Waltham MA Addiction Counseling

Addiction Help in Waltham, MA—Therapy and Counseling

Angie started smoking marijuana when she was in middle school. Her friends gave her some, and she wanted to join the fun. For a while, Angie just used it occasionally, like when she was with her friends or at parties. It was easy escape from stress. But as the stress in her life grew, so did her use. Occasional use turned into weekly use which turned into daily use. Now, as an adult working full-time, Angie even uses during her lunch break sometimes. She knows that if she is caught, then she will be fired. Angie has tried to stop, but she cannot gain any ground. Angie is beginning to wonder if this is an addiction.

“Addiction isn’t about substance—you aren’t addicted to the substance,
you are addicted to the alteration of mood that the substance brings.”
—Susan Cheever

Many people, perhaps even you, can resonate with Angie’s story. The details and the substance (or action) may differ, but as author Susan Cheever explains, the altered mood is the same. The cycle is the same whether the addiction is with alcohol, cocaine, prescription drugs, cannabis, sex, video games, Internet, or many other substances or activities. Addiction traps people in a cycle of compulsive behaviors. It changes people’s brain, and often, people need treatment from a mental health professional to find the right treatment options for overcoming their addiction.

The addiction counselors and psychologists at Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA understand what it takes to treat the disease of addiction. There are many options available, and we have helped many clients find the healing and regain their lives.

Addiction and Misconceptions

The news can stigmatize and misrepresent what it means to struggle with addiction. People may stereotype addicts as poor, low-income, and from the “wrong” background (whatever their varying definitions of “wrong” mean). However, addiction does not discriminate. It can strike rich, poor, male, female, young, old, and more. As many as 21 million people in the United States suffer from an addiction—people in every race, religion, gender, and social class.

Addiction is a pervasive disease, and stigmas can keep people from reaching out for the help the desperately need and deserve. Here are a few common misconceptions about addiction:

1) Addiction Is a Choice
When a loved one is an addict, it is easy to become frustrated with them. It is easy to think, if they just made a different choice, then everything would be better. It is easy to think these things, but it is also inaccurate. An addiction is not a choice, but it is a disease. Just because a non-addict can choose to drink today and not drink tomorrow, it does not follow that an addict has the same choice. When addiction strikes individuals, it changes their brain. People who have an addiction need serious intervention and treatment, just like someone who has cancer.

2) Addicts Are “Weak”
Addicts and their loved ones often feel intense shame because of this stigma. They may hide the addiction because they are so embarrassed that they cannot simply exercise enough willpower to stop. Addiction is not that simple. Much like diabetes or cancer, addiction is a disease. Genes and allergies are often contributing factors—factors that people have no control over.
The same shame that people feel in addiction can drive them away from their loved ones. Isolation and lack of community can fuel the addiction. Addicts need to work through the shame and guilt, and they often need support so that they can embrace the recovery process.

3) Addiction Is Rare
The shame that says addicts are weak can also whisper, you are alone. However, this is not true. The reality is that addiction programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are full of people who understand. Many people struggle with addiction, and the chance of recovery increases when people find a community that provides them with understanding, trust, and love, where they can be vulnerable and ask for help without shame. Family members can also find support from communities like Al-Anon. When addicts find an empathetic and supportive community, they are less prone to relapse. They can focus upon healing.

Reaching Out for Help: Therapy for Addiction at Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA

Are you or is someone you love struggling with an addiction? When addiction takes root, people have a hard time controlling their behaviors regarding a particular substance or activity. They may take on social and personal risks for the addiction. Even though they are experiencing negative economic, social, or health consequences, people who have an addiction may not be able to quit. More warning signs of addiction include…

  • Craving the activity or the substance.
  • Building up a tolerance for the activity or substance so that more must be used to achieve the same level of satiety.
  • Failed attempts to stop or curb the addiction.
  • Lying to hide one’s actions or the addiction.
  • Irritability regarding the activity or addiction, particularly when not participating in it.

If you recognize these symptoms, consider reaching out for help. When you contact Thriveworks in Waltham, you may have your first appointment the following day. We work with many insurance carriers and accept many insurance plans. You will never reach a voicemail, but a person answers our phone and helps our clients make their appointments. Weekend and evening sessions are also offered.

Let’s fight addiction together. You are not alone. Call Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA today to work with an addiction counselor or psychologist now.

Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 11 5 1 11 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Simply the Best

★★★★★
Brandon is a very kind and trustworthy counselor. He is dedicated to helping each person he sees and is very empathic to their needs. His caring and compassionate nature help put his clients at ease. He can help guide you through any difficulties you maybe facing.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Brandon Ellis

★★★★★
You can tell within a short time of meeting Brandon that he cares about people and has the experience to help others with various needs. His patience, listening ear, and knowledge make him an exceptional counselor and person. You can tell he loves his job of helping his clients.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

The Best Counselor

★★★★★
Brandon Ellis is hands down the best counselor if you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff! His knowledge and expertise surpasses anyone I know. Brandon’s very approachable and easy to talk to. He cares about all of his clients and will work with you till you’re well. Please consider Brandon Ellis if you want a real expert.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Janan

★★★★★
Janan is a wonderful compassionate therapist who makes you feel heard and respected. She offers many ways to help with your problems like anxiety and depression that you can use every day.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Thriveworks

★★★★★
Awesome/with 5 being the best.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Kristen Gonzalez

★★★★★
Kristen is a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist. She is dedicated to her clients and she easily develops positive rapport with them.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Kristen Gonzalez

★★★★★
Kristen is an empathic and caring therapist. She really takes the time to understand her clients and her therapeutic style makes her clients feel validated and understood.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Janan is a great therapist

★★★★★
I am really glad I attended my sessions under Janan! She is a very helpful therapist and every time our session was finished I would leave feeling better about myself and would look forward to the next one! Seeking help is a very important step and I highly recommend Janan as your therapist.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Caring and Compassionate

★★★★★
Always found Janan to be helpful. Caring and compassionate. Highly recommend.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Janan

★★★★★
Janan, is one in a million. She is who succeeds,” with the “impossible cases,”where others haven’t. Her dedication and caring, is like no other.
Thriveworks Counseling Waltham

Janan Braley

★★★★★
Janan is a kind, caring Counselor. She is always upbeat. She always makes me smile.
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 375 Totten Pond Rd #408,
    Waltham, MA 02451

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

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