Addiction Therapists in Lakewood, IL.

Addictions are hard to accept. Is it a problem? Is it manageable? Hard questions and hard answers. I encourage you to not face it alone. Ultimately, an addiction has to be replaced by relationship to something else, a connection to something bigger and better. If a substance (or a behavior) is starting to take more than it gives, options for recovery are not as scary as you might think.

Even after sobriety, there are many confusing challenges that exist for individuals and families in recovery. With my experience of working in the field of addictions, I understand the process of recovery and how it affects family members. With my background in addictions treatment from both the prevention and treatment side of things I can sensitively walk along side you and your family as you embark on this new journey of wholeness and freedom

Addiction to any substance or behavior can have hugh consequences. Admitting that ones life is out of control is the first step to a successful recovery from any addiction. Learning new coping skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance will equip the client with life long skills that will allow them to live a more fulfilled life. Many times addicts are not running toward something they are running from something. Uncovering what that is might be another key to a solid recovery.

Often people become addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, the internet, spending and/or sex to help them feel better or cope with life. These people sometimes do not recognize that they are trying to escape or "self-medicate" from their difficulties or their addiction is a symptom of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or ADHD for example. The first steps to successful treatment is admitting that you have an addiction problem and that you need help. It is not uncommon for me to see people who enter into therapy at the request of a loved one. Family or couples therapy may also be necessary to break the cycle of co-dependency.

Additions can often be understood as an effort to numb the pain resulting in one’s failure in their relationship with the self. Feeling unable to experience adequate levels of self-esteem can reflect difficulty in loving and caring for yourself or accepting love from others. Feeling vulnerable and exposed can reflect difficulties in feeling able to protect yourself resulting from difficulties with setting effective boundaries, while losing yourself in the face of other’s beliefs can reflect difficulties with identifying and sharing who you know yourself to be. These and other symptoms can lead you to seeking to numb yourself from the pain of feeling overwhelmed. Reconnect with yourself.

This therapy treats substance abuse, sex addiction, overspending, overeating, gambling and internet shopping addictions. Working in collaboration with other 12-step programs in the community, together we will develop a plan to help you and your family through the difficult decisions and process of change of defining, understanding, and coping with addiction. We also offer toxicology screening, breathalyzer readings, and liaison services for those who are court mandated to treatment.