Substance Use Disorders
What this specialty means
Substance use disorders (SUDs) is a term for patterns of alcohol, prescription, or other drug use that persist despite harm or distress, affecting daily life, relationships, and wellbeing. In a mental health and counseling context, support may include education, coping strategies, and collaborative planning to change use or reduce risks. Psychotherapy can help explore habits, emotions, and experiences that influence use. Coaching tends to focus on practical goals, accountability, and routines. Medical care may be needed for withdrawal management or medication options, with coordination and referrals when appropriate.
Why people seek support
People may seek help when they feel their use is increasing, cutting back is harder than expected, or cravings and urges are interfering with work, school, or parenting. Others notice conflicts with loved ones, risky situations, sleep or mood changes, or financial and legal stress. Some want to prevent problems before they grow, use more safely, or understand ambivalence about change. Support may also be sought after a close call, a setback following a period of change, or when coping with anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain alongside substance use.
Typical goals
Common collaborative goals may include clarifying personal values and motivation, choosing between harm reduction or abstinence-oriented plans, and creating small, measurable steps. People often work on identifying triggers, building coping skills for cravings, planning for high-risk situations, and strengthening supportive relationships. Additional goals might involve relapse-prevention and safety planning, improving sleep and stress management, and rebuilding routines, hobbies, and self-care. Professionals may also help with navigating community resources, mutual-support options, and referrals for medical evaluation when indicated. Goals are individualized, revisited over time, and progress may vary.
Trifecta Health educational information. For educational purposes only—not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice.
Find a specialty provider
Stephanie Sheets
LPC
Hello! Thank you for considering me for your therapy needs...
Dusty Shandy
LPC
I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 10+ years of experience working with a variety of clients. I have additional experience in school-based/family counseling, case management for foster children, parental education, resource allocation for vocational rehabilitation, and education and career counseling...
Catelyn Durham
LPC, PMH-C
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist in the state of Georgia. I work with adult women who are experiencing issues related to pregnancy, post-partum, or infertility. As a mother of three young children, I understand the emotional complexity and the often isolating nuances of motherhood...
Brandon Massion
LCSW
Thank you for considering me for your counseling and mentoring needs. I am a licensed clinical social worker and currently work at UF Health Trauma Hospital in Jacksonville, FL...
Jon Hester
LCSW, CCTP-II and Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach
Jon Hester, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker serving adults in Georgia and Florida. With more than 25 years of clinical and executive leadership experience, Jon helps clients navigate anxiety, OCD, trauma, PTSD, stress, major life transitions, and the unique pressures that can come with work, relationships, and leadership responsibilities...