Drug Dependence / Abuse / Addiction

Some people are able to use drugs (both recreational or prescription) without any of the negative consequences of abuse or addiction. However, for many others, using drugs leads to a variety of problems. Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs (using the drugs in ways other than directed). Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes compulsive drug abuse, despite the harmful effects. Drug addicts are not able to control their consumption of drugs and may go to great lengths to obtain drugs. If your drug use is impacting your life, work, health or relationships you might have a drug addiction or abuse problem, regardless of how little or how infrequently you use drugs. Both drug abusers and drug addicts can get help from a qualified mental health professional. Family members of drug addicts can also benefit from therapy, which can help them develop healthy and supportive ways of coping.

Local experts in Drug Dependence / Abuse / Addiction

Steve Harper (He)

Professional Counselor

LPC, MCOUN, MED

A deeper connection to ourselves can reduce our need for immediate gratification. Dialectical Therapy compares the margins in between our thoughts and feelings. Gaining new awareness helps us work through challenges by allowing us to consider making more accurate adjustments. Increasing awareness to our own experience has everything to do with how we relate to ourselves and others.

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Laura Wozniak (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW BCD

I started my career working with addictions and codependency using the Johnson Family Institute training. I am qualified to explore diverse addiction issues- and help clients make decisions about further addictions treatment they may need to pursue or I can continue with them on an outpatient basis when weekly therapy is appropriate. I support 12 step programs, but other approaches may fit.

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Will Howell (he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC, CCTP, SAC-IT

People wouldn't enter recovery if it weren't possible. I find it validating to explore not just why the addiction but why the pain. How do substances serve you? What do they do for you that you can't seem to do for yourself? What do you feel like you need to do but might not want to? My approach is personalized based on client needs, whether harm reduction or complete sobriety. I draw from a variety of coping skills and resources, emphasizing mindfulness and what's underneath one's addiction.

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Amanda Holden, LPC, CADC-I (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

I’m a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and enjoy working with those struggling with patterns of substance use. Whether your teen is using meth, you’re a successful professional concerned about your use of opiates, or you’re worried about your partner, I’m here to help. I have no interest in stereotypes or labels and am here to provide the support you need to reach your goals.

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Kelly Rees (she/her)

Clinical Sexologist

Certified, ACS

I have worked at a drug and alcohol recovery center since 2016. I provide support for those dealing with addiction in the areas of sexual health, true consent, setting and maintaining boundaries, addressing past trauma, harm reduction, and reclaiming healthy sexual pleasure.

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Matt Newey (he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC

Supervisor/Provider for Substance Use Treatment programs for 6 years including residential, outpatient and drug court.

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Dr. Chandra Mundon (she/her)

Clinical Psychologist

Psy.D.

As an addiction specialist, I provide assessment and treatment for those struggling with substances and/or process addictions (eg: internet, video games, gambling.)

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Paula Emerick (she/they)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LMFT

I am a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and I was a Family Therapist at 2 treatment facilities in the Portland area for 3 years. Currently I am an Addictions Specialist at a Mental Health Agency downtown and I also practice the CRAFT Model (Community Reinforcement & Family Training), working with families who have a loved one using substances.

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Simone Gotter-Nagle (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

I began my career working with adults dealing with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues and this experience showed me that our emotional health and well-being are complexly linked with abuse or dependence on alcohol, drugs, or behavioral compulsions like internet use, gambling, gaming, or sex. In overcoming addition, we work to understand where it came from and where you go next.

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Alana Duschane

Clinical Psychologist

My doctoral dissertation was part of a larger study with UCLA examining a medication-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence. I have had years of education and years with working with addiction treatment and I also received my certification as an addictions treatment counselor (CATC-V).

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Matthew McCullough (He/His, They/Their)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

I've worked in an outpatient addiction recovery program for the past 3 years, and previously worked in a gambling addiction treatment program for 3 years. I am knowledgeable on both chemical and process addictions (gambling, internet, etc.). My personal philosophy is centered around harm reduction principles where the focus is on your goals, including moderation if you choose.

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Christa Brennan (she/hers)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, LCAT, ATR-BC, CADC

As a licensed substance use counselor, I have spent the last 10 years working directly with folks experiencing houselessness, having issues with the criminal justice system, trauma and addiction. So much of addiction is based in unresolved trauma which is why I take a judgment free, harm reduction approach.

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Brandon Huffman (he/him)

Professional Counselor Associate

NCC, CADC-I

I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I) through the state of Oregon, and worked in an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility for the past 2 years.

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Angelica Nenchev (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

CADC I, MA, Professional Counselor Associate

Thinking about changing your relationship with substances? I’m happy to support you along the spectrum of change from questioning to long-term recovery. I believe you get to define your recovery goals whether that be harm reduction or sobriety.

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Alissa Holmes (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

I have worked extensively with people struggling with addiction in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I take a harm reduction approach and use motivational interviewing to help cultivate a change mindset, whether the goal is to reduce/modify one's use or to obtain total abstinence. Both goals are valid, and I offer a non-judgemental space to explore how substances may be impacting your life.

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Daniel McClure (he/him/his)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA

My graduate studies included a comprehensive addiction specialization which familiarized me with the most up to date approaches to addiction counseling as well as a broader understanding of the historical development and context of addiction and related treatments.

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Allison Amo MA, LPC (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

If you are struggling with addiction, whether it be alcohol, prescription medication, sex, food, gambling, street drugs, or any other mood-altering experience, recovery is possible. Through therapy, I will support you in gaining insight into the function the addiction has served in your life, learn effective coping skills, and develop an increased sense of options and potential.

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Jacob Curtis (he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA CADCI NCC LPC

I am hold a certification in alcohol and drug counseling from the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon.

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Kathleen Thompson (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CRC

Humans do not want to feel pain & love to repeat things that feel good. Every person I know who misuses substances/gaming/sex/gambling has been to avoiding bad feelings generally related to their past. Add the chemical component in our bodies & you get people who keep doing what they should not do despite how much loved ones beg for it to stop. It is time for you to start feeling & living better.

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Kelly Washam (she/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

MA, MAC, LMFTA

I provide confidential counseling that is based in strengths-based approaches, and motivational enhancement therapies. I also support and mentor in 12 step recovery, rational recovery, SOS, among others. I can help you get your life back.

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Christopher Marquardt (he/his/they/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

Many of my clients come seeking counsel, advice or assistance in managing drugs or alcohol. I work with this delicately, as this particular issue is tough to treat. My hope is that we determine some shared goals and start monitoring and working toward meeting them.

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Andrew Elmore, MSW,CSWA

Licensed Professional Counselor

A significant area of my work includes many years of working in the field of substance abuse and the therapeutic services needed to support an alternative method of coping. I am drawn to work with those who are suffering with substance addiction and the effect it has on the relationships around them.

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Mike Grant (he/him/his)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, LICSW, CADC II

I’m a certified alcohol and drug counselor with 8 years in the field.

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Jessica Powers

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CADC-II

People can become addicted to anything, not just drugs or alcohol. Someone may need help with their over-use or abuse of a substance or activity if it takes up so much of their time that they are neglecting, or are unable to fulfill, their other responsibilities. Examples of this might be sometimes calling out sick to work because of feeling “hungover” from the night before, or someone who plays video games for so many hours straight that they are not eating, sleeping, or using the bathroom.

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Celine Redfield

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

MA, LMFT, Certified Havening Practitioner, EFT Master, Practitioner

If you are having difficulty with addiction, I have helped many clients to work on having and maintaining sobriety. I can help you to address underlying issues that may be causing relapse and abuse. If you are willing to take a look at harm reduction and eventually sobriety, then I can help you with your process.

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Ronald L Johnson

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CADC, CYT

Author Deepak Chopra says drug addiction is a 'misguided spiritual quest' and this makes a lot of sense to me. Break the habitual pattern of drug use and we break lots of old destructive patterns in our lives that have unconsciously been using or even draining our energy. When we free ourselves from these we find a sense of liberation, meaning, and direction along our path.

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Liisa Heard, BS, MSW, LCSW, LICSW (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

BS, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

I understand the nuances of addiction and recovery - looking at the root cause of drug use and working from there on up helps my clients reduce feelings of shame and guilt. Helping them to make sense of 'why am I this way''?

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Julio Iñiguez (he/him)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LMFT, CGACII, CADCI

I am familiar with 12-step, recovery dharma, refuge recovery, wellbriety, recovery 2.0, and SMART recovery models and practices. I use therapeutic supports in tandem with community supports to develop an individually tailored recovery plan that can create a strong foundation toward a sustainable recovery. We will also explore potential process addictions (addiction is sneaky) and address trauma. We go at your pace and take the steps you are ready to take toward the goals that matter to you.

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Niko Delgado-McGee (he/his/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, MA, CADCI, QMHP, LMHC

My graduate degree is specialized in addiction studies and I am currently in the process of applying for my CADC. I use motivational interviewing to help insight change and work from a harm reduction model to help you create compassionate goals for yourself. I have experience working with individuals and family members who have suffered from porn, internet, alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis addiction/abuse/dependence.

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Kimberly Crow (she/her/hers)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CADC-III

Drug use often begins as a coping strategy, yet it can derail use of all other ways of managing life stress, mental health issues or low self-worth. Therapy can create space to explore the role drugs have taken in your life, and help you decide what you want to do about it.

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Maria Bonacci (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

My approach to addiction treatment is centered in harm reduction with a person centered approach. I want to help you examine your substance use and support changes as you are wanting to make them.

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Jeremy Jones (They/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CADC-II, BC-TMH

Mental health and addiction due to typically occur as distinct issues, and my practice works to ensure that we are examining and incorporating the relationship between mental health and substance use is it relates to the presenting issue.

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