Christopher understands that individual paths to recovery differ. He offers individual, group, couples, & family addiction therapy, workshops, intensives, tailored programs, and supportive services in Austin, Texas.
Substance Use Disorders - Drug & Alcohol Addiction
John, a 19-year old college student, smokes marijuana daily. Upon wakening, John craves a hit from the bong. His grades are average, and he misses classes on occasion. Additionally, John smokes more and more marijuana in order to achieve the desired effect (e.g., A few months ago, John smoked one joint per day; now, he smokes three joints per day). John meets criteria for a Mild Cannabis Use disorder.
Susan, a 48-year old successful professional, drinks 3-5 times per week. She spends a great deal of time stocking up on alcohol for her weekend parties. When Susan is not drinking, she craves it. A few months ago, Susan obtained a DWI. Despite everything that has happened to Susan, she has been unable to quit or control her drinking. Susan meets criteria for a Moderate Alcohol Use Disorder.
Steve, a 29-year old athlete, began taking opiate pills (e.g., OxyCodone, Hydrocodone, Norco) following an injury. Steve recovered successfully from his injury; however, he continues to use opiates that he purchases “on the street.” Steve is now taking 10-20 pills per day, has begun to use heroin, and his daily use continues to increase. He has tried to quit, and then he suffers withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, insomnia, muscle aches), and his cravings worsen. Steve has stopped attending his job and he is about to get fired. He has abandoned his friends and spends many nights alone in his apartment. Steve frequently drives his car to obtain his drugs and rarely remembers returning home. Steve meets criteria for Severe Opioid Use Disorder.
For a list of online screening tools, click here.
What is Addiction?
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. Read more.
What are Substance Use Disorders?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, substance use and alcohol use disorders (previously known as substance/alcohol abuse/dependence) are are defined as mild, moderate, or severe to indicate the level of severity, which is determined by the number of diagnostic criteria met by an individual. Substance Use Disorders include alcohol use disorder (alcohol), cannabis use disorder (pot, marijuana, hash, etc.), stimulant use disorder (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.), opioid use disorder (heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc,), hallucinogen use disorder (LSD, etc.), and sedative-hypnotic-anxiolytic use disorder (xanax, ambien, benzos, etc.).
What are the diagnostic criteria?
A substance use disorder is diagnosed when at least 2 of the following occur within a 12-month period:
If you or a loved one is challenged by addiction, contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation. Recovery is possible. We do recover!
Am I an Addict?
According to Narcotics Anonymous: Most of us do not have to think twice about this question. We know! Our whole life and thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another—the getting and using and finding ways and means to get more. We lived to use and used to live. Very simply, an addict is a man or woman whose life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions, and death.
For a list of online screening tools, click here.
Help is Possible: My Holistic Services
I understand that individual paths to recovery differ. I offer expert holistic assessment & testing, psychotherapy (individual, couples, group, & family), specialty programs, workshops, intensive retreats, and functional wellness & nutrition support for the recovering addict, partner/spouse, and family.
My holistic services are designed to inspire individuals to develop emotional, physical, and spiritual intelligence while overcoming compulsive/addictive behaviors. My holistic philosophy addresses the Mind, Body, & Spirit using an eclectic blend of evidence-based treatment approaches.
Please contact me today to schedule an assessment and begin your journey toward freedom from active addiction.
Susan, a 48-year old successful professional, drinks 3-5 times per week. She spends a great deal of time stocking up on alcohol for her weekend parties. When Susan is not drinking, she craves it. A few months ago, Susan obtained a DWI. Despite everything that has happened to Susan, she has been unable to quit or control her drinking. Susan meets criteria for a Moderate Alcohol Use Disorder.
Steve, a 29-year old athlete, began taking opiate pills (e.g., OxyCodone, Hydrocodone, Norco) following an injury. Steve recovered successfully from his injury; however, he continues to use opiates that he purchases “on the street.” Steve is now taking 10-20 pills per day, has begun to use heroin, and his daily use continues to increase. He has tried to quit, and then he suffers withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, insomnia, muscle aches), and his cravings worsen. Steve has stopped attending his job and he is about to get fired. He has abandoned his friends and spends many nights alone in his apartment. Steve frequently drives his car to obtain his drugs and rarely remembers returning home. Steve meets criteria for Severe Opioid Use Disorder.
For a list of online screening tools, click here.
What is Addiction?
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. Read more.
What are Substance Use Disorders?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, substance use and alcohol use disorders (previously known as substance/alcohol abuse/dependence) are are defined as mild, moderate, or severe to indicate the level of severity, which is determined by the number of diagnostic criteria met by an individual. Substance Use Disorders include alcohol use disorder (alcohol), cannabis use disorder (pot, marijuana, hash, etc.), stimulant use disorder (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.), opioid use disorder (heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc,), hallucinogen use disorder (LSD, etc.), and sedative-hypnotic-anxiolytic use disorder (xanax, ambien, benzos, etc.).
What are the diagnostic criteria?
A substance use disorder is diagnosed when at least 2 of the following occur within a 12-month period:
- Substance taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use.
- Cravings to use
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- A great deal of time spent in obtaining the substance, use the substance, or recovery from the substance
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
- Continued use despite having interpersonal problems as a result
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of use
- Recurrent use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
- Continued use despite knowledge of having a physical or psychological problem that is likely to be caused by the substance.
If you or a loved one is challenged by addiction, contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation. Recovery is possible. We do recover!
Am I an Addict?
According to Narcotics Anonymous: Most of us do not have to think twice about this question. We know! Our whole life and thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another—the getting and using and finding ways and means to get more. We lived to use and used to live. Very simply, an addict is a man or woman whose life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions, and death.
For a list of online screening tools, click here.
Help is Possible: My Holistic Services
I understand that individual paths to recovery differ. I offer expert holistic assessment & testing, psychotherapy (individual, couples, group, & family), specialty programs, workshops, intensive retreats, and functional wellness & nutrition support for the recovering addict, partner/spouse, and family.
My holistic services are designed to inspire individuals to develop emotional, physical, and spiritual intelligence while overcoming compulsive/addictive behaviors. My holistic philosophy addresses the Mind, Body, & Spirit using an eclectic blend of evidence-based treatment approaches.
Please contact me today to schedule an assessment and begin your journey toward freedom from active addiction.