Substance Abuse Counseling
What is substance use?
Substance use is when one uses drugs and/or alcohol casually; when one is following prescription guidelines; or when one uses irregularly or through a single exposure. Such levels of use are normally relaxed, controlled, and where such substances have a clear, short-term purpose. For example, substance use is celebrating with alcohol; taking painkillers for pain; or socializing amongst the exposure of drugs and alcohol. Most make little judgment of such actions, as, culturally, substance use has been normalized
and accepted.
What is substance abuse?
​
Substance abuse is defined as an uncontrolled experience of consuming drugs and alcohol, where a degree of neglect and unawareness is noted. One collective understanding surrounding substance abuse is that users continue to use drugs and alcohol, regardless of potential negative consequences. While substance abuse is less serious than an addiction, down to the fact that psychological associations are yet to form at this point, it can still be extremely hazardous to rely on and abuse addictive substances to this degree.
Understanding the difference between substance use, abuse, and addiction
​
While understanding the difference between use and abuse is important, it is equally vital to understand addiction. The clear distinction is in the strength, frequency, and intention of consumption. Substance use defines a comfortable level of consumption, yet substance abuse blurs the lines and reflects the addictive natures attached to addiction. In addiction the use of substances may take priority over other crucial essentials and have dire consequences.
Substance Abuse Counselors, also known as Addiction Counselors, help people with behavioral disorders by talking through the complexities and causes of their addiction.
Substance abuse counseling is a combination of treatment and support designed to assist people break free from drug or alcohol addiction. This specific type of therapy is often a key part of assisting clients in overcoming substance dependence mentally and emotionally. Clients will work with a Licensed Addiction Counselor or Substance Abuse Counselor (titles vary among states, but the therapeutic goals remain the same) in a clinical setting to address issues like mental health, behavior patterns and treatment options.
What does Leslie provide?
​
-
Talk therapy sessions.
-
Discussing the causes of addiction.
-
Positive coping strategies.
-
Developing treatment goals and plans.
-
Practicing skills and behaviors necessary for recovery.
-
Recommendations for 12-step programs or groups
​