Individual Therapy as a Strategy for Overcoming Opioid Addiction Problems

As an addiction counselor, I have met people who are in all phases of recovery from opioid addiction. However, I believe many more people are suffering in silence, not knowing what to do, confused and scared.

Perhaps you were prescribed pain medication by a medical doctor and have trouble stopping the pills due to withdrawal symptoms. Perhaps you began taking someone else’s pain medication “recreationally” and over time began taking them more regularly, for the euphoric effect and then to avoid the discomfort of stopping as your body and mind became dependent on them.

If you are ready to begin to live a lifestyle free from addictive medication, I may be able to help you.

How to Get Started

The first step would be to speak with the person prescribing the opiate medication… be it your general practitioner, your pain management specialist or your orthopedic surgeon. Ask them for suggestions about weaning off the medication safely and in a way that minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, so cannot advise you on the physical effects of addiction nor prescribe any medications.

Once it has been determined that you are able to or have completely weaned off your medication I can help provide support, education, and encouragement for the symptoms of anxiety and/or depression that often follow a recovering person for months after stopping their drug of choice.

What to Expect From Therapy

Statistics show that some people will relapse due to feeling down, lethargic, sad and anxious. With a trained therapist to offer treatment on an outpatient basis in a confidential setting, you will have the opportunity to explore issues that may derail your efforts aimed at long term recovery.

I will assist you by providing skill building so that you will learn to utilize a repertoire of coping skills to help you decrease the negative impact of symptoms you are experiencing.

We will also look at what are the triggers that are roadblocks to being clean and sober. We will break down in detail what your triggers are, both internal and external and with awareness and planning, begin to overcome the effect of these triggers on your attempts to stay clean sober.

You also may want to consider gaining support with others, but are not comfortable in a group setting. You have heard about Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous but for whatever reason, you have decided that groups are not for you. Together, we can discuss the pros and cons of adding a group experience on a regular basis to your program of recovery. I can assist you in making an informed choice on which, if any, group you would like to attend and offer education on having a successful group experience. Many people believe that having group support by others who have successful maintained a life being clean and sober is important to their overall experience. It, of course, will be your own choice as to whether or not a group experience is right for you.

As a Licensed Addiction Counselor I will also be able to assist you with exploring any core issues that may have contributed to the use of opiates to self medicate around issues such as: past trauma, low self esteem, relationship troubles, etc.

More importantly, I will offer you a safe and validating space to be able to process around the effects of newfound sobriety on your feelings, thoughts and spirit as you journey through the recovery process.

Financial considerations

Individual therapy is a convenient, confidential, and cost effective way to manage early recovery successfully. By attending weekly 45 or 60 minute individual counseling sessions, you will be able to continue to meet your family, career and lifestyle obligations. If you have health insurance, you can check with your company to figure out if individual therapy is a covered expense. Many health insurance plans offer coverage for substance abuse and mental health outpatient therapy, thereby making the process very affordable.

Some workplaces offer EAP programs for their employees, which may entitle you to some counseling sessions covered by that benefit. Check with your HR department or supervisor.

If you choose to bypass the process of using insurance, my fee is $80 for a 45 minute session or $100.00 for a 60 minute session. The fee for the 75 minute initial diagnostic and assessment session is $150.00.

15 minute Phone Consultation

I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to give you the opportunity to ask questions, ascertain whether or not I will be able to help you, and to get a sense if you will be comfortable in the therapeutic relationship.

Please contact me at 720-233-1126 if you would like more information or to schedule an appointment for a 15 minute phone consultation.