Substance Use Recovery Counseling
WC&S’ Substance Use Recovery Counselor works with those who may be experiencing abuse while simultaneously navigating substance use addiction.
Experiencing abuse and struggling with using substances are highly related. Abusive partners can use substances to manipulate or coerce their victims. Also, survivors often use substances as a way to cope with their experiences. Whether you are actively using or in recovery, combined trauma and substance use counseling can help you start identifying the connection between substances and abusive relationships, find new ways to cope and heal, and regain control over your recovery journey.
Substances are often a way individuals cope during or after an abusive relationship. Substances can also be used as part of a broader pattern of power and control.
Your partner may be using substances as a form of abuse if they’ve ever:
- Pressured you to use substances or use more than you’re comfortable with
- Used your substance use history to discredit, belittle, or isolate you
- Discouraged treatment
- Blamed abuse on substances
Substances are also a common way people cope with their experiences. Do you ever use substances to:
- Survive your partner’s moods or outbursts
- Appease your partner
- Induce sleep
- Dull painful memories
Counseling at WC&S is a safe space for survivors in active use or recovery to talk about their experiences in a non-judgmental environment. Individual counseling, as well as support groups, are available to you. Reach out to Kelly N., WC&S’ Substance Use Recovery Counselor, for more information by phone (412.894.2089) or email (kellyn@wcspittsburgh.org).
Are you interested in a support group for DV survivors struggling with substance use? Visit this link for information.
To learn more, contact our Hotline to speak to our trained advocates.
If these services are full we will place you on a waitlist and contact you once it opens up.