If you’re struggling with addiction, Dr. Mary Fox Squire of San Diego, CA, offers therapy to help you overcome it.
The Role of Therapy in Addiction and Recovery
Addiction isn’t something that one can just get over. It’s a chemical and psychological response to a specific stimulant that the body comes to rely on. A lack of that stimulant can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can be very difficult to deal with and often lead people right back to their addiction.
Though addictions can be difficult to overcome, it’s not an impossible feat. Therapy is one of the various methods that can help. Dr. Squire of San Diego, CA, explains how below.
Digging to the Root
Though addictions seem to be the issue at hand, they may be the result of an underlying issue. This can be anything from depression to the loss of a loved one. For example, alcohol addictions often begin as a method for numbing pain and blocking memories associated with trauma from the past. The alcohol use is a result of a deeper issue. As such, it’s important to get to the root of what led to the addiction in the first place.
Healing and Healthy Coping Mechanisms
One of the great things about therapy is that it’s not about finding ways to cover up or ignore your pain. It allows you to confront and understand it, which is an integral part of the healing process. Additionally, it helps you develop better methods of coping when memories or stressors come up.
In the example of alcohol use above, you and your therapist would talk and work through the source of your pain. At the same time, you would work together to find solutions such as taking a walk, journaling, or painting when something triggers memories instead of reaching for a bottle.
Staying Free
Therapy is not only beneficial for breaking free from addictions. It can also help you stay free. Once the root of your issue has been determined and confronted, the wounds have healed, and you have developed healthier coping mechanisms, you are much less likely to revert to destructive behaviors.
Don’t let addiction keep controlling your life. Schedule an appointment online today with Dr. Squire of San Diego, CA, to begin your journey to freedom.