ADDICTION TREATMENT IN HOUSTON
According to a 2016 report from the U.S. Surgeon General, approximately1 in 7 Americans will experience a substance-related problem at some point in their lifetime. These are not rare or fringe issues — they are common human struggles.
At Wellness Collaborative, we treat alcohol and drug use concerns as the common and understandable challenges they are. Our office is a judgment-free space. We do not shame, label, or look down on anyone navigating substance use.
In fact, we intentionally avoid terms such as “alcoholic” or“addict.” We do not subscribe to the belief that “once an addict, always an addict.” Instead, we understand problematic substance use as something that typically develops in response to underlying stress, pain, trauma, or unmet needs. Often, what is labeled as “addiction” is a coping strategy — one that once served a purpose but is no longer aligned with the life someone wants to live.
This perspective reflects the philosophy behind our approach:Integrative Harm Reduction.
A NOTE ON LANGUAGE
Our model is progressive and continues to evolve within the broader field. For clarity and accessibility, you may occasionally see us use terms like “addiction” or “alcoholism” when referencing research, statistics, or established literature. We do so to accurately reflect the terminology used in studies and to help individuals searching for support find us — not because we believe substance use struggles represent an incurable identity or permanent disease state.
What Is Considered A Heavy Drinker?
According to the CDC excessive drinking is defined as:
- 5 or more drinks in a single 2 to 3 hour session for men
- 4 or more drinks during a 2 to 3 hour for women.
- 15 drinks or more per week for men
- 8 drinks or more per week for women
Any alcohol use by minors or pregnant women is considered excessive at all times.
What Is Considered A Heavy Drinker?
Recorded health related issues associated with alcoholism include but are not limited to:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes complications.
- Learning and memory issues.
- Risky behavior.
- Anxiety and/or depression.
- Ulcers.
- Loss of vision.
- Weakened immune system.
- Increased cancer risk.
- Increased risk of birth defects and miscarriages.
- Increased risk of suicide and homicide.
Of course, drunk driving must also be considered. Claiming 29 lives every day in the United States (source), excessive drinking and motor vehicles are a lethal combination.
OUR APPROACH
We work collaboratively with you to create meaningful change based on what matters most in your life. Together, we establish goals that reflect your values — rather than asking you to conform to a rigid or one-size-fits-all program.
Wellness Collaborative was founded to provide a nurturing, thoughtful environment for people seeking change around alcohol or drug use. We take time to truly understand each client and apply evidence-based, individualized strategies that support movement toward greater vitality, freedom, and fulfillment.
Our aim is not limited to one outcome. For some clients, that includes abstinence. For others, it may mean moderation or a significant reduction in use. What matters most is helping you build a life that feels purposeful, colorful, and aligned with who you want to be — with substance use no longer in control.
When you contact us, you can expect just that. Dedicated professionals that are focused on delivering value to your life.
THE “ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL” ADDICTION APPROACH DOES NOT WORK FOR MOST
THE “ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL” ADDICTION APPROACH DOES NOT WORK FOR MOST
We collaborate with you to form an understanding of your situation in order to determine the focus of your treatment and the approach that will best meet your needs. Our go-to approach is Integrative Harm Reduction, which uses evidence-based interventions to identify the reasons for your substance use and figure out ways to get those needs met in a healthier, more balanced way.
We provide a safe, supportive space for you to explore whether moderated and less harmful substance use or all together abstinence is best suited for you and we work collaboratively to help you achieve your goals. We recognize that people who drink too much can suffer from varying degrees of alcohol-related problems, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. A reasonable option for some problem drinkers is moderation. More problematic drinkers may find a return to moderate drinking a great challenge and choose to stop completely, but the choice to accept that challenge remains yours.
The Sinclair Method
The Sinclair Method (TSM) was developed during the 1990s and has since cured thousands of struggling with alcohol use (often labled ‘alcoholics’) in America and Europe. The technique uses opiate blockers that are taken by the patient every day before drinking. Over time, this will revert the brain and nervous system back to their pre-addiction state.
If you’ve tried other programs without success, TSM may be a helpful course of action. Contact us to learn more.
Harm Reduction Therapy
Harm reduction therapy is a modern approach to substance use that doesn’t require patients to stop their current behavior. Heavy drinkers (including those labeled as ‘alcoholics’) can still drink. Drug users (including those labeled as ‘addicts’) can keep using. Stopping isn’t a requirement to begin treatment, rather it’s a choice that you have the power to make because of treatment.
Providing Harm Reduction Therapy the right way means we seek to understand who you are an individual and all the context that comes along with that. Stigma has no place within our walls and we aim to help you explore your strengths and unlock your hidden potential. Check out our blog post to learn more about harm reduction.
We want to collaborate with you to form goals and strategies for the future. No strings attached.
Is There A Pill To Stop Drinking?
Naltrexone attaches to the opiate receptors in the brain and blocks the buzz that comes from drinking alcohol. Over time, this causes your body to unlearn the addiction and the harmful cycle that came with it. This method has a 78% success rate of curing alcohol addiction entirely.
Known as The Sinclair Method (or TSM), we recommend this approach be combined with therapy from an expert in the field. TSM is something Dr. Kelli Wright at the Wellness Collaborative is a leading expert in, she has her own practice devoted towards it and other harm reduction style therapies.
Do You Love Someone Struggling With Substance Use?
Do You Love Someone Struggling With Substance Use?
ALCOHOLISM RECOVERY
Well over 8 million people in the United States alone struggle with alcohol. Substance use problems (often labeled addiction or alcoholism) do not discriminate among creed or color. While some experts have tried to blame a single cause, the truth is the reasons behind it are multifaceted and differ from individual to individual. Common symptoms include:
- An uptrend in the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Drinking outside of what is considered socially normal. Examples might be drinking at work or early in the day.
- Seeking out an environment where it is easy for you to get intoxicated. On the other hand, you avoid situations where you wouldn’t be able to drink.
- Spending more time around peers who also drink heavily.
- Weakening relationships with family and friends.
- Stashing alcohol or sneaking drinks in throughout the day.
- Can’t stop drinking. A day without alcohol is difficult or impossible.
- Problems with the law or performance at work.
- Experiencing physical withdrawals when you stop drinking.
Alcohol related issues are always best to catch early as it tends to worsen as time goes on. Reduce future harm and let Wellness Collaborative step in. If you or a loved one matches these symptoms shoot us a message today and initiate change for the better.
DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY
Illicit drug use numbers rival even alcohol with an estimated 13 million ‘addicts’ in the United States. Even though we don’t believe in (or use) the term “addiction” during actual sessions, we don’t take these numbers lightly. Armed with our expertise and your willingness to take action, we’re ready to take on the challenge. Whatever you or your loved one is going through, Wellness Collaborative is here to coach you through with support, guidance, and understanding.
Struggling with a substance use issue comes with a myriad of issues, social and personal (that includes being labeled ‘addict’ by those around you). Not to mention the legal and health problems that can ensue… addiction is a complex issue that you can’t take on alone. We see you as an individual with a unique personality and background, not ‘just another addict’. This perspective is essential when creating a custom solution to get you back on track. Get help today and start on the road to recovery.
COMMON SYMPTOMS POINTING TO DEPENDENCY & ADDICTION
- Thinking that you need the drug one or more times a day.
- Depression, anxiety or panic attacks when you haven’t used the drug.
- Experiencing an obsession with the substance of choice that keeps you from thinking about anything else.
- Building up a tolerance to the drug. In other words, you need more to achieve the desired effect.
- Doing more drugs than you planned on doing during a session.
- Sessions last longer than you intended.
- Making sure you can always get more of the substance.
- Ignoring work and personal obligations.
- Painful withdrawals when you stop using the drug.
- Erratic behavior like assault or thievery.
- Lots of time is spent getting, using, or recovering from the substance used.
- Continuing to use the substance even though you know it’s become a problem.