More often than not, drug addictions start with experimental use of a drug in social situations. And for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. As time passes, a person may feel the need to use more of a drug to get their desired high, and soon a person may need the drug to simply feel stable.

Drug addiction symptoms and behaviors include, among others:

• Feeling the need to use the drug regularly, which can be daily or multiple times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities
• Doing things you wouldn’t normally do to get the drug, such as stealing
• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
• Failed attempts to quit using the drug

If you can relate to any of the above symptoms or behaviors, it may be time to consider addiction counseling.

As a Board Certified addictionologist, I will address the symptoms of your addiction and the related areas of impaired functioning, and together we’ll structure the time and content of your ongoing recovery.

Treating substance use disorders requires a team approach. I will help structure your team to help you gain control over substances that have taken over your life.