Substance Use

Are you or a loved one struggling with a dependence on drugs or alcohol?  Is an excessive behavior like gambling, exercising, self-destructive sexual behavior, or shopping, becoming your go-to coping mechanism?  Are you worn out by a family member who is struggling with substance abuse or addiction? Whether you are facing unhealthy dependence on a substance or behavior, or you are trying to navigate a loved one’s addiction, we can help.  At Known Counseling, we know the challenges of both sides and can help you walk through your unique journey.

Substance use becomes abuse when you consistently use the substance to cope with painful experiences.  Substance abuse becomes addiction when a physiological and psychological dependence on the substance or behavior occurs and begins disrupting other areas of your life.  This can be a slippery slope for someone who likely set out to self-medicate an underlying experience like depression, anxiety, or trauma.  We can work with you to address the underlying pain, help you overcome dependencies, and develop healthy coping skills so you don’t have to continue the painful cycle of addiction.

On the other side of addiction, the struggle of a loved one can destroy families and relationships.  Whether your partner, child, sibling, or parent is facing addiction, your life has inevitably been impacted.  It can be easy to lose yourself when focusing on the sick family member, and emotions like anger, resentment, fear, and sadness can be unavoidable.  We can help you process through confusing emotions, develop healthy boundaries, and learn how to effectively help yourself and loved one.

Making the decision to seek help for an addiction can be a fearful endeavor. Alternatively, finally seeking help for yourself when you have been taking care of a family member through their addiction can be difficult and even uncomfortable.  Whatever side you are on, we are here to help individuals and families develop a thorough understanding of addiction and gain freedom and hope.  You don’t have to navigate the darkness alone any longer.