About Me

“I could never do what you do.  I don’t know how you can work with people like that.”

This is a phrase I hear often when people ask me what I do for a living.  People like what?  People who are usually hard working, deep thinking individuals who struggle with the very real problems of this world and are trying to make it through the best way they know how?  People who love their families and friends and seek out treatment to be better providers and supporters?  People who sometimes feel their emotions a little deeper than everyone else, so much that they sometimes use substances to cope?

Oh, you just mean people.

I have worked with those struggled with substance use for the entire course of my adult career.  I’m not a counselor who “also treats addiction”.  I am an addiction counselor.  This means that I only treat those with a substance use disorder as their primary issue.

But, Bonnie, I’m not addicted, I just drink/use a little more than I probably should.  I want to do better, but I don’t have a “full fledged addiction”.  I get that.  Substance use happens on a spectrum.  You don’t have to be a daily user of a substance to qualify for a substance use disorder.

Let me explain.

Can you relate to one or more of these symptoms?

1. Drinking or using more than you meant to or for longer than you meant to

2. Wanting to cut back but not being able to do it

3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from drugs or alcohol

4. Cravings or urges to drink or use

5. Not doing what you need to do at school, work, or at home because of drinking or drug use

6. Continuing to drink or use even though it’s causing problems in your relationship

7. Passing on or giving up social events, job activities or recreational activities because of drinking or drug use

8. Drinking or using in situations where it may be dangerous

9. Needing to drink or use more to get the effect you want (increased tolerance)

10. Withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking or using

If you answered “yes” to 2-3 symptoms, you may have a mild substance use disorder.  It’s ok!  We should be able to work together in outpatient counseling to determine your risk factors and help you identify what is contributing to your substance use so you can live a healthier, more fulfilled life.

If you answered “yes” to 4-5 symptoms, you may have a moderate substance use disorder.  Depending on your symptoms, you may be appropriate for outpatient counseling.  Let’s schedule a consultation to determine the best course of action.

If you answered “yes” to 6 or more symptoms, you may have a severe substance use disorder.  Give me a call and we can determine a level of care that would be most appropriate for your situations and symptoms.  

You can gain more control over your life and your substance use.  I can help.  Give me a call today and we can come up with a plan to help you achieve what you want to in this short but precious life we’re given.