Service
Alcohol & Substance Use: Understanding Your Relationship with Substances
Santa Monica, California
Breaking Free from Unhealthy Coping, Without Judgment
Alcohol and substance use can be complicated. Maybe you’ve started drinking or using more to cope with stress, anxiety, or personal struggles. Maybe it feels like the only way to unwind after a long day, or a way to escape overwhelming emotions. For some, substance use becomes a pattern—one that’s hard or impossible, to break alone.
At Stevenson Therapy Group, we take a nonjudgmental, personalized approach to therapy. Whether you want to cut back, quit for good, or just gain clarity on your habits, we’re here to help you explore what’s best for you.
Why Do We Turn to Alcohol or Substances?
Substance use is often more than just a habit, it can be a way of coping. Therapy can help you understand the role it plays in your life and develop healthier strategies:
Self-Medication for Other Mental Health Challenges
- Using alcohol or substances to manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder.
- Numbing emotions instead of addressing underlying pain.
- Temporary relief that leads to a cycle of dependence
Escaping Stress, Work, or Relationship Struggles
- Drinking or using to avoid feelings of overwhelm.
- Substance use as a way to cope with family conflict or loneliness.
- Using as a way to disconnect from difficult emotions
Family History & Past Trauma
- Growing up in a family with substance use patterns or trauma.
- Struggling with learned behaviors around alcohol or drugs.
- The emotional impact of being a child of an alcoholic or addict.
Understanding Alcohol & Substance Use as a Spectrum
- Not everyone needs to quit entirely—harm reduction is an option.
- Substance use exists on a spectrum—what works for one person may not work for another.
- Therapy helps you identify what’s best for you and create a plan that feels realistic.
Our Approach: Personalized, Nonjudgmental, and Effective
At Stevenson Therapy Group, we recognize that substance use looks different for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and we’re not here to lecture or shame you. Instead, we’ll work together to understand your habits, triggers, and goals.
💡 Do you want to…
✔ Quit entirely (abstinence)?
✔ Reduce harm and minimize negative impacts?
✔ Cut back and regain control?
✔ Examine your relationship with alcohol or substances without pressure?
Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore these questions at your own pace.
Finding a Path Forward—Your Way
If alcohol or substance use is affecting your life, therapy can help you regain control and build healthier coping strategies. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
📞 Call now for a free 15-minute consultation – Let’s take the first step together.
FAQ
Answers to Common Questions About Therapy for Alcohol & Substance Use
1. Do I have to quit drinking or using to go to therapy?
No. Therapy is about understanding your relationship with substances, not forcing you into a specific decision. We’ll work with you to find the approach that fits your goals, whether that’s cutting back, quitting, or just exploring your habits.
2. How do I know if my substance use is a problem?
If alcohol or substance use is impacting your relationships, work, health, or emotions, it’s worth exploring in therapy. It doesn’t have to be “rock bottom” for you to make positive changes.
3. I don’t drink every day, but I binge on weekends. Is that still a problem?
Yes, binge drinking can still have physical, emotional, and relational effects. Even if you’re not drinking daily, it’s worth looking at how it’s affecting your life and well-being.
4. What if I don’t want to talk about my past trauma?
That’s okay. Therapy is at your pace. We’ll focus on what’s relevant and helpful for you now—there’s no pressure to share before you’re ready.
5. What if I’m worried about being judged?
We understand that talking about substance use can feel vulnerable. Therapy is a safe, nonjudgmental space where you’re met with understanding, not shame.
Contact Us
Take the First Step – You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a move toward a better, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship challenges, or emotional numbness, we’re here to help you navigate the journey.
📞 Call now for a free 15-minute consultation – Let’s talk about what’s on your mind and how we can support you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re struggling with the pressures of fatherhood, navigating a career change, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to help you find your way forward. Reach out today to schedule your first session or to learn more about how I can support you. Together, we can work toward building a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and true to who you are.
(310) 658-7705
3101 Ocean Park Boulevard Suite 100
Santa Monica, CA 90405