Therapy For Addictions

Addictions are one of the most persistent, dangerous and pervasive problems in our society here in Honolulu and throughout Hawaii. Certainly, some of the drugs people get addicted to, such as crystal meth and cocaine, are more destructive in terms of their long-lasting impact on the brain but all addictions can be seen as disastrous in terms of their impact on people's lives, their family's lives and the overall functioning of society at large. Even a gambling or marijuana addiction can have far-reaching consequences in terms of ruined families and broken lives.

Although the initial choice to use a drug or alcohol or engage in any addictive behavior is usually voluntary, subsequent choices to engage in that same behavior generally are not due to the changes in brain physiology and/or chemistry that occur as a result of the behavior. Consequently, the behavior becomes compulsive. It is helpful to know that addiction generally results in changes in parts of the brain that are involved in reward, motivation, learning, memory and behavioral control.

A defining aspect of addictions is relapsed, that is the return to the addiction after a period of abstinence. To manage relapse it is important that the individual has either strong social support and/or very effective behavior and stress management strategies, all of which can be discussed and developed in psychotherapy.

As you know, or can imagine, because of all these complications and the general nature of addiction as a compulsive behavior, treatment is often lengthy and difficult. The most important component to an effective treatment course is a motivated and committed client.

There's no single treatment that's right for everybody but if you're willing to stay the course recovery is likely. In therapy, we will be looking at your entire life, not just your drug use or other addictive behavior. If necessary and wanted, I will consult with your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to help you get on any medications that might be helpful.

Eventually, as the time of the last use/behavior becomes more distant (if total abstinence is your goal) recovery becomes easier but is usually a lifetime opportunity to become increasingly self-aware and self-connected.

As a psychotherapist and psychologist here in Honolulu I have had the opportunity to work with a broad range of people, from doctors and lawyers to housewives and ho​meless people in dealing with all sorts of addictions from heroin, cigarettes, marijuana, and ice to alcohol, gambling, porn, video game and sex addictions. Please give me a call so we can talk about how I can help you.