleeping, muscle aches)
- Changes in social patterns or groups
- Lying or being secretive
- Unable to feel happy or controlled without the drug
- Mood changes
Not everyone will display addiction the same way. It’s all variant upon personal tolerances, the drug they’re using, and many other factors. Thriveworks Woodstock Addiction counselors understand a drug addiction can be terrifying. But your situation is far from hopeless. Some professional guidance and support can go a long way in the path to recovery.
What Does Addiction Counseling Look Like?
The Addictions counselors at Thriveworks Woodstock want to stress that you are not just your addiction. Your passions, goals, and other struggles all go into making who you are. And they can all help you recover from addiction. Many times, addiction doesn’t come alone. It’ll bring depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and a host of other problems that could be driving the addiction.
In an Addiction Counseling session, we will certainly begin to address these co-morbid issues. But being free of depression does not automatically reset your brain. You will also work with an experienced counselor to break the habit of addiction and regain control. Counseling at Thriveworks Woodstock is always personalized. We believe you are unique and deserve a unique plan.
In the middle of addiction, it seems like everything you are is in the one drug. But that’s a lie- you are much more than an addict. There are aspects of you that you might not even know about yet, but they’re worth discovering. Thriveworks Woodstock is excited to walk alongside you as we gain back the freedom you deserve.
