Substance Abuse Counseling in Jacksonville, FL—Substance Abuse Counselors
Some people enjoy a glass of wine after a tough work week; others can’t help but drink the entire bottle. Similarly, some people have no problem finishing out their painkiller prescription after an injury, while others develop a dependence on the drug. Substance abuse is a serious and common problem in the US today. If you’re struggling with a substance abuse problem, don’t worry—you don’t have to go through it alone. There is help available.
“I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.” –Charlotte Bronte
Do you think you might have a substance abuse or addiction problem? Consider working with a substance abuse counselor at Thriveworks Jacksonville. We have skilled, caring counselors and therapists who specialize in helping people just like you to manage their symptoms as well as their addiction. And they are ready to help you. Call us today at (904) 507-6712 to schedule an appointment for substance abuse help.
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
Substance use disorder (SUD), or drug addiction, is when an individual’s obsessive use of alcohol or another substance causes significant problems in major areas of life, such as one’s work, relationships, or their health. Commonly abused substances include prescription drugs, which often starts with appropriate use that becomes excessive. Whatever the substance is, the end result is overwhelmingly negative. In other words, nothing good comes from substance use disorder or drug addiction. And it’s important to address this problem quickly.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), acknowledges three different levels of substance use disorder: mild, moderate, and severe. The diagnosed level depends on one’s symptoms, of which might include:
- Using a substance for a longer period of time or in larger amounts than the individual originally intended
- An inability to cut back or stop using the given substance
- Spending significant time and energy into obtaining and using the substance
- Ongoing cravings and urges to use the given substance
- Failing to keep up with responsibilities at work or school due to the substance use
- Continued use even when it has a negative impact on one’s relationships
- Missing out on important events due to substance use
- Continuing to use even when it’s dangerous
- Continued use even when the individual knows it could worsen existing problems (physical or psychological)
- Increased need for larger quantities of the substances
- Withdrawal symptoms that occur when the individual doesn’t use for a period of time
Do these symptoms sound familiar? Are they prevalent in your own life? You might have a substance abuse problem. Or, maybe you’re seeing these symptoms in a loved one—they might have a substance abuse problem. Either way, acknowledging that there is a problem can be scary. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. You can discuss these symptoms with a therapist who can provide a diagnosis, support, and professional guidance.
How Can Substance Abuse Counseling Help?
Counseling, be it individual therapy or group counseling, is a great treatment option for those with a substance abuse problem. Individual therapy often involves teaching the client the skills needed to deal with their addiction in every facet of life. They will learn to identify and correct harmful thinking patterns as well as behaviors, which will help to prevent them from falling back into their old, harmful habits. That said, the specifics of substance abuse counseling will vary on an individual basis.
Group counseling, as we mentioned above, is another effective treatment option. Why? Because it establishes support and accountability in a peer group of individuals that understand what one another is going through. Many addicts or those with substance abuse problems feel lonely during recovery—but a group setting for substance abuse counseling nicely addresses that problem.
Schedule Substance Abuse Counseling at Thriveworks Jacksonville
Substance abuse is a common problem— according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million American adults battled a substance use disorder in 2017 according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Not only is this problem harmful to the individual who suffers with it, but it can harm the lives of those close to the individual, too. This is why seeking treatment for substance abuse is so important.
If you are struggling with substance use disorder or a substance abuse problem, consider working with a counselor at Thriveworks Jacksonville. We have substance abuse counselors on staff who want to help you manage your addiction. Give us a call at (904) 507-6712 to set up an appointment. You’ll have flexible scheduling options to choose from, including extended hours in the evenings and on the weekends. Additionally, we accept most major insurance plans.
