What it can look like:
Substance use may begin as a coping mechanism but can progress into dependency or addiction. Individuals might feel out of control, use more than intended, experience cravings, or face consequences at work, home, or in relationships.

How it manifests:
It may show up as secretive behavior, financial issues, health problems, legal trouble, or difficulty maintaining responsibilities. Substance use often coexists with underlying mental health struggles like trauma, anxiety, or depression.

Therapeutic approach:
Treatment may include harm-reduction or abstinence-based models, relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. Therapy focuses on understanding the “why” behind the behavior and building sustainable paths toward recovery and stability.