Substance use | Addiction

Taking the first step to seek help for substance use or addiction is a courageous and important decision. We understand that it may not be easy, but we want you to know that you are not alone. Our team is here to support and guide you through the process of recovery.

We can help you on your journey towards healing. Our highly trained therapists can help you identify triggers for using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors, and work with you to develop alternative coping strategies. We believe in a holistic approach to treatment, and if desired, we can recommend care with other support systems such as residential treatment programs, detox, and intense outpatient programs.

We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your experiences and working towards a brighter future. We are here to listen, support, and guide you towards a healthier, happier life. So take that first step and reach out to us today – we are ready to help you.

MEET CLINICIANS WHO SPECIALIZE IN

substance use | Addiction

Did you know this about substance use and addiction?

Genetics, including the impact of one’s environment on gene expression can account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of addiction. According to NAMI roughly 50% of people living with a mental health condition also have a problem with substance abuse. factors that may increase a person’s risk of addiction include a chaotic home environment and abuse, parent’s drug use and attitude toward drugs, peer influences, community attitudes toward drugs, and poor academic achievement. Addiction is a complex disease of the brain and body that involves compulsive use of one or more substances despite serious health and social consequences. It disrupts regions of the brain that are responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgment, and memory. It damages various body systems as well as families, relationships, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Almost no one plans to become addicted to substances, like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, addiction is caused by a combination of behavioral, environmental, and biological factors. If you find that you are or have been struggling with addiction and want to address the underlying factors contributing to substance use, it may be time to get help.

Therapy at CARE Counseling for addiction struggles may involve exploring and accepting the past events and mental health symptoms that led to addiction as well as planning for ways to replace the unwanted behaviors with healthy coping skills.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Strong urges to use a substance or engage in a behavior

Trying and failing to cut down on use

Substance use or behavior gets in the way of important areas of life, such as relationships and work

Risky use

Needing larger amounts of a substance / chemical or behavior in order to get the same effect

Withdrawal symptoms, which differ depending on the substance

treatment at care

Help you identify triggers for using substances or engaging in behavior

Helping you develop alternative coping strategies

If desired, coordinating care with other support systems such as residential treatment programs, support groups, and intense outpatient programs

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES | LINKS

Websites:

Nuway: https://nuway.org/

Park Avenue Center: https://www.parkavenuecenter.com/

Hotlines:

Free addiction and mental health help line:

844-LIFECHANGE (543-3242)

Share Your Story

Share Your Story + More Ways to Get Involved in Mental Health Awareness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has some great ideas and resources to get involved in events for Mental Health Awareness Month. One way to do so is to share your story.
Medication info

Considering Taking Medications and Their Side Effects

one of the most common concerns that are mentioned to the therapist is the concern of side effects.
recovery
Blog Post October

Five Benefits of Attending Al-Anon/Alateen and Nar-Anon/ Narateen

Support for Friends, Family, and Concerned Individuals who are Impacted by Other’s Drinking and Drug Use
recovery

Different Paths of Recovery

There are different paths to recovery. Taking the first steps and finding a recovery path that works for you is the goal.
Blog Post October

Milieu Therapy

Check out Milieu Therapy—an approach where the social environment is incorporated as the therapy.
National Recovery month

October Is National Recovery Month

Living as an addict can feel lonely, and this does not need to define you. In fact, the term “addict” can be offensive, especially when you are struggling with substance use or relapse.
62%

Kids + Teens with Substance Use

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening children starting at age 9 for substance-use. In mental health outpatient settings such as CARE Counseling, concerns are assessed for all children, with screening done for children 10 and older.

What is Relapse and What Does it Mean?

Relapse is the recurrence and worsening of a condition that has previously improved. For individuals who are in recovery, relapse and even multiple relapses are common. Due to the addictive and chronic nature of drug and alcohol dependence, there is not a quick and easy “cure” but rather an ongoing journey of recovery.

You Are Not a Failure: When Relapse Occurs

Keeping in mind that relapse is common, it is so important to remain focused on recovery after a relapse. When relapse occurs during the treatment of substance use disorders, it is an indication that additional support is needed. You are not a failure.

How to Talk About Recovery (If YOU Want)

There is incredible power in sharing one’s story. There are various characters that are part of story. The settings and plot change. There is a beginning, middle, and end as well as elements of conflict and resolution.

2021 National Recovery Month Observance

Recovery is for everyone because it benefits everyone. In recovery, we build new connections to ourselves, our families, and our communities. The 2021 National Recovery Month theme, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” reminds people in recovery and those who support them, that recovery belongs to all of us.

Men's Mental Health Week 2021

Awareness, prevention, education, and treatment are key aspects for mental health wellness. For men, factors such as social norms, reluctance to seek help, stigma, lack of culturally-competent care, or minimization of symptoms can make it difficult to get treatment for these common mental health problems that are prevalent among men.
SHORT AND LONG-TERM COSTS OF BINGE-DRINKING RELATED TO HEAVY ALCOHOL USE

Short and Long-Term Costs of Binge-Drinking Related to Heavy Alcohol Use

Binge-drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks in females, in about a 2- hour period. Heavy alcohol use can cause serious long-lasting damage. The good news is that these consequences can be preventable.
Social Drinking

Social Drinking: Moderation Vs. Being At-Risk for an Alcohol Use Disorder

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink (or alcoholic drink-equivalent) in the US contains 0.6 fl ounces of pure alcohol. Here is what this would look like:
BEING MINDFUL AND COMPASSIONATE IN TOUGH CONVERSATIONS

Being Mindful and Compassionate in Tough Conversations

Tough conversations often create discomfort and can lead to avoidance. There may be reluctance to speak up due to fear of consequences. What will people think? How do I manage my own anxiety? Consider for a moment that remaining silent during tough conversations also communicates a message. What message do you wish to convey?
Misusing Drugs or Alcohol

CARE-ing for a Friend/ Family Member who is Misusing Drugs or Alcohol

Caring for a loved one struggling with the mental and physical reliance on substances can be a very painful experience, especially for those who experience the effects first-hand. Substance use impacts the entire family system; therefore it is important to have support at all steps along the way–from the time of emerging concerns to treatment and recovery. Knowing what to do is not always easy, especially when watching a loved one engage in self-defeating behavior.
Blog Post Graphics

Post-Treatment… What life looks like now

You officially completed treatment...congratulations! Now what? Like other areas of life where one completes a task, there are steps necessary to maintain positive results.
Minnesober

Connect with the Celebration of Recovery!

Did you know that Minnesota is also known as “Minnesober” or “The Land of 10,000 Treatment Centers?!”
Please Master DBT

PLEASE MASTER : Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

PLEASE MASTER is a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skill to help reduce vulnerability to negative emotions. This is a great skill to help with emotional regulation while also having a framework for steps to take that create healthy habits within daily routines. 
Substance Abuse in attorneys

Substance Use in Attorneys

As an attorney managing a stressful caseload you may result in coping strategies to help manage your stress. One of the most common coping strategies is substance use. If you feel like you have begun to use negative coping strategies therapy is a great option to help you get back on track.

Mental health, addiction treatment important amid crisis

It’s no surprise that people are feeling anxious right now. Workers…

Opioids And Substance Abuse: What Can We Do?

Opioids and other substances that alter how we feel, think and…
Holiday Drinking

Holiday Drinking: What Is Normal?

I recently read an interesting article about a Caron Treatment…
4 s's featured image
A Meditation for Setting Boundaries
Holiday Stress Meditation
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail
Vimeo Thumbnail