Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Counseling for Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol

We work with our clients to address all levels of drug and alcohol addiction.

You might be questioning the role that drugs or alcohol play in your life. Or you may want to make a decision about getting a specific type of help. That help could include outpatient, inpatient, or detox. Or you might be thinking of consulting a psychiatrist for medication help. We are ready to provide you with the support and counseling you need.

We like to think of ourselves as the quarterback for your recovery efforts. At our practice you’ll meet therapists who use treatment approaches that are personalized to your needs. Using a football analogy, we can provide a “Nick Foles” to run the Philadelphia Special (an American football play). We could also be like a “Carson Wentz” to offer moral support from the sideline for a while. The point being, we can help you decide what your options are and which approach is best for you.

Alcohol Addiction and Counseling

Many people who come to JFA for help are coming to learn how to either stop their drinking or learn how to control and moderate their use. Our therapists are trained in abstinence-based approaches which you would use to stop drinking. They are also trained in Harm Reduction approaches for those who want to learn to reduce their consumption.

Alcohol use is the number one addictive disorder in the United States. Much of what we have learned about treatment, alcoholism, and recovery from alcoholism is gleaned from working with clients who struggle with the role that alcohol plays in their lives. As a result there are many ways with which we can work with you or your loved ones. To help explore the role that alcohol plays in one’s life. An evaluation or assessment with one of our associates can help you determine what options and approaches might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazapines – commonly called “benzos” – are a class of drugs that behave like tranquilizers. These drugs yield results of relaxation, calmness, and relief from anxiety and tension. They are within the drug category of “Depressants,” and are a Schedule II drug as per the Controlled Substances Act. Benzodiazapines are the most prescribed depressant medication (Webster New Medical Dictionary).

Benzodiazepines have effects that may help you feel better in the short term. But the truth is that benzos are highly addictive. If you are using benzodiazepines you may find yourself increasingly facing a host of symptoms. There are options and we can help. Reach out to talk with us and together we can find an approach that will work for you.

Cocaine

Cocaine use can cause a lot of anxiety and seems to exacerbate other drug use in many individuals. It is a drug that is expensive and associates with increased risk for impulsive behaviors. Most people who use cocaine problematically eventually wish they weren’t using it as much. But it can be a lot harder to stop using cocaine than people think. It’s valuable to get help as you go through that process.

Marijuana

Marijuana (also called pot) is much stronger today than it was in the 1980’s. Most findings suggest that on average it is 20 times stronger. We believe marijuana is the least harmful drug available to people today, alcohol not withstanding. It is important to note that marijuana can have extremely detrimental effects on people who use it long term.

Marijuana affects most people in three negative ways:

1. It affects and hampers short term memory.
2. It can zap motivation.
3. Marijuana can exacerbate a tendency towards mental illness. It doesn’t cause mental illness. But if you have a predilection towards bipolar, anxiety, depression, or something similar – then smoking weed can make that worse.

Marijuana clearly affects everyone differently, but over time most people find that there are considerable consequences from smoking weed. If you are concerned about how marijuana use is affecting your life we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us.

Opioids and Opiates

It is clear that we face an opioid crisis throughout the United States. Thankfully more and more heroin users are coming in for help.

Some great medications are available that can help with addictions to opioids and opiates. These medications include drugs like Suboxone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Vivitrol. We also now know about the importance of therapy, treatment, and medical monitoring for opioid and opiate addiction. Research shows us that treatment works. It’s also evident that we have much more compassion as a society for this type of addiction. We just need to encourage folks to come in for help.

It is essential that when someone uses medication for this addiction that they are also followed in talk therapy by an experienced licensed professional counselor or certified addictions professional and an addiction psychiatrist. At JFA we can connect you with those folks easily and quickly. We can help people learn what they need to know about opioid treatment, addiction, and recovery.

Prescription Drugs

One of the most common reasons people get addicted to prescription drugs is not just because the drugs are addictive, but because of the psychological ramifications of doctors prescribing these medicines. It’s very easy to become dependent and moreover, addicted to drugs which are prescribed by doctors.

If you are unsure whether you have developed a dependency or addiction to prescription drugs, it is so important to consult with someone who is knowledgeable about drugs, dependency, addiction and recovery. The therapists at Jeremy Frank & Associates can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs such as Amphetamines, Adderall, Cocaine, and Methamphetamines. They tend to be used because they can cause euphoria, focus, and increased alertness. They also increase anxiety, cause irritability, depression, nervousness, and they can cause psychotic symptoms. Dependence on stimulants is usually not the primary reason a person comes to us for treatment, but we do tend to work with a lot of folks who use these drugs especially in conjunction with other substances and alcohol.

If you use stimulants and believe they may be contributing to problems for you, talking with a therapist could help. Contact the JFA office and schedule a consultation.

Kratom

Kratom, derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity for its stimulant and sedative properties. Marketed as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, kratom is increasingly recognized for its potential for abuse and addiction.

Withdrawal from kratom can be challenging, often resembling opioid withdrawal. Understanding the risks of kratom is crucial as it emerges as a significant substance of abuse. If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom addiction, professional counseling and support are essential for recovery.