Addictions
When “I’ll cut back tomorrow” keeps turning into today
Substances or behaviors that once took the edge off can start running the show—drinking more than planned, vaping all day, late-night scrolling or porn, weed before everything, gambling, shopping, or work you can’t put down.
You’re not broken. Change is possible, and it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing on day one.
At Transcendent Self Therapy, we offer compassionate, structured care for substance use and behavioral addictions—aligned with your goals (harm reduction or abstinence), and paced so progress sticks.
Signs you might need support
“Rules” that keep moving (weeknight drinking, wake-and-bake, secret use)
More time, money, or mental space going to the habit than you want
Failed cutbacks, binge cycles, or withdrawal symptoms (irritability, sleep changes, sweats)
Isolation, shame, or hiding use from people you love
Work/relationship consequences; legal or health scares
Using to manage anxiety, trauma memories, or insomnia
How we help (evidence-based, individualized)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Clarify what you want from change—without pressure or shaming. Build real buy-in.CBT for Substance Use & Behavioral Addictions
Map triggers, thoughts, and routines. Build alternate coping and concrete cutback/abstinence plans.Urge Surfing & Craving Management
Skills to ride urges (not obey them): delay, distract, decide; breathwork; somatic grounding.DBT-Informed Skills
Distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal boundaries that reduce relapse risk.Trauma-Sensitive & Somatic Work
Address the nervous system underneath the habit—so you’re not white-knuckling.Relapse Prevention
Identify high-risk situations, early warning signs, and a compassionate “re-start” plan.Collaborative Care
With your consent, we coordinate with PCPs and psychiatrists, and can loop in a supportive partner/family when helpful.
Our stance is harm-reduction, shame-free, and practical. Your goals lead; our job is to help you meet them safely.
What treatment looks like
Assessment & Goals
Substance/behavior history, triggers, mental health, medical safety. Choose targets: reduction, abstinence, or staged change.Stabilize & Skill-Build
Craving management, alternative routines, sleep and mood supports, boundary scripts, and crisis planning.Exposure & Lifestyle Repair
Practice “high-risk” scenarios sober or moderated; rebuild time, relationships, creativity, and purpose.Maintenance
Relapse-prevention plan, setbacks without shame, long-term supports (peer groups, medical care, check-ins).
Scope & safety
We’re an outpatient therapy practice. We are not an appropriate setting if there are medical risks (e.g., history of severe alcohol/benzo withdrawal, seizures, suicidal crisis, or daily high-dose use).