Substance Abuse

Addiction and substance abuse can be an all-consuming illness. When your consumption of drugs or alcohol has disrupted your life and relationships, it may be time to seek help. At Hess Psychological Services, we understand that substance abuse disorders are complex, often involving a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, we offer a range of therapeutic interventions, counseling, and support services to guide individuals on their journey to sobriety. Our goal is not only to address the immediate challenges of substance abuse but also to build a solid foundation for sustained recovery and a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is a pattern of drug and/or alcohol use that disrupts your personal, professional, familial, and romantic life. Substance abuse can lead to problems such as missing school, work, or important events due to being under the influence, as well as risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or overdose. Substance abuse can be affected by genetic factors, life stressors, trauma and other psychiatric issues, health problems, and more. The journey through recovery is complex and personal and benefits from professional support. 

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Signs and symptoms that you are someone you love may be suffering from a substance abuse disorder include:

• Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than intended.
• Wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol.
• Spending a large portion of time obtaining, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol.
• Experiencing cravings to use drugs or alcohol.
• Drug or alcohol use that interferes with work, school, or home duties.
• Continuing to use drugs or alcohol even after they have caused relationship problems.
• Giving up activities because of drug or alcohol use.
• Engaging in risky behavior such as driving under the influence.
• Finding yourself in legal trouble because of drug or alcohol use.
• Continuing use of drugs or alcohol even after they have caused physical or psychological problems.
• Consuming larger amounts or over longer periods of time than intended.
• Unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control the use of drugs or alcohol.

Modalities of treatment

Treating substance abuse disorders requires patience, discipline, and resilience. At Hess Psychological Services we engage treatment modalities such as motivational interviewing (MI) to engage the motivations of patients to change their behaviors, cognitive behavioral therapy to help foster changes in thought and behaviors, and family/couples therapy to address the entire system. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with substance abuse and addiction impacting your personal and professional life, it is time to get the help you deserve. At Hess Psychological Services, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve sobriety and sustained self-care. To schedule a consultation with founder Dr. Heather Hess, please fill out an online contact form.