An Asheville Therapist's Take on Addiction/ Substance abuse Treatment

Living with addiction is complicated. Even in recovery. If you’ve considered addiction or substance abuse treatment before, you may have noticed that there are a lot of different programs out there designed to help you in your journey towards healing and wellness. In fact, in Asheville where my counseling practice is located, the addiction treatment industry is booming. While having lots of options is a good thing, you need to be mindful of choosing a program or therapist that truly meets your unique needs. This is critical to maintaining your sobriety. Feeling supported in treatment will help you find the strength needed to begin this arduous journey. So today, I want to take some time and share my thoughts on addiction treatment. I will tell you my approach and share with you some things I hope you will consider when picking a type of treatment or treatment center. 

Understanding The Disease Model of Addiction

Man sits with his hand on his head looking upset. He got addiction and substance abuse treatment in Asheville, NC at Strive On Counseling

There is some debate in the addiction world surrounding whether addiction should be viewed as a disease, and while I lean toward agreeing that it is, I can see a good argument for the other side. There is no denying that addiction is a condition that should be taken seriously, and is not a personal or moral failure. This is why I think it's important to at least consider the disease model. Being afflicted with addiction should be no more stigmatized than being afflicted with leukemia. But, some people feel uncomfortable with the disease model because it might make them feel like recovery is not possible. 

There's a great saying in the twelve-step world: It's not your fault but it is your responsibility. Just like you would have to go see a doctor if you had leukemia, you have to take responsibility for your addiction and do what you can to manage it. 

I say this because it’s important to think about where you stand. What are your thoughts on rather addiction should be considered a disease? If the disease model makes you feel uncomfortable or you disagree with the idea of being powerless over your addiction, then that’s okay. It is critical to your sobriety that you find support that meets your unique needs. But, you do want to keep this in mind. Some programs believe in the disease model as I do. And, these programs and therapists may not be a good fit for you. 

Choosing a Substance Abuse Treatment Program and Therapist is Extremely Important

As I mentioned, there are so many options for addiction treatment. You can see a therapist for counseling, you can join AA or another support group, you can go to a treatment center, you can see your doctor, a hypnotist, etc. Truly, the list goes on and on and on. But, if you’re ready to live your life free from the chains of addiction, then I suggest taking the time to do some research and choosing a program that fits your unique needs. 

Some of these treatment options and professionals do not have your best interest in mind. And, many treatment centers are not committed to using the best approaches. Ultimately, this can do you more harm than good in the long run. It can even set you back or turn you off from treatment altogether. When you’re making a decision as monumental as sobriety, it’s important that you work with people who can support and guide you well. 

Furthermore, please be aware that cult-like treatment programs and facilities. Sadly, this is a real concern. There are treatment centers that just want your money and aren't going to help you. There are also recovery circles within many different corners of the addiction and spirituality world that have a cult-like following and this is extremely dangerous. Note: some people like to say AA is a cult, but that has more to do with any specific group than AA itself. There are definitely some specific meetings and AA groups that act and function like cults, but there are many more that are welcoming and helpful. I know many people whose lives have been saved by AA.

Here Are Some Other Things, I Would Like You to Consider When Choosing Substance Abuse Treatment:

Choose a substance abuse treatment center, program, or therapist that meets your needs

photo of an AA meeting representing substance abuse treatment in Asheville, NC at Strive On Counseling

This is perhaps, the biggest consideration when choosing an approach to support your sobriety. 

As I mentioned, if you find the idea of the disease model helpful, and are comfortable with the idea that you are powerless over your addiction, then you want to look for addiction treatment that is 12-step based. If not, then you want a treatment that follows other models such as SMART Recovery, CBT or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Buddhist-based recovery, etc.

Ask other addicts what worked for them

If you know people who have had success with certain programs or treatment centers, that's a good sign. Find out what their experience was like. Furthermore, when doing online research, consider looking at reviews for various therapists, programs, or centers. Of course, there will be negative reviews from dissatisfied clients. Just make note of them. Hopefully, you will find ones that have more positive than negative reviews. 

Choose evidence-based addiction treatment

There are a lot of methods out there for treating addictions, and some of them are experimental, unconventional, or even dangerous. Be careful when approaching these- the more evidence there is to suggest their efficacy the better off you are. That doesn't mean there aren't useful things that haven't been researched, but I've seen people get hurt by charlatans who practice some outside-the-box methods.

Find addiction treatment or a therapist that uses trauma-informed care

Most people experiencing addiction have some history of trauma. Unfortunately, not all groups or providers are properly equipped to deal with this. But, it's very important to choose a recovery program that can help you process your trauma and how it’s impacted your addiction. And, most importantly, not lead to re-traumatization. 

Look around and consider all treatment options

Addiction can be life or death for many people, and it's that much more important to find a support group, treatment center, or therapist who feels like the right fit for you. You might want to try out some different options before settling on a place or person

My Approach to Addiction and Substance Abuse Treatment in Asheville and Online Throughout North Carolina

At my counseling center, I use the disease model to treat addiction. But, I also tailor my addiction and substance abuse treatment approach to meet your needs and complement your unique personality. Regardless of the specific treatment modality, my primary approach is to make sure you feel safe and secure during counseling. Talking about your addictions and the things that led to your addiction is hard and emotional. So, building a therapeutic relationship is very important. I want you to trust that when you’re speaking with me, you will not be judged or ridiculed for your addiction.

In counseling, I will give you skills to help you cope with the triggers that often cause you to use while also addressing the root cause of your addiction. Sometimes this is trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, bullying, family dynamics, or a family history of addiction. Or perhaps, you have your own unique story to share. Together we will work to helping you cope with your addiction and maintain sobriety so you can have the life you want- a life free of trauma and addiction. I believe that RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.

Begin Addiction and Substance Abuse Treatment in Asheville, NC:

woman looking at a lake with her fist raised in triumph. This represents the healing you can find from addiction and substance abuse treatment in Asheville, NC and working with a therapist at Strive On Counseling

If you’re fighting a battle with addiction, know that you don’t have to fight it alone. Help is available. I offer addiction treatment in Asheville, NC and online therapy in North Carolina to help individuals struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Follow these steps to begin counseling in Asheville, NC:

  1. Call or email my counseling practice and set up a free consultation

  2. Learn about Mike and Strive On Counseling

  3. Begin addiction treatment and find healing in sobriety.

Mental Health Services at Strive On Counseling

At my Asheville, NC counseling office, I don’t only specialize in addiction treatment. Counselors at our practice also specialize in offering support for family members of those struggling with addiction, counseling for chronic pain, therapy for chronic health concerns. Additionally, we treat a variety of mental health concerns such including anxiety, substance use or addiction, and PTSD. To learn about the many other mental health concerns I treat during individual therapy click here. I use many different modalities of therapy including anxiety treatment, Buddhist counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR and trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, therapy for family of addicts, CBT for chronic pain, therapy for chronic illness and meditation and mindfulness practices. To learn more about all the mental health services I provide or to begin therapy, please click here. Contact my office for more information on how I can help you!