Addiction & Substance Use Counseling
Understanding Your Relationship with Substances
It can be difficult to look honestly at how substances like alcohol, medication, or other drugs fit into your life. Whether you are curious, concerned, or just looking for information, you belong here. We believe that you are the expert on your own life, and our goal is to support your well-being, not to label or judge you.
What is Substance Use?
Substance use exists on a broad spectrum. It isn’t always a "problem," but it is something worth understanding.
The Spectrum: For many, use ranges from experimental or social to routine.
The "Why": People often use substances to manage physical pain, soothe anxiety, connect with others, or simply to feel "different."
The Focus: Instead of asking "Is this bad?" try asking, "How is this serving me, and what is it costing me?"
What is Addiction (Substance Use Disorder)?
In a harm reduction framework, we view addiction not as a moral failing or a lack of willpower, but as a complex physiological and psychological response.
When substance use moves into "disorder" or addiction, it usually means the brain's reward system has prioritized the substance over other needs. You might notice:
Narrowing Focus: Life begins to revolve more around obtaining or using the substance.
Loss of Choice: Feeling like you must use even when you had planned not to.
Tolerance & Withdrawal: Needing more to get the same effect, or feeling physically unwell when you stop.
Get Started with Addiction Counseling
Exploring your relationship with substances doesn't have to mean making a massive life change today. Sometimes, the best first step is simply gathering information or finding a safe space to talk.
1. Self-Reflection (At Your Own Pace)
If you aren't ready to talk to someone yet, that’s okay. You might start by keeping a "Curiosity Journal." For one week, without trying to change your behavior, simply notice:
The Trigger: What was happening right before I wanted to use? (Stress, boredom, social pressure?)
The Feeling: How did I feel immediately after? How did I feel the next morning?
The Need: What was I hoping the substance would do for me in that moment?
2. Practice Safer Habits
Harm reduction is about meeting you where you are. You can take steps to stay safer right now:
The "Buddy System": If possible, try not to use alone.
Testing & Tools: Access supplies like Fentanyl test strips or Naloxone (Narcan) to have on hand.
Hydration & Nutrition: Prioritize "basics" like drinking water and eating a meal before or after use.
3. Connect with a Peer or Professional
Sometimes, the weight of a secret is the heaviest part of addiction. Talking to someone who understands the science of the brain and the reality of the struggle can provide immense relief.
No-Strings-Attached Consult: Schedule a 15-minute chat just to see if our approach feels like a good fit for you.
Support Groups: Look for "All-Recovery" or "SMART Recovery" meetings, which often focus on practical tools rather than labels.
Meeting You Where You’re At
You don't have to hit "rock bottom" to ask for support or make a change. Harm reduction means we celebrate any step that increases your safety and health. This might look like:
Using more safely to prevent overdose or injury.
Slightly reducing the frequency of use.
Exploring the underlying reasons why you use.
Deciding to move toward abstinence.
There is no "right" way to start this journey. The fact that you are asking these questions is a brave first step. We won’t ever tell you what to do, or how you should live your life. That is always up to you. We are here to support and celebrate your wins, whatever those might be.