How do I know if I have a problem with addiction?

You don't have to reach a particular point or experience a major consequence for your relationship with alcohol, drugs, or another behavior to deserve attention. You may find yourself using something to manage stress, escape difficult emotions, or get through the day. Perhaps you've tried to cut back and found it harder than expected, or you notice that your behavior is affecting your relationships, responsibilities, or sense of control. Therapy can help you explore what's happening without judgment and determine what changes would support your well-being.

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Do I have to hit rock bottom before seeking addiction therapy?

No. You don't have to lose a relationship, experience a major consequence, or reach a crisis before asking for help. If you're questioning your relationship with a substance or behavior, that is reason enough to start exploring it. Getting support earlier can help you understand what's driving the behavior, recognize patterns before they become more disruptive, and develop healthier ways to cope.

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Why do I keep returning to the same behaviors even when I want to stop?

Knowing a behavior is hurting you doesn't always make it easy to change. Substances or other behaviors may provide temporary relief from anxiety, loneliness, emotional pain, trauma, or overwhelming stress. Over time, your brain and body can learn to rely on that relief, making it difficult to respond differently when those feelings return. Therapy can help you understand the purpose the behavior serves, identify triggers, and build alternative ways to navigate difficult moments.

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Can trauma contribute to addiction?

Trauma and addiction can be connected, although not everyone who experiences trauma develops an addiction, and addiction doesn't always stem from trauma. Sometimes, substances or behaviors become ways to manage painful memories, emotional distress, or feelings that seem difficult to tolerate. Therapy can help you explore whether past experiences are contributing to current patterns and work through underlying concerns while developing healthier coping strategies.

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What if I'm not ready to quit or I'm unsure whether I want to change?

You don't have to have every answer before beginning therapy. You may recognize that something isn't working while still feeling uncertain about giving it up. Part of our work can involve exploring what you get from the behavior, what it may be costing you, and what you want your life to look like moving forward. We'll work collaboratively to clarify your goals and identify changes that feel meaningful and realistic, without judgment or pressure to pretend you're somewhere you're not.

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What if I've tried to stop before and keep relapsing?

Returning to a behavior doesn't mean you're incapable of change or that recovery isn't possible. It can provide important information about the situations, emotions, relationships, or beliefs that make change difficult to maintain. In therapy, we'll look at what tends to happen before and after a return to use, identify patterns and triggers, and develop strategies to support recovery. We'll also work on responding to setbacks with honesty and accountability rather than shame.

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What is the difference between addiction therapy and addiction treatment?

Addiction treatment can include different levels of care, depending on a person's needs. These may include medically supervised withdrawal management, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, recovery groups, and individual therapy. Individual addiction therapy focuses on understanding the emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns connected to substance use or other problematic behaviors. Therapy can be part of recovery on its own when appropriate or complement other levels of care. If you need medical support or a higher level of care, we'll discuss appropriate options.

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Can therapy help me stay sober or maintain recovery?

Yes. Recovery can bring challenges that aren't always expected, especially when substances or behaviors previously helped you cope with stress, relationships, or difficult emotions. You may find yourself facing feelings you've avoided, navigating changes in relationships, or figuring out how to spend your time differently. Therapy can help you identify triggers, strengthen emotional regulation, build healthier routines and boundaries, and develop a more sustainable foundation for recovery.

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What types of therapy help with addiction?

The right approach depends on your experiences, goals, and the factors contributing to the behavior. My trauma-informed approach may incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Post Induction Therapy (PIT), and other therapeutic techniques when appropriate. Together, we'll explore the patterns and experiences beneath the behavior, strengthen coping strategies, and work toward changes that support your recovery and overall well-being.

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How long does addiction therapy take? Are intensives an option?

The length of therapy depends on your goals, experiences, and recovery needs. Some people focus on understanding specific triggers and building coping skills, while others work through longstanding patterns related to trauma, relationships, or emotional regulation. I offer traditional weekly therapy as well as EMDR intensives, which provide extended, focused time for trauma processing outside the traditional weekly therapy format. Intensives may be helpful when trauma-related memories or experiences are part of what you're working through, but they are not a substitute for addiction-specific treatment or medical support when those are needed. We'll determine what approach best fits your circumstances.

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Can I work on addiction and underlying trauma at the same time?

Yes, when it's clinically appropriate and you have the stability and support needed for trauma processing. Understanding the relationship between trauma, emotional pain, and substance use can be an important part of recovery. We'll consider your current needs, coping resources, and recovery stability when deciding how to approach trauma-related work. The priority is to support your safety and recovery while addressing the patterns that may be contributing to ongoing difficulties.

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How do I get started with addiction therapy in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Getting started begins with a free consultation where we can discuss what you've been experiencing, what you'd like to change, and whether working together feels like a good fit. I offer in-person therapy in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as virtual therapy. You don't need to label your experience perfectly or know exactly what recovery should look like before reaching out. We can start with an honest conversation about where you are and what you want to be different.