Addiction Therapy

The following are a few, but not limited to, primary indications of addiction:

Difficulties at school, disinterest in school-related activities, and declining grades
Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy
Drastic changes and difficulties in relationships, which often involves lashing out at people who identify the addiction
Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties
Inability to stop using a substance regardless if it's causing health problems or personal problems, such as issues with employment or relationships
Noticeable lack of energy in daily activities
Profound changes in appearance and a noticeable abandonment of hygiene (i.e. bloodshot eyes, poor skin tone, and appearing tired or run down)
Spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money
Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss

New Heights Counseling offer the following treatments:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Counselors offer CBT for addiction treatment. CBT is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction. CBT is used widely today and teaches those in treatment to find connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions and increase awareness of how these things impact recovery. Not only can CBT help you recognize your unhealthy behavioral patterns, but it can also help you learn to identify triggers and develop coping skills. CBT can be combined with other therapeutic techniques as well. Watch video to learn more.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy

EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. Specially trained counselors often use EMDR to help clients uncover and process beliefs that developed as the result of relational traumas, or childhood abuse and/or neglect. The Association for Addiction Professionals’ website says “Unfortunately, many individuals with substance use disorders also have experienced one or more traumas. Treatment for these co-occurring disorders should be integrated and the use of EMDR can be helpful for some people.”

Myths About Addictions

Myths about addiction cast a negative light over a person's treatment and recovery. Recovery from an addiction is a personal and challenging journey. Therefore, no two journeys are the same, and neither are their treatments. At New Heights Counseling, we seek to inspire clients to face their challenges, accept their present state, and foster hope for their future. Here are just a few common myths we've heard.

MYTH #1: I can quit anytime I want.

FACT: Many people who are addicted do not realize how serious their drug or alcohol use is, and believe that they can stop at any time. A person may go periods of time, even weeks or months, and not drink alcohol or use drugs. Recurrence or relapse after periods of abstinence is a fundamental feature of addiction

MYTH #2: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.

FACT: Most experts agree that addiction is a disease that affects the brain, but that doesn’t mean anyone is helpless. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other addiction treatment programs.

MYTH #3: If someone relapses, treatment isn't working.

FACT: Recovery from an addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or that sobriety is a lost cause. It is a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach.

MYTH #4: You can't force someone into treatment; they have to want help.

FACT: Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change.

MYTH #5: "Addiction medications are just replacing one addiction with another."

FACT: Medications for addiction treatment (MAT), have been proven to save lives and substantially improve recovery rates. For people in treatment for substance use disorders, medications ease withdrawal symptoms to give people the space they need to recover and prevent overdoses. Medications don’t create a high or cause impairment—they allow patients to work, drive, care for their families, and live full lives.

Addiction Therapy

Symptoms of Addiction

Being addicted to something means that not having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a "come down". Because this can be unpleasant, it's easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues.

The following are a few, but not limited to, primary indications of addiction:

Difficulties at school, disinterest in school-related activities, and declining grades

Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy

Drastic changes and difficulties in relationships, which often involves lashing out at people who identify the addiction

Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties

Inability to stop using a substance regardless if it's causing health problems or personal problems, such as issues with employment or relationships

Noticeable lack of energy in daily activities

Profound changes in appearance and a noticeable abandonment of hygiene (i.e. bloodshot eyes, poor skin tone, and appearing tired or run down)

Spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money

Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss

Recognize Signs of Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Our team of professional counselors is dedicated to their clients' care and services Fort Walton, Niceville, and surrounding communities. Call 850-757-1552 to schedule an appointment.

Recovery Is Possible

Addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Treatments may vary based on your needs. You can choose the treatment that works best for you based on the substance you're abusing, the level of care you need, and your personal mental health needs.

New Heights Counseling offer the following treatments:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

With supportive resources and the right treatment approach, you can overcome the physical and mental challenges you face in order to gain a healthier life.

Our team of professional therapists is dedicated to their clients' care and services Fort Walton, Niceville, and surrounding communities.

Myths About Addictions

MYTH #1: I can quit anytime I want.

MYTH #2: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.

FACT: Most experts agree that addiction is a disease that affects the brain, but that doesn’t mean anyone is helpless. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other addiction treatment programs.

MYTH #3: If someone relapses, treatment isn't working.

FACT: Recovery from an addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or that sobriety is a lost cause. It is a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach.

MYTH #4: You can't force someone into treatment; they have to want help.

MYTH #5: "Addiction medications are just replacing one addiction with another."

Our team of professional therapists is dedicated to clients' care and services Fort Walton, Niceville, and surrounding communities. Call us at 850-757-1552 to start the road to recovery.