Chemical Dependency

When you or someone you love is dealing with chemical dependency, help is needed. Sometimes prescription medication turns into an addiction. Sometimes self-medicating physical or emotional pain leads to drug addiction. Peer pressure, family style, and general life in America can lead many people right down the road to addiction with alcohol or drugs.

Symptoms

• Change in Behavior
• Loss of interest in usual things
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Intoxication & or Drug Use on multiple occasions
• Mood Swings
• School or work problems
• More hostile and negative
• Legal Trouble such as stealing, possession, intoxication, disorderly conduct…
• Family History of
Chemical Dependence
• Self Report of daily use of substance

Goals of Therapy

• Eliminate Chemical Use
• Understand and Plan for Relapse Prevention
• Gain Family and Social Support for Recovery
• Calm Family Stress Issues
• Establish Healthy Skills for Living
• Stabilize in Work or School

My background includes work with both teens and adults dealing with substance abuse issues. I have experience with teens on probation and teens in treatment centers and group homes. Many of them struggled with harmful chemicals in their lives. I also worked in a men’s federal prison with the Drug and Alcohol Program (DAP). I helped inmates with recovery issues as well as in preparation for life on the outside, substance free.

***As with any psychological disorder, do not consider information found on the internet sufficient in diagnosing or managing your condition. It can be used to find appropriate treatment from a healthcare professional. If in need of help, please call Dr. Austin at 972-986-0150, or if an emergency, always call 911.

Karla Austin, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

2701 W. Irving Blvd # 170189 • Irving, Texas 75015 972-986-0150 Doc@Austinphd.com

Conveniently located in Irving, between Dallas and Fort Worth, and near Coppell, Grand Prairie,
Grapevine, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Lewisville, Arlington, Keller, Richland Hills, and the DFW Airport and now remote due to Telehealth.