Addictions Counseling --
Substance Abuse and Dependence

[Behavioral Addictions]

Problems of addiction are heart breaking, frustrating and mystifying for most individuals and families who are affected by them. Substance abuse and dependence all too often lead to loss of health, job, income and self-respect, as well as to divorce and alienation from family and friends, indescribable pain and sometimes death. Sadly, anyone can become addicted to one or more substances that can lead to a life of loneliness and despair. Unless a problem of addiction receives responsible attention it will continue to plague the addicted person mercilessly. 

According to a special health report in the Harvard Health Letter (special supplement January 2002),  nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) suffer from severe alcohol problems such as alcohol dependence or abuse while millions more engage in risky drinking.” Four common signs of alcohol dependence given in this report are: 

• Craving - There is a strong need or compulsion to drink.

• Loss of Control – Dependent drinkers will drink when they have promised not to and will continue even when they realize they have had too much.

• Physical Dependence – Dependent drinkers will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop abruptly or sometimes when they cut down on their consumption.

• Tolerance – Dependent drinkers need increased amounts of alcohol in order to become intoxicated.

Counseling often provides a meaningful intervention for those who are affected by the carelessness of substance abuse or the more frightening specter of dependence. Hypnosis is also a strong therapeutic intervention to assist those contending with such additions.   In such cases counseling can add insight, support, and education and can help reduce symptoms that may trigger the use of psychoactive substances. 

Traditionally, substance related problems have been addressed by professionals using individual and family counseling as well as structured groups that combine both educational and psychological components. Community support groups of the client’s choosing are often encouraged as an adjunct to treatment. Counseling can serve to provide a critical external control factor as well as a generator for relevant insights to play a key role in helping substance affected individuals remain in control and accountable for their behavior. Hypnosis can help to form the necessary internal controls by building an inner structure for health and wellness.

Steven L. Neff has over 20 years' experience offering counseling in the areas of chemical dependency and mental health. [View qualifications]