At CARE Counseling, Inc., we believe in meeting people where they are—with compassion, data-informed care, and nonjudgmental support. 

What Is Substance Misuse?

Substance misuse refers to using drugs (including alcohol, prescription medication, vaping, or illicit substances and related drug equipment) in ways that cause harm or increase risk. This includes:

• Using more than prescribed

• Using to cope with distress

• Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence

• Experiencing difficulty stopping or cutting down

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 46 million people in the U.S. met the criteria for a substance use disorder in 2021.

Substance misuse is not a sign of moral weakness. It is a health issue influenced by trauma, stress, mental health challenges, neurobiology, and environment - even if these factors are not readily apparent.

The Science Behind Substance Use

Substances can alter brain chemistry, particularly in areas that regulate:

• Reward and pleasure (dopamine system)

• Memory and learning

• Emotional regulation

When someone uses substances to cope with trauma, anxiety, or depression, the brain can become wired to seek relief through repeated use—creating a cycle that’s hard to break without support.

Key Aspects of Addiction & Substance Misuse:

• Brain Disease: Addiction is characterized by changes in brain structure and function, particularly affecting areas related to reward, motivation, and control.

• Chronic and Relapsing: Like other chronic illnesses, addiction requires ongoing management and support. Relapse is common, even after periods of abstinence.

• Spectrum of Use: Substance use exists on a spectrum, ranging from occasional use to dependence and addiction.

• Multiple Factors: Addiction is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors.

• Co-occurring Disorders: Addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 

Abstinence and Harm Reduction?

Abstinence is an approach to using alcohol and other substances that emphasizes no usage at all. This approach can be achieved, but it can also be very hard for some to attain, especially if there’s complicating factors (dual diagnosis, comorbidity, other stressors). 

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences of drug use. Rather than insisting on immediate abstinence, harm reduction recognizes that people may be in different stages of change—and supports any positive step forward.

Common Harm Reduction Strategies:

• Naloxone (Narcan): A medication that reverses opioid overdoses

• Needle exchange programs: To reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C

• Safe consumption sites: Where people can use drugs under medical supervision

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Combines counseling with medications like buprenorphine or methadone

• Self-Help / Social Support Recovery (some of these programs are abstinence-based but can provide support while exploring reduction in usage or abstinence): Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, PATH Recovery (IFS), SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Heroin Anonymous (HA), Food Addicts Anonymous (FAA), Overeaters Anonymous (OA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Debtors Anonymous (DA), Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Al-Anon and Alateen, Nar-Anon, Co-Anon, Families Anonymous, Refuge Recovery, Celebrate Recovery (Christian)

• Psychoeducation and therapy: Helps clients understand triggers, patterns, and safer coping strategies

Why Harm Reduction Matters

Harm reduction is backed by decades of research and endorsed by global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It’s about:

• Reducing overdose deaths

• Minimizing health risks

• Increasing access to care

• Building trust with those who may not be ready for abstinence

At CARE Counseling, Inc., we approach substance use treatment with a trauma-informed and equity-centered lens, recognizing how a person’s individual challenges affect their healing journey.

Our Approach

We work with clients to:

• Identify and explore root causes of substance use

• Create personalized treatment goals (abstinence, reduction, or safety)

• Integrate trauma-focused care with practical coping strategies

• Coordinate with medical providers if MAT is part of the plan

Modalities We May Use:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Brainspotting

• Somatic therapy & Polyvagal Theory

• Psychoeducation

• Relational and attachment-based therapies

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

You Deserve Compassionate Support

Whether you are:

• Considering stopping or reducing your consumption

• Actively using substances

• In early recovery

• Concerned about a loved one

• Need family support

• Unsure where you stand

• Need more information

You deserve a space that welcomes you without judgment and offers specialized care and real tools for safety, healing, and growth.