Addiction: Drug Abuse

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many partake in recreational drug use, assuming addiction is nearly impossible due to occasional drug use in social settings. However, more than 70% of individuals who use drugs recreationally develop an addiction and experience negative consequences associated with said addiction. These behaviors involve compulsiveness, the inability to stop using the drug, undesirable emotions, withdrawal, etc. These unpleasant symptoms and behaviors can also negatively affect the addict’s relationships with work, loved ones, etc. A majority of addicts desire to stop using drugs but find it extremely challenging as the drug creates a physical and neurological dependence. No one wants to become a drug addict; however, drug use neurologically alters the brain, making it burdensome to quit.

Counseling services can identify the triggers leading to continued drug use, provide intensive intervention, supply vital behavioral strategies, offer peer support, and reduce the risk of relapse. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help addicts cope with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, sorrow, etc. A psychologist can also provide intensive care to assist with drug detoxification and withdrawal symptoms that can be grueling to experience by oneself. Therapy provides addicts with behavioral and cognitive tools to cope with triggers, understand past drug abuse, and maintain sobriety. Ultimately, therapy enables drug addicts to reclaim their livelihood and relationships with loved ones by relinquishing the negative consequences of drug abuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction or abuse, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.hanleycenter.org/five-big-benefits-of-counseling-in-drug-addiction/#:~:text=Counseling%20provides%20additional%20benefits%20to,recovery%2C%20and%20reducing%20the%20risk