Sexual Addiction, Marriage Counseling Raleigh NC, Marriage Counselors, Relationship Counseling, Couples Therapy: Raleigh NC, Apex, Cary

Most of us would agree that life is stressful, and it is only natural that we wish to feel good, enjoy ourselves, and "decompress." In our culture one of the ways people seek to do so when alone or in social situations, is through the recreational use of alcohol, and even certain drugs. There is also plenty of encouragement to use over-the-counter and prescription medications to feel better. Unfortunately, for some people apparent "recreational" or medicinal use turns into something else, something more destructive that causes pain and confusion for self and others.

We offer psychotherapy to men and women whose alcohol and/or drug use is creating individual, interpersonal, family, legal, or economic difficulties. We also offer psychotherapy to the partners of individuals struggling with substance use. Treatment often begins with individual therapy, but can involve couples work if appropriate; and group therapy can be an important adjunct.

Understand the disease model of alcoholism or drug addiction, including the biophysical, social and psychological forces involved; and why some people are much more vulnerable to these problems than others.
See through destructive myths, like it just takes willpower to stop, or people with alcohol or drug problems are "weak" or "bad." Addiction knows no boundaries with regard to socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or age. People from all walks of life are vulnerable to the disease.
Remove the stigma, and reduce the shame and isolation that accompanies and maintains alcohol or other drug addiction, while recognizing the serious negative consequences to self and others that inevitably occurs with addiction.
Create an individualized recovery plan that meets your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
Improve relationships, save marriages, and preserve the family.

1. A pattern of out-of-control drinking or substance use, which may occur on a regular basis, or be more episodic. Out-of-control means that at least on occassion, the behavior may go further than intended, or happen despite wishes to stop. That is, a decision to limit oneself to one drink may in fact turn out to be two or four. Feelings of shame or remorse after an episode may be part of the cycle; as well as efforts to stop which inevitably fail. The hiding of drinking or using behaviors are common.

2. The alcohol or drug use interferes with the fulfillment of major role obligations at work, school, or home; and can include physical, psychological, social, legal, or economic problems. For example, marriages may be threatened as partners complain about alochol use. Jobs may be lost with positive drug tests, or lowered job performance. Bouts of depression and/or anxiety may be part of the experience. Judgement can be impaired while under the influence. And physical illness, such as liver disease, may eventually begin to develop. Behavior continues despite the adverse consequences to self or family.

3. Over time the amount or frequency of use tends to increase, as it takes more quantity in a given period of time to get the desired "high." This is called tolerance and reflects the body's adaptation to the substance use. The prior amount doesn't suffice. Life revolves more and more around the substance use; and thinking about it and planning for it can take on the quality of obsession.

4. There is an increasing inability to abstain as the disease progresses. In the early stages of the disease, withdrawal involving emotional symptoms, such as irritation, can occur after stopping. In the later stages, for alcohol and some drugs, there can be life-threatening physical withdrawal symptoms that are associated with a physical addiction to the substance.

5. The behavior has an important coping function, sometimes referred to as "self-medicating" or "numbing out." It can be consciously or unconsciously used to avoid painful feelings, deal with stress, feel better, or "unwind" and relax. Unfortunately the coping function backfires as underlying problems are not addressed, and the substance use itself creates a whole set of problems that increases stress dramatically. Since alcohol or drugs are used to deal with stress, the behavior is maintained and can escalate in a vicious cycle.

6. Sometimes there are cross addictions. Quite often an individual may trade one addiction for another. A person can be in recovery for alcoholism while a gambling addiction escalates.

Problem alcohol or drug use is difficult to self-assess. Part of the illness is a strong tendency to minimize or deny the problem. This is because people fear being labeled and misunderstood. Shame is a factor. And acknowledging the problem implies stopping, which is threatening. Also the disease is progressive, so it is easy to rationalize the behavior at the earlier stages by thinking that only advanced stage symptoms constitute a real problem. Unfortunately, it can take a serious crisis ("hitting bottom") to break through denial. Don't wait for a crisis!

If you seem to be struggling with one or more of the above signs, in the area of alcohol or drug use, psychotherapy can help you to:

Assess current behavior in a supportive setting without judgement.
Increase self-esteem and feel hopeful about the possibility for change and recovery, if needed.

Break through isolation, shame, and secrecy, as you learn that you are not alone in having this problem and that it can be talked about openly.
Face problems by overcoming denial and objectively clarifying the negative consequences of behavior, thereby increasing the motivation and possibility for positive change.
Develop effective strategies to cope with and overcome impulses to use alcohol or drugs; and substitute healthy ways to feel good, manage stress, and increase self-care. There is no reason people "should" know how to deal with stress. This is a learned skill! Recovery is ultimately about feeling better, feeling empowered, and having a healthier lifestyle.
Build support systems, and learn about the importance of 12-step programs and other resources.
Work through underlying emotional triggers and stressors as recovery progresses.
Increase intimacy and improve relationships.

Recovery can begin with a confidential individual consultation, or a couple appointment. Please contact us if you would like more information.

Although all of our therapists are experienced in drug and alcohol treatment, Joey Carey, LPC, LCAS, CCS, MAC is specializing in this area. Please ask for her.

Joey Carey, LPC, LCAS, CCS, MAC

Jeff Levy, MA, LMFT

4909 Waters Edge Dr. Ste 100

Raleigh, NC 27606

Alcohol and Drug Treatment - the Recovery Process