Behavioral & Substance Addictions

Addiction can take many forms—and it rarely exists in isolation. Whether you’re struggling yourself or love someone who is, understanding addiction is the first step toward healing.

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a licensed mental health professional for advice specific to your situation.

What is addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition where a person becomes unable to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior, even when it causes harm. It often begins as a way to cope with stress, pain, or difficult emotions, but over time, the brain starts to rely on that substance or activity to function. Addiction can affect relationships, health, and daily life, and recovery typically involves understanding what’s driving the behavior and learning new ways to manage without it.

Addictions can show up in different ways. Some are tied to substances like alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medications (chemical addictions), while others are linked to behaviors like gambling, shopping, gaming, or even excessive social media use (behavioral addictions).

If you have ever found yourself asking:

• Why can’t I stop, even when I want to?
• How did things get so out of control?
• What am I trying to escape from?
• Will anyone still care about me if they knew the whole story?

Then you may be ready to explore what’s underneath the addiction—and begin the work of healing, with support.

What are the signs someone may have a chemical or behavioral addiction?

At their core, both types of addiction involve using something, whether it’s a substance or an activity, to cope with emotional pain, stress, boredom, or overwhelm. Over time, the brain can start to rely on that substance or behavior to feel okay, making it harder to stop even when it’s causing problems in relationships, work, health, or self-esteem. People struggling with addiction often feel stuck in a cycle of craving, short-term relief, guilt, and shame.

What are effective ways to treat depression?

Treating addiction is about more than just stopping a behavior or substance. You must heal the pain and patterns underneath it. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors, addiction often serves as a coping mechanism for deeper emotional struggles. Therapy can help you understand your relationship with the addiction, build healthier coping tools, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may feel lost or stuck.

Recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about support, honesty, and taking steps toward a more grounded and fulfilling life. Most people also do well with group therapy for managing addictions so we may work together to find a group program that supports your goals or that more appropriately treats the level of care you need based on your risk and need factors. I utilize the American Society for Addiction Medicine or ASAM for my screenings with addiction.

In my practice, I meet clients where they are. For some, that means a harm reduction approach—focusing on realistic, nonjudgmental steps to reduce risk and support overall well-being. For others, an abstinence-based model might be a better fit. We’ll work together to find the path that aligns with your values and goals.

Approaches I offer include:

• Psychoeducation – Education about how addiction works is one of the most effective ways to avoid relapse in the future.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – Gives you tangible skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness for when cravings hit.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps you identify and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to addiction. We will build a relapse cycle together to better understand your habits and vulnerabilities for future use.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – While originally developed for trauma, EMDR can also help reduce addiction behaviors if the root of the use is traumatic in nature (experienced trauma, abuse, violence, etc.).
• Multidisciplinary or Integrative Approaches: There are many ways to support healing including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), movement and body-based practices (like yoga or exercise), and working through things in family or couples therapy. We can explore what combination works best for you.
• Referral to a higher level of care (like IOP or inpatient) if safety or functioning is a concern.