Addiction.

Addiction counseling is for substance addictions, like alcohol, drugs, or nicotine, and process addictions, like gambling, pornography, shopping, overeating, or sex. We give you tools to stop, help you find what is driving it, and support families too.

Types of addiction.

Substance addiction refers to any addictive pattern that involves a substance that you put in your body. Examples of this include alcohol, legal and/or illegal drugs, or nicotine. Process addiction refers to any addictive pattern that involves engaging in a behavior. Examples of process addictions include gambling, shopping, pornography, overeating, or sex.

Levels of care for substance addiction.

Depending on the substance and severity of the addiction, some clients may need a higher level of care, like residential or detox, prior to outpatient therapy at Stenzel. Your therapist may recommend this depending on factors such as the physical risks and impact of either stopping or lowering your use, other things in your life that are likely to make it harder for you to stop using, or additional supports that you may need. Since treatment is unique for each client, your therapist will explore this with you individually, if needed.

When it is a behavior, not a substance.

A process addiction is an addiction to a behavior that you cannot stop. Taking part in these behaviors doesn't necessarily make you an addict. But if you turn to them to cope with anxiety or depression, and cannot stop even though you have tried, you may have a process addiction.

Many men and women struggle with sex and pornography addiction. According to the National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 6 to 8 percent of Americans can be classified as addicted to sex. The brain chemicals released by the thrill can make it as addicting as a substance.

We treat process addictions a lot like substance ones. We'll give you tools to stop, and we'll help you find what's driving it.

What addiction is, and what it is not.

Addiction occurs when something you once chose becomes something you feel you cannot stop, even when it is hurting you or the people you love. It might be a substance or a behavior.

Addiction often begins as a way to cope. It may numb pain, quiet anxiety, ease loneliness, or bring relief after a hard day. Over time, the relief shrinks and the cost grows. Many people try again and again to quit on their own, and feel more ashamed each time it does not hold.

When an addiction develops, the brain changes from wanting something to needing it to function. Addiction is not simply a matter of willpower. It is a real struggle with real roots, and there is a path forward.

When using starts to take over.

You or someone close to you might notice:

• trying to cut back or stop, and not being able to
• needing more of something to get the same effect
• hiding the behavior, lying about it, or feeling deep shame afterward
• using it to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom
• money, work, health, or relationships starting to suffer
• feeling restless, irritable, or low when you cannot use or act out
• loved ones expressing worry, frustration, or loss of trust

How we help with recovery.

Your first session with us is a conversation about your history, what has happened, and what you want to be different. Our goal is understanding, not judgment.

From there, the work focuses on both stopping the behavior and healing what is underneath. It may include:

• Practical tools for change. Recognizing triggers, planning for high-risk moments, and building new habits.
• Working with thoughts. Learning to identify thoughts that support or lead to the addictive behavior in order to change patterns and support recovery.
• The issues underneath. Exploring the pain, stress, or past experiences that the addiction has been covering, including what made it hard to stay sober before.
• Handling setbacks. Treating a slip as information, not a reason to give up.
• Rebuilding trust. Honest steps toward repairing relationships that addiction has strained.

Addiction affects families, too. Spouses and family members often carry their own hurt, fear, and exhaustion. Couples or family sessions can help, and loved ones can come in for their own support.

If you would like your faith to be part of therapy, tell your therapist, or ask about Christian counseling.

You can meet with us in Wheaton, Naperville, or Geneva, or online if you live in Illinois.

What people ask us about addiction.

Do I have to go to in-patient treatment before I see you? For substance addiction, your therapist may encourage you to complete a higher level of care such as residential or detox. If you're unsure whether this is needed, ask when you call.

Can I come in about a spouse's or child's addiction? Yes. Family members deserve support too, whether or not their loved one is ready for help.

If you or someone you love is in danger, call 911.

We are here for you and your family.

A lot of people feel real shame about a process addiction. You're not alone in that. You may have been frustrated with yourself for not being able to "just stop." Please know that it is more than that, and you need help. We are here for you.

Offices: Wheaton, Naperville, and Geneva, plus online in Illinois. Call 630.588.1201.