Franklin Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance Use Disorder and Addiction – Therapists in Franklin, MA

Substance abuse disorder is a condition in which the use of one or more substances (such as alcohol or illicit drug) becomes detrimental to an individual’s wellbeing. Many factors can contribute to this condition such as relationship stress, work-related issues, chronic pain, learned behavior or a combination of several causes.

A study conducted in 2010 found that about 5% of the general population, or 230 million, used an illicit substance. Of these, 27 million had a high-risk drug use otherwise known as recurrent drug use causing harm to their health, psychological problems, or social problems or puts them at risk of those dangers. In 2015 substance use disorders resulted in 307,400 deaths which represents a 46% increase over a 25 year period. Of these, the highest numbers are from alcohol use disorders at 137,500, opioid use disorders at 122,100 deaths, amphetamine use disorders at 12,200 deaths, and cocaine use disorders at 11,100

To prevent or address issues created by substance abuse, it is important to become familiar with the warning signs and symptoms, as well as listen to the honest feedback from family and friends.

Signs and Symptoms

The severity of substance abuse can vary in degrees from mild, moderate, or severe. A true diagnosis of severity should be conducted by a mental health professional who will consider the frequency and duration of symptoms as well as the level of detriment to a person’s life. Below are 11 potential symptoms of a substance abuse problem:

  • The use of a substance for a longer period of time or in a larger amount than intended;
  • An inability to cut back on the substance even when you want to;
  • A persistent urge to use the potentially harmful substance;
  • A deterioration of performance at work or school that corresponds to the substance use;
  • Investing a significant amount of time and/or money obtaining the substance;
  • Continuing to use the substance even after experience negative effects to your personal relationships as a result;
  • Missing important professional or personal events due to the substance use;
  • Continuing to use the substance even if/when the substance puts you in a dangerous situation or in harm’s way;
  • The presence of physical withdrawal symptoms after you stop using the substance for a given amount of time;
  • Continuing to use the substance, despite your knowledge of its potential to exacerbate current physical or psychological problems;
  • Requiring an increasing amount of the substance to gain a desire effect.

Treatment for Addiction

Treatment may involve different interventions that vary in effectiveness from person to person. Treatment options include…

1) Counseling: For those who suffer from substance abuse and addictions, treatment often starts and ends with counseling. This involves talk therapy whether in an individual or group setting. It can be highly effective and with consistent compliance to treatment interventions, can lead to complete recovery. Therapy sessions can include teaching the client to identify events or situations that trigger the urge to use the substance and to replace the substance use with more adaptive and healthier thought and behavior patterns. The client will also be trained in ways to better manage stressors that trigger addiction.

2) Medication: Treating substance abuse with medications can be tricky since there is a heightened risk that the individual abusing the substance will transfer their dependency on another drug. If done correctly, under the supervision of a trained mental health professions, it can be a successful form of treatment. A mental health professional will determine potentially effective medications for a given individual (which may take some experimentation) and help develop a comprehensive plan included a combination of other forms of therapy.

3) Inpatient/Rehabilitation Facilities: Inpatient facilities, which are better known as rehab, have a good track record in the treatment of severe substance abuse and addiction. A stay at an inpatient facility requires a time commitment varying from a few days to a few months. The goal of inpatient / rehab facilities or is to free patients of their addiction, monitor withdrawal symptoms and train the individual to address and deal with issues contributing to the substance abuse and/or addiction.

Get Help Today

If you have a drinking problem—or think you might have a drinking problem—take that leap of faith and seek treatment today. A counselor at Thriveworks-Franklin can help determine whether or not you have a problem and also help you manage that problem. Make an appointment to see a Thriveworks Franklin Substance Use Disorder Therapist by call us at 617-360-7210. We are here to help!

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REFERENCES

“World Drug Report 2012” (PDF). UNITED NATIONS. Retrieved 27 September 2016.

“EMCDDA | Information on the high-risk drug use (HRDU) (formerly ‘problem drug use’ (PDU)) key indicator”. www.emcdda.europa.eu. Retrieved 2016-09-27.

GBD 2015 Mortality and Causes of Death, Collaborators. (8 October 2016). “Global, regional, and national life expectancy, all-cause mortality, and cause-specific mortality for 249 causes of death, 1980–2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015”. Lancet. 388 (10053): 1459–1544. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31012-1.

Ksir, Oakley Ray; Charles (2002). Drugs, society, and human behavior (9th ed.). Boston [u.a.]: McGraw-Hill.

Mortality and Causes of Death, Collaborators (17 December 2014). “Global, regional, and national age-sex specific all-cause and cause-specific mortality for 240 causes of death, 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013”. Lancet. 385: 117–71

Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

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Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 18 5 1 18 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Insight and Support

★★★★★
I was pleased with the quick and easy access to services through the Thriveworks website. My own HMO had a long process and wait list during these times of Covid. I chose Jane Eagles to work with because I wanted a mature therapist with lots of experience. She was able to tune right into my situation and my goals for the sessions. She raised great questions for me to consider and always took time to reiterate the main takeaways of our time together. I appreciated her wisdom and clarity as well as her sense of humor.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Opened a New World of Healing

★★★★★
I can't speak any more highly of Thriveworks. Mikkah has truly been such an important person in my life since I started coming to therapy. I was skeptical at first, knowing that "the first therapist you see may not be the right 'fit' for you," but I was lucky enough to have immediately clicked with Mikkah. It took a bit of time for me to really open up and start to dig deep in my own emotion, but Mikkah was so patient and made me feel so comfortable. She truly has helped me identify a lot of different things I was feeling, but couldn't understand why. I originally came to therapy for adult ADD, recommended by my PCP, but I used therapy as a healthy outlet to start talking about things I have experienced that has caused my mental clarity to fog. Mikkah has truly been such a savior in my life and I can't express my gratitude I have for her. She is extremely professional but makes me feel so comfortable talking about literally anything - almost like we've been best friends for years, even though I just met her a few short months ago. I am so happy with how my therapy is going and I always leave a session feeling better than how I went in. Thank you Thriveworks and thank you especially to Mikkah! You are incredible!!
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Thriveworks

★★★★★
Greg has made a difference in my life , he’s very understanding of what I’ve be through, makes suggestions to help me deal with my anxiety and depression. We are very blessed , to have him as our counselor, these past few years .
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Dr Jane Eagles

★★★★★
As a close professional colleague for 20 years I have seen Jane Eagles assist many children, adolescents, and families with a variety of life challenges achieve improved health and well being. Dr Jane Eagles is insightful, knowledgable, kind, patient, and helpful. I highly recommend her.
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Dr. Jane Eagles

★★★★★
Jane is a highly skilled and experienced clinician who has worked with people of all ages. Combined with her empathy, dedication, and respect for those with whom she works, Jane has proven to be extremely effective in helping others work on and achieve their goals. Her professionalism is undisputed and I recommend Jane without any reservation.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Jane Eagles

★★★★★
Jane is an experienced, dedicated counselor who has worked with all age groups. Her commitment to whomever she is assisting is exemplary. Her professionalism is of the highest quality; compassion, confidentiality and respect are at the forefront. A wonderful counselor who has my personal and professional admiration.
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Jim Gardner helped me immensely

★★★★★
Jim helped me get through a rough patch in my life. He has a lot of wisdom from his past and his experience as a gay man. I came to him crying everyday and mopey, and by the end I had really seen a huge change in my overall mental health. I was not in the area for very long and he was excellent at making sure I got as much as possible from my limited number of sessions. I would absolutely recommend him to people in their early twenties struggling with their transition into adulthood as well as anyone struggling with general anxiety and depression. jó, én hiányozni fogom!
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Honest & Supportive

★★★★★
Jim Gardner helped me through the darkest time in my life. He was direct & honest while being compassionate and supportive. It’s like talking to a life long friend. I felt like I could talk openly without judgement. So thankful for you Jim!
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Patient

★★☆☆☆
I wanted to chat to ask a question regarding insurance, a simple one I thought. The chat time said 2 minutes I waited longer and no response. A little discouraged now on getting a therapist.
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Comfort

★★★★★
Having the pleasure of working with Ralphi, the first word that comes to my mind is comfort. When I think of Ralphi, my heart smiles. She is a talented and experienced therapist who makes every person that comes through her door feel hopeful. I have observed her in action with her clientele, collaborated with her on family therapy, and admire her immense knowledge of the human condition and difficulties. There is always a hopeful path to take in Ralphi's approach to life. Lucky are the clients who have her as their therapist!
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Reviews

★★★★★
I have been seeing JIM Gardner for quite some time. He is a wonderful counselor who listens and cares. He has been a great help to me with many of my family problems and anxiety.
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Todd Letitia is a great clinician!

★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Letitia for over 10 years. He is a skilled clinician and offers his patients support and encouragement. He is a dedicated professional who has many years of experience in the field.
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Todd

★★★★★
I've had the pleasure of having Todd as a clinical supervisor and he was great!! He's very knowledgeable, insightful and most importantly he loves what he does. He has always been professional and ethical. Wonderful person to work with.
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Todd Letitia

★★★★★
I found Todd to be empathetic, understanding and receptive. He creates an environment where you can confide in someone without the fear of being judged.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Todd Letitia

★★★★★
Todd Letitia is an amazing clinician. He is extremely easy to talk to and makes you feel welcomed from day one.
Thriveworks Counseling Franklin

Dr. Greg Handel

★★★★★
I have experienced Dr. Greg Handel to be a uniquely empathic and sensitive psychologist who brings clarity and hope for the challenges we face in our life journeys. The warmth and confidence that he exemplifies in his interactions distinguish him as a remarkable mental health clinician. All of these positive attributes contribute to the inspiration that allows one to believe that facing challenges and changes is doable. I may not like the thought of changes, but I can see them as less intimidating when reminded of my own strengths and capabilities. Dr. Handel reminds me that although I may need to sharpen them from time to time, I own these tools for success and joy in my life.
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Dr. Gregory Handel

★★★★★
Dr. Gregory Handel exemplifies the dignity and insight into human behavior that is required to provide caring and lasting help for others. His ability to listen and respond, to disstill often complex problems, and to offer a way forward is a welcome and refreshing approach. It can seem daunting today in our fast paced world to cut through the noise and listen to ourselves and our family and friends. Dr. Handel is someone I trust and I've always appreciated the feedback and support he provides.
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Dr. Handel – Exceptional Character

★★★★★
Dr. Gregory Handel is not only an exceptional psychologist but is an exceptional human being as well. Always going above and beyond to provide support, care, and love for those in need. This man exemplifies all the right qualities of a counselor, he is patient, listens intently, and is honest, always. No matter what struggle or conflict you may have endure or are enduring, Dr. Greg Handel will always do everything in his power to help you through it. Filled with compassion, empathy, and wisdom, there is no one in the therapeutic industry better qualified.
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Thriveworks Counseling

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  • 2 Master Dr #1,
    Franklin, MA 02038

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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