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Chemical Dependency

Los Angeles Christian Counseling

Defeat Chemical Dependency through Christian Counseling in LA

Chemical dependency of any kind can destroy the important areas of one’s life.Sadly, those who are addicted are usually stigmatized, preventing them from receiving the love and help they need to recover.

Chemical dependency, however, is a very solvable medical issue that is caused by deep-seated emotional pain. We at Los Angeles Christian Counseling know this and are prepared to help people overcome their addiction by connecting them to our Lord Jesus Christ. It is only with His mercy and love that lives can be restored.

Articles about Chemical Dependency

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Los Angeles Christian Counseling

Dec
2020
08

Is Alcoholism Ruining Your Family Holidays?

Los Angeles Christian Counseling

If you have a family member who is addicted to alcohol or struggles with alcoholism, many of your holidays may have felt ruined by their behavior. Yet you can have a different holiday season this year with the objective and professional help available through Christian counseling. Alcoholism affects every day of the year in negative ways. But it can put a huge burden on the holidays when family members gather, and tensions are on the rise. As a family member of an alcoholic, you deal with many fears and frustrations daily, and they may spike at Christmastime. You may have not considered the impact of alcoholism on your family gatherings...

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Am I Suffering From Drug And Alcohol Dependency?

While many people may try substances such as drugs or alcohol, not all of them end up abusing them. Chemical dependency, also known as substance abuse, is a medical disorder where the sufferer is dependent on legal and/or illegal substances. This dependency causes them to have trouble at school or work; issues in the family or community; or problems with the law. While each sufferer’s experience of addiction is unique, the following are some common signs of chemical dependency:

  • Regular usage of alcohol and/or drugs;
  • Constant talk about alcohol or drugs;
  • Lying to loved ones about using such substances or the amount of usage;
  • Avoidance of loved ones due to such substances;
  • Strong belief that these substances are necessary to enjoy life;
  • Declining performance at school or work due to substance usage;
  • Legal trouble because of alcohol or drugs;
  • Withdrawal symptoms when trying to minimize or stop usage;
  • Depression or other emotional imbalances due to alcohol or drug use.

The Perils Of Chemical Dependency

Regardless of how “good” a person may feel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (illegal or legal), chemical dependency actually hurts the totality of a person – body, mind, and spirit.This is why such substances should be avoided or only used when truly prescribed by a physician.If not, it is very easy to become addicted, leading to a number of health problems

  • Cosmetic damage to the teeth and skin;
  • Difficulty sleeping;
  • Unhealthy weight loss;
  • Increased susceptibility to different types of cancer;
  • Changes in the brain’s functioning, affecting mood, behavior, and thinking (e.g. paranoia, psychosis);
  • Serious damage to major organs (e.g. heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs);
  • Death.

How Substance Addiction Hurts Relationships

Addiction takes hold of the body and mind, often leading people to do things they might not normally do. Sustaining an addiction is also very expensive with addicts spending more on their vice than the family can afford.And in many cases, addicts seek solace from other addicts leading to unhealthy relationships and acts of crime. Because of these, important relationships are often damaged – marriages are torn apart, families are destroyed, and careers are ruined. Brushes with the law are also often common with the person’s reputation being destroyed as well as that of the family’s.

The following are some of the negative effects of chemical dependency on relationships:

  • Irrational anger and mood swings;
  • Neglect of duties and responsibilities;
  • Abuse in the family (verbal, physical, or sexual);
  • Infidelity;
  • Feelings of abandonment, depression, or anger by the family;
  • Traumatized family members;
  • Codependency in the family;
  • Financial hardship;
  • Problems with the law.

The Need For Christian Counseling

Addiction is a very serious situation that requires professional help. Without such, it will be very difficult to overcome the withdrawal symptoms or heal the broken bridges created due to the chemical dependency problem.

Like other forms of counseling, Los Angeles Christian Counseling also makes use of evidence-based therapy and tried-and-tested counseling methods. The difference, however, is the focus on healing the spirit together with the body and mind.

Without God’s healing power and the redemptive promise and mercy of Christ, it will be very easy for the sufferer to return to their life of addiction, especially in times of disappointment. The addict needs to know that their emptiness inside can only be filled by God.

Why Choose Los Angeles Christian Counseling?

At Los Angeles Christian Counseling,the Christian counselors are highly trained to helping sufferers conquer their addictions. But most especially, we are committed to reconnecting people to Jesus Christ so that their life afterward can be one of joy and peace.

Here are some reasons why Christian counseling should be done with us:

  • Many years of experience in Christian counseling for chemical dependency.
  • Personalized approach for the sufferer’s unique needs.
  • Highly trained and dedicated staff and counselors who seek success for the sufferer.
  • Full support for both the sufferer and their family in each stage of recovery.

How Christian Counseling Helps

The road to recovery can seem intimidating, especially if one is trying to do it on their own. This is why Los Angeles Christian Counseling is here to help. Specifically, a sufferer gains:

A safe place for healing and growth

Many addicts know that the people around them think negatively of their lifestyle and character, even if they are trying to stop. This brings them down and affects their decision to quit the habit. In Christian counseling, the sufferer will be surrounded by those who wish to encourage and empower them; those who wish to see them succeed with Christ’s help. Such an environment does wonders for a person who has been shunned by others.

Understanding of the principal reasons for their addiction

Chemical dependency is usually the result of deep emotional pain such as past abuse, trauma, or mental conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression, mood problems). While some are conscious of this, many more are not. In Christian counseling, these underlying issues will be unlocked and confronted so that the wounds may finally heal with God’s help.

The right support and tools for truly beating their addiction

The experienced Christian counselors at Los Angeles Christian Counseling use a variety of methods to ensure holistic healing. We work hand-in-hand with the sufferer’s family, medical team, and, most importantly, with God to create a network of support and safety to prevent the addict from falling prey to chemical dependency again or any other negative effect.

Support, encouragement, and guidance for the family

The addict’s family usually suffers as much as the addict. The dedicated team at Los Angeles Christian Counseling understands this and knows that the family needs healing as well. Family members are informed of the problem, given encouragement and support, and guided how to best help the sufferer.

Divine strength and peace through a closer relationship with God

It is only through a life focused on God that chemical dependency can be defeated once and for all. A counselor will reconnect the sufferer with God so that the sufferer may have that inner peace and healing that God wants for us all.

FAQ About Christian Counseling For Chemical Dependency

Is Los Angeles Christian Counseling a rehab center?

No, we are not. We offer outpatient counseling in Los Angeles, not detox services. If you are unsure about your situation, you may speak with the team first to determine if you need to become medically stabilized prior to therapy with us.

How long do I need Christian counseling?

Every sufferer is different so the timetable per person varies. As a chronic-relapse illness, it is highly probable that relapse may occur during the treatment, lengthening the process. At the beginning of your treatment, your Christian counselor will discuss your treatment goals so you will have a better idea of how long it may take.

Are my sessions confidential?

Yes, they are. We take privacy seriously. Everything said or done in counseling is protected, including the fact that you are in counseling. Family members, employers, and friends will not be informed. It is only in instances of potential harm to oneself or others that information can be released.

Is Christian counseling for chemical dependency covered by insurance?

Insurance providers usually do cover this, but you should speak to your provider first. If not, you may also speak to our friendly staff about what insurances we accept.

Overcome Your Chemical Dependency Now

Overcoming addiction can seem like an overwhelming task. But know that it is very treatable and has been done for many people for all kinds of substances. If you are in or nearby Los Angeles, the Christian counselors at Los Angeles Christian Counseling are here to help. You can speak to us personally in a risk-free initial session to see what you need and how we can help. Alternatively, you may give us a call at (949) 386-7182 to inquire.

Testimonials

I have known Shirley for many years. She is kind, caring and most all passionate. I highly recommend Shirley.

I have known Shirley O. Kauffman, PhD, MFC for over 14 years as we both serve on the board and as members of the organization Childhelp. She has deep empathy and understanding of human nature and works well with people. I recomend her as a therapist and a friend.Suzzy Canny Lake Balboa CA

Dr. Shirley is not only a kind and compassionate woman, but a wise and trustworthy source for me to share my good days and bad ones. I have always admired her for her biblical worldview. Everything she shares with me is filtered through the lens of scripture. It is so nice to know that I can get good and godly counsel from someone that is not only nice, but that shares the same beliefs as I do. The world gives much different advice —-focusing on self, and self help. Dr. Shirley has encouraged me not only to take care of myself, but to love others as a way to serve God. I highly recommend her.

Kristina Banaitis is a wonderful, skilled counselor who is yielded to the Holy Spirit as she listens and discerns what goes beyond words. Not only does she have experience to professionally counsel, she prays for wisdom and insight to be most effective. I am honored to lead prayer at our school and have gotten to personally know Kristina during the past few years as she has faithfully come weekly to pray. I can always count on her. When she says she will pray, I know she will. Kristina is patient and kind and she has a reassuring resilience and loyalty that can be trusted. Every time I am with her, I sense a peaceful strength that makes it easy to share and receive.

Kristina Banaitis is a very caring sweet and compassionate person. She is a very good listener and a great therapist, I would highly recommend her to my family, relatives, and friends.