Substance Abuse & Addiction
Many people use substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs, or medications) with little harm or chance of addiction, but for some people, substance use turns into abuse when it leads to problems at home or work, legal repercussions, dangerous behaviors, or unpleasant craving and withdrawal symptoms. Our treatment approach is informed by the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and we utilize an integrative approach of IFS with Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.
At Denver Emotional Health, we approach people less based on the term other people have often labeled them with, “alcoholic” or “addict,” and more about who they are as a whole person. We recognize substance abuse and addiction for what it is, when parts of us use substances as a tool and become excessive in their role. Even though you may have parts that are desperate or feel addicted, we know this is not the whole of You. We believe we can help you help these parts heal from their addiction, heal old wounds, and learn how to better access your Self on a daily basis to live a more meaningful, fulfilling life without your addiction or substance abuse disorder.
Our Approach is Effective and Person-Centered
We begin treatment by meeting you where you are. We start with a thorough assessment and look at the ways in which your use of substances helps you enjoy life or avoid life, and how it may be problematic. We look to truly gain an understanding about the use of your substances, and then target which parts of you and your addiction need the most help. We will work together to find out what triggers your use, which behaviors (and avoidant responses) are getting in the way, and how to increase effective decision making from a place of Self, rather than letting your different parts determine your behaviors or course in life.
At Denver Emotional Health, we collaborate with people on how they want to address their substance use issues and help guide people to utilize their own healing power. Some people have a goal of abstinence whereas others simply want to cut down, use marijuana/cannabis for maintenance of sobriety, or have a drink every once in a while without having to worry about judgments from others or themselves. We help people identify what will work in their lives and make changes that fit their unique life situation, and are in line with their individual goals and values.
Whether your goal is abstinence or to simply cut down and be more balanced in your substance use, you’ll find support at Denver Emotional Health in-person and online or remote for outpatient substance use counseling. and see that we engage in an active process of collaborating to determine the best course of your treatment and recovery. Changing habits is about much more than changing your behaviors; it requires understanding the nature of why we (our parts) act the way we do, and why there are more effective ways of helping us get what we want. Instead of simply focusing on what to eliminate from your life or how to numb it out, we will put our attention on finding out that which is meaningful and important to you, and teach you the skills of how to experience the full range of human emotions while also healing from any past Trauma. Our time will be spent determining which choices will allow you to live a life of meaning to you, and learning how to interact with your parts so they do not run/ruin your life, and helping clients to develop the skills need to have a sense of choice on whether and how to respond to urges, craving, or other uncomfortable feelings that come up.
We Can Treat Your Substance Use and/or Co-Occurring Disorder
In treating substance abuse and other disorders, or co-occurring disorders, we draw from mindfulness-based treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), and work within the larger “psychodynamic” framework of Internal Family Systems therapy. Often when we are able to notice and stop struggling with uncomfortable and conflicted parts, thoughts and emotions, we can make choices more in accordance with how we want to live our lives and heal our parts from their extreme and outdated roles.
Services we offer:
- Individualized outpatient treatment
- Assessment and referral services – Confused about where to turn? We can help be you or a loved one’s guide in a complicated treatment system
- Support for families of people with addiction
- Full health insurance billing may available
Get a Free Telephone Consultation: Let Us Help You
If you would like to talk to one of our therapists about a problem with substance use that you or a family member has, you contact us by phone or email or this website’s contact form. We offer free phone consultations and would love to help you heal in your recovery.
Learn more about legal psychedelic-assisted therapies we offer that can help you with your struggles.