Addiction counseling

Imagine waking up each morning with a familiar heaviness - not just from the hangover, but from the weight of promises you made to yourself last night. "Today will be different," you whisper, just like yesterday. 

You're good at keeping up appearances - showing up to work, managing your responsibilities - but inside, there's a constant negotiation happening. By afternoon, you feel the subtle pull, that whisper that says "just one drink to take the edge off." You know one will become many, yet the need feels stronger than your willpower. 

Friends have started making comments, and your partner gives you those worried looks, but you've become an expert at deflecting their concerns. Late at night, as you pour "just one more," you feel a deep loneliness - caught between craving the numbness alcohol brings and hating how it's slowly stealing your life. 

You remember who you used to be, and in quiet moments, you desperately want that person back. If this feels familiar, know that you're not alone.

In 2023 approximately 46.3 million Americans aged 12 or older (about 16.5% of the population) were diagnosed with  substance use disorder. Breaking this down further:

• About 29.5 million people have an alcohol use disorder
• Roughly 24.2 million people have a drug use disorder
• About 7.4 million people have both alcohol and drug use disorders

It's important to note that these numbers are likely underestimates, as addiction often goes unreported and undiagnosed. Additionally, only about 10% of people with substance use disorders receive any form of specialized treatment in a given year.

Addiction is a complex, chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors or substance use, despite negative consequences.

 It's considered both a mental illness and a neurological condition, as it creates lasting changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgment, and memory.

Key features of addiction include:

• Loss of control over substance use or behavior
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Intense cravings
• Development of tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect)
• Physical and/or psychological withdrawal when stopping
• Inability to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home
• Social and interpersonal problems

Addiction is not a choice or moral failing, but rather develops through several key factors working together:

Your Genes and Brain: About half of addiction risk comes from genetics. When exposed to drugs or alcohol, some people's brains are more likely to develop powerful cravings and dependence.

Life Experiences: Trauma, especially in childhood, chronic stress, and mental health challenges like depression can push people toward substance use as a way to cope.

Environment: Your surroundings matter - from family attitudes about substances to peer pressure, access to drugs/alcohol, and whether you have support systems and opportunities in life.

The younger someone starts using substances, the higher their risk of developing addiction, since the brain is especially vulnerable during teenage years and young adulthood.

These factors explain why just "trying harder" isn't enough to overcome addiction. The brain itself has been changed, requiring proper treatment that addresses both the biological and personal aspects of recovery.

Key Warning Signs:

• Loss of control: Unable to stop or limit substance use despite attempts
• Increased tolerance: Needing more to get the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms when stopping
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Continuing despite relationship problems
• Giving up activities once enjoyed
• Using despite physical/mental health issues
• Strong cravings or urges to use
• Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering
• Using in dangerous situations (like driving)

If you have any of the following warning signs, it may be time to seek treatment. A licensed mental health   professional can diagnose addiction (Substance Use Disorder) through specific criteria as well as conducting a mental health evaluation. 

When you're facing addiction, it can feel like there's an invisible wall between you and recovery. You might be fighting daily triggers, wrestling with cravings that seem to come out of nowhere, or feeling frustrated when old patterns keep creeping back despite your best efforts.

Perhaps you've tried to quit before, only to find yourself slipping back into familiar habits, leaving you wondering if lasting change is even possible.

At Cinco Ranch Therapy we have a unique approach to addiction therapy. We address biological, psychological and social aspects of addiction. We aim to treat the underlying trauma that can contribute to using substances to cope. 

Terence Gorski's model recognizes relapse as a gradual process that begins long before a relapse happens, and actual substance use occurs. This model provides a systematic method for identifying and interrupting the relapse process early.

Through this unique approach we are able to identify key warning signs of a relapse and develop specific intervention strategies for each sign. You are  equipped  with coping tools and have a clear and concrete intervention plan.

At Cinco Ranch Therapy we know that recovery does not end when substance use stops. We focus on developing sustainable recovery skills for long term sobriety. 

In therapy we incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) where you will identify and change unhealthy thought patterns and develop problem-solving strategies. You will formulate a clear relapse prevention plan.

At Cinco Ranch Therapy we also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as part of treatment  to help you learn emotional regulation skills and distress tolerance techniques that will help you manage difficult emotions. DBT skills will also help you become more aware of cravings and triggers without automatically acting on them. You will learn techniques to maintain boundaries and navigate relationships without substances. 

• Rebuilt trust with family and loved ones
• Stronger, more authentic connections with others
• Improved communication skills
• Ability to be present and reliable for important moments
• Increased productivity and focus at work
• Better financial stability without substance expenses
• Improved job performance and career opportunities
• Increased self-esteem and self-worth
• Better emotional regulation skills
• Processing of underlying trauma or mental health issues
• Better stress management skills
• Increased resilience against future challenges
• Improved physical health and stronger immune system
• Better sleep quality and natural energy levels
• Improved overall life expectancy

You don't have to live with the debilitating symptoms  of addiction that rob you of your health, time with family, and personal growth,  Cinco Ranch Therapy can help! To start addiction therapy follow these easy steps:

1. Contact Cinco Ranch Therapy to learn more about addiction counseling in Katy, TX.

2. Schedule your first online appointment with your skilled and caring licensed addiction counselor, Julie Sekachev.

3. Find relief from addiction and begin a healthier future today!

In addition to addiction  counseling, our Katy, TX  therapy center   offers a variety of counseling services for adults, adolescents, families and couples. Our goal at Cinco Ranch Therapy is to help you feel seen and supported, and provide the highest quality care. Our counseling services include anxiety therapy, narcissistic abuse recovery, depression therapy  anxiety therapy, couples counseling, relationship therapy, teen therapy, trauma treatment, perfectionism and burnout. Contact Cinco Ranch Therapy to learn more about how we can help you today!