ODYSSEYCounseling and Therapy                   Mike Binks, MEd, LPC, CADC 3

The anatomy of addiction.

The step between problematic substance use (or other difficult behaviors) and addiction is based on your sense of compulsion...like switching into "automatic pilot" in your head.  Addictions of all kinds (substances, compulsive gambling, shopping, sex, internet use, etc.) involve actual disruptions of brain chemistry, so stopping can feel like scaling a mountain in roller skates.  

Turning it around.

You may be proactively concerned about your behaviors well before anyone else would even notice them as problematic, or you may feel completely backed against a wall at this point.  Regardless, you can turn it around.  Support in this process is crucial.

In counseling and therapy, expect to...

• Feel understood, supported, and motivated to move toward your own personal goals
• Explore your relationship with alcohol, drugs, or the behavior you consider troubling - and make informed decisions about what you find
• Recognize the triggers for your behavior - and then do something about them
• Gain skills to avoid the triggers around you 
• Learn how to turn your inner emotional triggers into insight and wisdom
• Create an "automatic reflex strategy" to prevent yourself from using when your craving is activitated
• Make a plan to seek other supports that are lacking
• Build self-esteem and deal effectively with the loneliness 
• Structure a lifestyle that supports your efforts

Want to know more?

Feel free to call or e-mail me.  I'm always happy to talk a bit about what's going on for you, and to direct you toward resources that may be helpful.

phone (503) 740-0573