Call (202) 854-1492
Text (202) 854-1492
Book Apointment
logo

Substance Use & Other Problematic Behaviors

  • Are substances affecting your life adversely?
  • Discovering certain behaviors that are getting in the way of having the life that you want?
  • Facing hurdles in your recovery journey, perhaps even a recent setback?
  • Finding it hard to adopt new strategies to handle stress in sobriety?

Recognizing whether your substance usage is problematic or identifying a potential addiction is a pivotal initial step towards making informed life choices. While not everyone who misuses substances necessarily develops a problem, it’s crucial to understand that substance use can escalate and bring about severe repercussions if not addressed.

Addictions can manifest in various ways, encompassing dependencies on alcohol, drugs (whether they’re legal, prescription, or illicit), or even medicinal marijuana. Beyond these, there are problematic behaviors like gambling, online gaming, or sexual compulsivity.

Here are some indicative signs of addiction:

  • A growing tolerance leading to increased consumption.
  • Escalating frequency of usage.
  • Inability to control intake, resulting in episodes like bingeing or blackouts.
  • Observable behavioral shifts such as withdrawal from social circles or forming new associations.
  • Personality alterations like heightened secrecy or increased irritability.
  • Tangible repercussions of usage, such as facing legal actions (like a DUI), strained relationships, or health challenges.
Substance Use & Other Problematic Behaviors

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, addiction affects 20.2 million adults in the United States. Recovery from an addiction can be a difficult journey when attempting to do it alone, for the individual, but also for families, who are negatively affected and in need of support.

Though transitioning to a life of sobriety presents its set of challenges, it’s heartening to know that there are numerous effective strategies to combat addiction, ushering in a healthier and more enriched life. Remember, assistance is always at hand, and there’s always a beacon of hope.