Addiction and Recovery

When we look for external things to bring us internal peace we sell ourselves short. Overuse of alcohol and other substances is a typical coping mechanism when issues in one’s past or daily life are unresolved. What may have started as a solution is now causing you pain and more problems. Our therapists can help you devise a realistic plan to attain and maintain your recovery objectives by identifying and working through the origins. Trauma is frequently at the root: and rather than simply identifying the substance use as problematic, we can help you heal the underlying causes in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. We have clinicians who are certified in the Gorsky Relapse Prevention Method.

Addiction Therapy: Addiction therapy is a broad term that encompasses various therapeutic approaches designed to help individuals overcome substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. These therapies aim to address the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of addiction, helping individuals understand the root causes of their addictive behaviors, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build a sustainable path to recovery. Common therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, motivational interviewing, and group therapy. Addiction therapy often involves both individual and group sessions, providing a space for clients to explore their triggers, gain insight into their behaviors, and learn how to manage cravings or urges without resorting to substance use.

One of the key goals of addiction therapy is to promote long-term recovery and relapse prevention. By addressing underlying issues such as trauma, mental health conditions (e.g., depression or anxiety), and environmental factors, therapy helps individuals break free from the cycle of addiction. Therapy also emphasizes building life skills, such as stress management, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making, which are crucial for maintaining sobriety. Additionally, family therapy can play a vital role in supporting recovery, as it helps loved ones understand the impact of addiction and fosters a supportive environment for lasting change.

EMDR for Addiction Recovery: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that is increasingly used in addiction recovery to help individuals process and heal from trauma and negative experiences that may be contributing to their addiction. EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, to help reprocess disturbing memories, emotions, and beliefs that are often linked to substance abuse. The goal is to desensitize the emotional charge attached to these memories and allow individuals to develop healthier, more adaptive beliefs about themselves. For many, addiction is a way of coping with past trauma, and EMDR helps break the cycle by addressing the root causes of the addiction rather than just the symptoms.

In addiction recovery, EMDR can be particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or significant life stressors that led them to turn to substances for relief. By processing these traumatic memories, clients can achieve a sense of emotional healing, reducing the need to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. EMDR therapy also helps individuals develop a stronger sense of self-worth and emotional resilience, which are critical for sustaining recovery. While it’s often used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches, many people find EMDR to be a transformative tool in overcoming the emotional barriers that fuel their addiction, leading to deeper, long-term recovery outcomes.