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Substance abuse refers to the harmful or unsafe use of or addiction to alcohol, drugs, and/or other mind-altering substances such as opioids that typically results in recurring negative consequences. These consequences can range from damaged relationships and poor job/academic performance to serious bodily injury as a result of drug withdrawal or legal issues.
There is no single direct cause of alcohol abuse. Many researchers and mental health professionals agree that substance abuse likely stems from a combination of hereditary, environmental, psychological, and social factors. For instance, the risk of alcoholism is generally higher in people who have family members with alcohol abuse or addiction issues, but not everyone may be affected by genetics.
Many people are triggered by circumstances or stressors stemming from work, school, relationships, culture, or their surroundings. Sometimes, other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can contribute to substance abuse when an individual attempts to cope with difficult feelings and experiences through using drugs and/or alcohol.
At Louis-Laves Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we’ve helped countless individuals overcome their struggles with addiction through our addiction counseling in Austin, TX. We take a psychiatric approach to addiction counseling, not just helping our patients overcome addiction, but the trauma and pain that lead them on this life path. Our goal is to permanently eliminate addiction from the lives of our patients, and that starts with solving the problem at its core. Choose Louis-Laves Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates for addiction counseling in Austin, TX.
Drug or alcohol abuse can be hard to identify, even for the individual experiencing it first-hand. Sometimes close family and friends are also unaware that their loved one is struggling with substance abuse or alcoholism. If you’re concerned that you or someone you love may have a problem with addiction to drugs, alcohol, and other illicit substances, several common warning signs to look for include:
Substance abuse counseling in Austin, TX is helpful for those who are dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Identifying the stressors in life that cause the need for dependence on drugs is an important step toward working toward a cleaner life. While simply treating the addiction through a detox program is enough to stop the effects for some time, this can ultimately lead to relapse if these life events are not addressed. For substance abuse counseling in Austin, TX, trust Louis-Laves Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates.
A drug and alcohol abuse therapist in Austin works alongside you to identify these specific moments that could have triggered the need to use drugs and alcohol. These can include sudden life stresses such as losing a job, losing a loved one, or entering a social network that encourages the use of illicit substances. Substance abuse counselors are able to work alongside you to implement addiction treatments and find the path and goals you wish to achieve.
Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S and Associates provide drug and alcohol counseling and treatment for those in the Austin area. We are qualified to conduct full drug and alcohol assessments while offering addiction counseling for those interested.
Our approach is collaborative and supportive, creating a safe, non-judgemental setting for you to reflect on your experiences while offering our insights. Our goal is to help you make the changes you desire in life and ultimately reach a better understanding of yourself. Together, we can examine any underlying issues and work to cope with them in a healthy, constructive way.
Through counseling for substance abuse and addiction, you can equip yourself with new tools for managing your challenges and caring for yourself. We’ll help you with alcohol addiction treatment in Austin.
Louis-Laves Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates has two addiction counseling offices conveniently located in the city of Austin.
Our primary office is in downtown Austin, right next to the Museum District on the corner of 18th Street and Nueces Street. We’re located 5 minutes driving from Interstate 35 when you get off on E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. going west. There are several parking garages and lots in the area, but we recommend the Guadalupe Garage or the 1601 Rio Grande Street Parking lot. Get directions to our Downtown Austin addiction counseling office via Google maps below.
Our North Austin office is located by the MoPac Expressway when you head west on Spicewood Springs Road. Enjoy free and easy on-site parking at our North Austin location. Our North Austin addiction counseling offices are located right next door to Spicewood Springs Plaza at 3818 Spicewood Springs Road in 3818 Business Plaza. Get directions to our North Austin addiction counseling office via Google maps below.
Substance abuse can be considered a mental health disorder when it becomes a pattern of problematic drug or alcohol use leading to significant and regular impairment as well as emotional distress. Additionally, substance abuse can worsen existing mental health conditions. Co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders are a common phenomenon known as "dual diagnosis."
A substance abuse counselor is a mental health professional who works with individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. A substance abuse counselor's responsibilities include
• Assessing patients to determine the nature and extent of their substance abuse issues
• Developing individualized treatment plans to address patients' substance abuse and related mental health concerns
• Providing individual and group therapy to help clients understand and overcome their substance abuse problems
• Offering support and guidance to patients as they navigate the recovery process
• Educating clients and their families about addiction, substance abuse, and related topics
• Monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed
The overall goal of a substance abuse counselor is to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety, improve their overall mental and physical health, and lead fulfilling lives. Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S, and associates are proud providers of substance abuse counseling in Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Substance abuse and addiction are related concepts but have different definitions.
Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and drugs, which can lead to significant physical, psychological, and social problems as well as excessive consumption resulting in impaired judgment and engaging in dangerous activities. Addiction, on the other hand, is a chronic mental disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite negative consequences. Addiction involves changes in the brain that lead to an individual losing control over their drug use and becoming dependent on the substance.
In short, substance abuse is a term that encompasses problematic drug or alcohol use, while addiction is a specific condition that can develop as a result of substance abuse.
Symptoms of substance abuse or addiction may include but are not limited to:
• Using the substance in greater amounts or for longer than necessary
• Unable to stop using or cutting down on the substance
• Craving the substance or having strong urges to use it
• Continuing to use the substance despite negative consequences, such as health problems or strained relationships
• Giving up important activities, like work or social events, in favor of substance use
• Using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving while under the influence
• Developing a tolerance and needing more of the substance to achieve the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional like one of the team members at Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S, and Associates.
Substance abuse can be treated through various methods, including
• Therapy: Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals understand and change their thoughts and behaviors related to substance use.
• Support groups: Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can provide a community of peers who understand what the individual is going through and can offer encouragement and support.
• Detoxification: Detox is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of the substance in a controlled environment. This is often the first step in a comprehensive treatment program.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation, or rehab, is a structured program that can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to recover from substance abuse.
• Medications: Certain medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for a person to quit using the substance.
• Aftercare: Aftercare refers to ongoing support for those that suffered from substance abuse or addiction. Activities such as ongoing therapy or support groups can help individuals maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse.
Treatment for substance abuse is highly individualized and may involve a combination of these approaches. It is important to seek professional help from an addiction counselor to determine the best course of treatment.
601 West 18th St
Austin, TX 78701
3818 Spicewood Springs Rd
Suite 300
Austin, TX 78759
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