Substance Use Disorder Therapy in Massachusetts
Drug and Alcohol Counseling in Massachusetts at Handel Behavioral Health
When you develop a substance use disorder (SUD), your physical and psychological dependence on the substance can make it extremely challenging, if not impossible to overcome alone.
Your intense focus, otherwise known as an addiction, on certain substance(s), such as alcohol, tobacco, or other psychoactive substances, can make it extremely difficult to function in everyday life.
You may spend considerable time and effort to obtain the substance, and you may notice that you need more of it to feel the pleasurable effects. Your substance use may be negatively impacting your relationships, your performance at work or school, and your desire to take care of yourself and enjoy life without using.
Addiction is a disease, not a character flaw. While there is no cure for addiction, people can recover from their substance use disorder with therapeutic treatment and life-long recovery.
Start Working with a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Massachusetts Today:
At Handel Behavioral Health, our team of Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors offer compassionate, comprehensive, and holistic substance use disorder therapy for people of all ages and backgrounds.
By working with one of our therapists for substance use disorder in Massachusetts, you will learn to understand your addiction and triggers for substance use, while developing the skills necessary to move forward on a positive path in life.
Our therapists also provide family therapy for individuals and family members affected by loved ones with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions, with the goal of building strong relationships and helping everyone heal.
To start working with one of our Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors in-person from our offices in Amherst, Springfield, Wilbraham, Natick, and Franklin Massachusetts, or online in Massachusetts, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.
What is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
A substance use disorder (SUD) is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other psychoactive substances that causes significant distress and life challenges.
The DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association) lists the following as criteria for diagnosis of a substance use disorder, within a 12-month period:
- The substance is taken in larger amounts over a longer period than was intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to limit or control substance use.
- There is a great time spent trying to obtain, consume, and recover from the substance use.
- There is strong craving for use.
- There is continued use of the substance despite it negatively impacting and impairing your ability to show up for personal responsibilities, relationships, and commitments at work, school, or at home.
- There is a decline or loss of participation in social, occupational, and recreational activities because of the substance use.
- Use of the substance is continuous in situations where it is physically unsafe (ex, driving while intoxicated).
- Use of the substance is contributing to relationship problems.
- There is continuous use of the substance despite knowing that it impairs physical or psychological functioning (ex. drinking alcohol with a liver condition).
- There is an increased need for more of the substance to get the desired effect.
- There is withdrawal when the substance is not taken, which leads to psychical, mental, and emotional withdrawal symptoms.
The Primary Types of Substance Use Disorders:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
- Stimulant use disorder
- Marijuana use disorder
- Sedative use disorder
What Does Therapy for Substance Use Disorders Involve?
Treatment for substance use disorders depends on the substance and length of use, the symptoms and underlying causes of the disorder, the consequences and any co-occurring mental health disorders experienced by the individual with SUD.
The core principles of effective SUD treatment include:
- Detoxification (if necessary and based on the substance)
- Medication administered by a psychiatrist
- Medical support
- Long-term psychosocial support
- Self-help and spiritual recovery groups/activities
- Individual and family psychotherapy
Our licensed drug and alcohol counselors at Handel Behavioral Health will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan starting with a thorough assessment and evaluation.
What Does Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Massachusetts Involve?
Many people with SUD experience severe problems in other areas of their life, from physical and mental health issues, relationship problems, poor social or work skills, to legal difficulties.
When you work with one of our licensed drug and alcohol counselors, you will learn how addiction affects your brain, while exploring various topics and developing effective skills to both avoid relapse and live the life you deserve.
The most effective therapeutic modalities for substance use and addiction include:
A form of talk-therapy based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected in a way that one influences, and is influenced by the others. The goal of CBT is to increase awareness of thoughts, actions, and the consequences of each.
CBT sessions depend on the patient and the consequences of their substance use, but a typical session involves discussing irrational thoughts, negative thoughts, and previous stressful thoughts, followed by challenging the patient’s negative thoughts and false beliefs, and offering positive coping skills to use when faced with challenges.
A multidimensional approach which relies on learning and behavioral skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Mindfulness is at the center of DBT treatment, helping individuals learn about and practice bringing awareness to the present moment. Through observing their feelings, thoughts, sensations, and impulses, and tuning into their senses and the environment around them, patients can slow down and practice healthy coping skills.
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
A patient centered form of counseling that helps the patient develop an internal motivation to quit. Despite the adverse health, financial, social, and legal consequences of SUD, it can be difficult for those with SUD to find reason to quit on their own.
During MI counseling, the therapist will ask open ended questions to get the patient to explore their experiences, thoughts, and perspective around their substance use. The goal is for the patient to recognize their own fear of change, resolve any roadblocks getting in their way of sobriety, and find courage to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
People who have used substances for a long time can experience painful withdrawal symptoms, when tapering off their substance use. They will need to be monitored closely in a treatment center.
If necessary, the patient’s primary care physician will prescribe medications to alleviate the painful withdrawal process. Medication assisted treatment can also help re-normalize brain functioning and reduce cravings.
Start Working With a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Massachusetts Today:
At Handel Behavioral Health, our team of highly trained and compassionate licensed drug and alcohol counselors offer the treatment and resources that you need to recover from addiction and live your fullest life. You will learn to heal and grow, building a stronger future for yourself when you work with one of our trained clinicians.
To start working with one of our therapists trained in substance use disorder and addiction counseling, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.
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