Drugs and alcohol are not the problem.

 

Instead, your relationship to the drug distinguishes recreational use from problematic addiction.  Many people who use drugs or alcohol do not have a substance abuse problem.  Using drugs is only a disorder if the drug use causes your life to become unmanageable.  Thus, treatment focuses on helping you understand your relationship to the drug, the underlying causes that led to drug use, and ways to make your life not only manageable, but fulfilling.

Using drugs can often be an isolating and shameful experience.  Most addicts feel ashamed of their drug use, and may isolate themselves from any avenues of support including treatment.  I strive to create a nurturing, non-shaming environment that focuses on strengths rather than weaknesses, in a framework of harm reduction and supportive growth.