Blogs by a Christian Counselor for friends on the journey.

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Tania Fendel Tania Fendel

Substance Abuse Signs and Shame: How do I know I need help?

Many times it’s hard to see your life in a realistic light. You’re either too hard on yourself or you have blind spots that only others close to you see. Mental illness and signs of substance abuse can be assessed and screened at the office of a mental health provider. There are also simple screens available online. Self-screening is the option we’ll look at today.

Easy Screens for Substance Abuse danger Signs

For alcohol, CAGE is a well-known self-screen. The acronym stands for Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye Opener. Have you tried to cut down use and failed? Are you annoyed when people criticize you for your drinking? Have you ever felt guilty about drinking? Have you needed a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover? If you score 4, yes for each question, I would advise you to continue with self-awareness. What steps are you willing to take to reduce the harm?

SSI-AOD is a sixteen question self-screen for both alcohol and substance use disorders which will take a few minutes to complete. You can following the link to phenxtoolkit.org below or google the site and find the simple screening instrument of Health and Human Services. 

https://www.phenxtoolkit.org/protocols/view/510202#:~:text=The%20Simple%20Screening%20Instrument%20for,of%20Health%20and%20Human%20Services

SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association offers comprehensive information on substance abuse. For screening, brief intervention and referral for treatment, online information is available on this SAMHSA page https://www.samhsa.gov/sbirt. Or you can call SAMHSA’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. 

Once you’ve taken these screens, especially the SSI-AOD, you may realize that you need to take action before things get more serious. Early treatment will reduce the intensity and duration in your steps to recovery. Think of early diagnosis of any disease; when you catch things before they spin out of control you will get better results and best of all the peace of mind that comes with taking care of yourself.

Still feeling uncertain about your next step. Please feel free to call Tania at 720-577-5985 or schedule a free 15 minute consult today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Counseling in Denver, CO

  • Johnson's previously published Psychology and Christianity: Five Views (2010). The views behind the five counseling approaches include levels-of-explanation, integration, Christian psychology, transformational, and biblical counseling. See my March 6th blog for more information.

  • Christian Counselors combine clinical training, values and theology. Alternatively, Biblical Counselors typically have a degree from a seminary or Bible college where they have received extensive training in theology and God's word. I have a Christian worldview, am seminary-educated and clinically trained as a Licensed Addiction Counselor.

  • Christian counseling/therapy is grounded in biblical principles, which ensures that your recovery will be on the right track for you. We can talk about your identity in Christ and your relationship with the Trinitarian God, yourself and others. In contrast, secular counseling teaches you to find faith in yourself.

  • Therapy ranges between $60 and $200 per session, with the average being between $100 and $150 per session. I charge $145 per session based on my business expenses, education, training, and skills.