Substance Abuse Counseling

Complementing the 12 Step

Substance abuse affects not only those who indulge in it, but also their spouses, children, other family members, friends and employers. Randall McNeal offers specialized counseling for all of these situations.

For Those Who Suspect They Might Have a Substance Abuse Problem

Some people seek counseling because they suspect they might have a problem with alcohol or drugs, but do no know how to proceed. In these cases, Randall's compassionate and non-judgemental approach allows these individuals to safely explore how drugs or alcohol may have replaced healthier coping mechanisms in response to stressors in their lives.

"People self-medicate with drugs or alcohol because they're in pain," he says, "and they're unable to access the inner resources that would help them deal with it in a a healthy way. Instead of living in a resource state with good coping mechanisms, they fall into a reactionary state, turning to mind-altering substances to temporarily numb the pain. This ultimately becomes a vicious cycle, as the pain returns again and again and is eventually joined by guilt and self-recrimination. Eventually, what began as a coping mechanism for life stressors takes on a life of its own, and the individual finds him/herself trapped in the lifestyle of addiction."

Once someone realizes and accepts that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol, Randall works closely with them to help them rediscover their unique inner resources that can help them deal with stress in a healthier way. If necessary, he can connect them with ancillary treatments including detox programs, inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs and local 12-step programs.

For Those Seeking Help for a Substance Abuse Problem

Other clients arrive at Counseling Services Houston acknowledging they have a problem with drugs or alcohol, and seeking additional support in the form of individual counseling. They may be already working a 12-step program and looking to reinforce their progress by addressing the personal issues underlying their addictive behaviors. Randall McNeal helps these clients explore the inadequate or false inner beliefs that sabotaged their personal power and allowed them to hand control over to outside substances. As they proceed through their emotional and spriritual recovery, they regain their lost self-respect, and reconnect with inner resources that had gone into hibernation. The partnership that develops between client and counselor often becomes the link that integrates all of the other aspects of recovery.

For Family Members and Friends of Substance Abusers

Although the physical manifestations of addiction may appear more extreme in substance abusers, the damage caused to spouses, children and other family members can be equally devastating. A well-defined set of maladaptive coping skills has been identified in those who have close contact with alcoholics and addicts. Traits such as perfectionism, over-controlling and isolating may seem to make day-to-day life with an addict/alcoholic easier, but they eventually erode all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Relationships fray, not just with the substance abuser, but among all family members. Dysfunctional behaviors are often carried over into social, school and work settings, eventually impacting every area of life.

Friends and family members of substance abusers find Counseling Services Houston to be a safe haven where they can express the fears, frustrations and anger that accompany life with an addict. Randall McNeal skillfully leads them through a process of self-discovery that reveals their unhealthy coping mechanisms and helps them replace them with healthier ways to take care of themselves. He may also connect them to local support groups such as Al-Anon and Alateen that offer support and encouragement from others in similar situations.

The ultimate goal is to provide each individual with the inner resources and outer tools to ensure their well-being, regardless of the condition of the addict/alcoholic in their life.