Seeking help for problems with drugs and alcohol is difficult for most people. Feeling like you have "lost control" of your substance use is typically accompanied by a sense of shame and loss of self-esteem. These painful feelings often lead people to deny, minimize, and avoid their substance abuse difficulties.

At Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy, we take an empathic, caring, flexible approach to problems with drugs and alcohol. We recognize that each individual is unique and there is not one solution to these problems. For many people who are not dependent on alcohol and drugs or who are using them to manage their emotional states, controlled used may be an option.

For others, abstinence may be necessary to break out of drug dependence. We will work with you to help you understand the reasons you are using and to find more effective ways to manage life stress.

Once an individual has stopped using drugs or has gotten her use under control, our therapists will then focus on improving relationships, self-esteem, and coping skills in order to prevent relapse and help achieve overall life satisfaction.