While some people consider substance use as a "problem" or a "disease", it can be understood as a coping mechanism to deal with the impact of trauma. The memories, anxiety, and grief in the aftermath of trauma can be overwhelming and using substances can numb the pain. Unfortunately, substance use can have a negative effect on daily functioning, health and safety, relationships, and self-esteem. Additionally, substances cannot provide long-term relief from the effects of trauma, so we end up having to use more and more just to get by. In working together on your addiction challenges, we’ll discover together the things that bring you joy and give you the reasons to live, substance free. As you gain hope and build your "substance free toolkit", we can address how trauma affects your need to consume substances and continue building upon alternatives that, ultimately, help you show up in the world in a way that makes you proud. Ongoing, we'll work on integrating insights and skills into your daily life, so you feel confident on how to address challenges without resorting to old habits that no longer serve you.