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Contact Carolyn:
512.327.2272
info@cpoolecounseling.com


"For years I struggled with a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol. Working with Carolyn gave me a sanctuary where I could be honest with myself and really do the work that was necessary to stop the constant relapsing. My life is so much better clean and sober, and things are really great now."

Addictions

"Addiction" is a condition in which a person develops biological, psychological, and social dependence on any mood-altering substance (alcohol or drugs), or on obsessive-compulsive behaviors (workaholism, problem gambling, compulsive overeating, relationship or sex addiction). An addiction causes a person to abuse a substance or compulsively act out a behavior for short-term gratification. But there is a price to be paid.

The addiction creates long-term pain and discomfort. An addiction is accompanied by obsession, compulsion, and loss of control. When not using or acting out, the person who suffers an addiction thinks about, plans, and looks forward to using the substance, or acting out the problem behavior again and again. This is the obsession. Despite long-term painful consequences, there is a compulsion or overwhelming urge to use the drug or act out the problem behavior to relieve the pain created by the drug or behavior. Thus continued use and acting out leads to the escalation of more chemical use or more behavioral acting out. This is addiction.

The following are common addictions for which Carolyn provides help:

• Alcohol and Drug Addiction
• Smoking
• Workaholism
• Problem Gambling
• Compulsive Overeating
• Love and Relationship Addiction
• Sex Addiction

Treatment begins with the recognition that the substance or behavior has escalated to the level of addiction. Breaking through the denial is half the battle. Next, we determine whether or not there is a willingness and readiness to stop using the substance or acting out the behavior. Becoming motivated to change may be helped by experiential methods, such as EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and Voice Dialogue. We discuss the power of 12-step programs to relieve a person of the desire to use a substance or act out problem behaviors. We determine if there is a need to heal traumas which may be fueling the addiction or causing chronic relapse. Many people are helped by the use of prescribed non-addictive anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication. Together we create your individualized treatment plan based on what you are willing and able to do.