Substance Abuse

Dependence and addiction impact thousands of Americans of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, social statuses, and races/ethnicities. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Substance use disorder is an illness that can affect anyone. An individual’s environment, psychological traits, and stress level play significant roles by contributing to the use of alcohol or drugs. In addition, researchers have found that using drugs for a long time alters the brain substantially. The good news is that thousands of Americans experience recovery from substance use disorders through treatment and support services.

One of the most important signs of substance addiction or dependence is the continued use of drugs or alcohol despite experiencing severe functional consequences (SAMHSA). At Gateway Counseling Inc., clinicians are specially trained individuals certified and licensed as substance abuse treatment counselors. Treatment includes, but is not limited to:

1. engaging clients in a collaborative intake process to assess the effects of drug or alcohol use and any associated mental health issues or behavioral problems
2. development of an effective treatment plan
3. identification of fundamental living issues
4. identification of cultural issues around the use of alcohol or drugs
5. individual and group counseling to provide education and address substance and co-occurring symptomatology
6. identification of additional community support resources
7. testing for alcohol or drug use
8. relapse prevention training

Gateway Counseling Inc. believes that the quality of recovery depends on the client’s willingness and capacity. Therefore, clinicians aid clients in becoming active participants in their own life changes. Gateway also acknowledges that the changes in attitudes, behaviors, and values learned and practiced in treatment will become part of a new recovering lifestyle.