3 Things You Should Know About Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect millions of people from all walks of life. However, this isn’t a sign of widespread moral failure. Addiction to alcohol, prescription medications, illicit drugs, or other substances is a complex mental health condition, and the path to healing begins with understanding. If you found this article because you want to learn about your addiction or support a loved one, you’re on the right track.
What You Need to Know About SUDs
Some think of addiction as weakness, an act of rebellion against society, or attention-seeking behavior. If we want to shift the narrative away from blame, there are 3 things everyone should understand about SUDs:
Addiction Is a Brain-Based Disorder
Repeated substance use changes a person’s brain chemistry, making it harder to stop. Willpower alone is often not enough. Thus, addressing a substance use disorder is not a simple matter.Addiction Often Co-Occurs With Other Issues
Many people with substance use disorders are seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or trauma. In these cases, treating the addiction is only a temporary fix—the root issue needs to be addressed as well.Addiction Recovery Is Not Linear
Recovery looks different for everyone. Setbacks or relapses are common; for every two steps forward, you might take one back. But healing is possible with consistent support.
Yes, You Deserve Support
Therapy offers a safe space to begin the work of recovery. We offer professional substance abuse counseling for those battling with personal addiction and their families. If you could use some guidance, reach out today to speak with a therapist who specializes in substance use disorders. Together, we can build a future to be proud of.
About the Author
Amanda Landry, LMHC, CAP, NCCFounder & CEO, Caring Therapists - Florida Group Practice
Amanda Landry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), with over 18 years of experience helping teens, young adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relational challenges. Her holistic approach blends evidence‑based therapies-such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy-with yoga, meditation, and vegetarian wellness practices.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caring Therapists, Amanda leads a thriving group practice with multiple locations across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Hollywood, and Palm Beach Gardens. Her leadership emphasizes clinical quality, community connection, and accessibility, with an emphasis on serving local South Florida communities.
Amanda is also a published author of "Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety" (2022) and has created My Private Practice Collective, an online community and resource hub for therapists establishing or expanding their practices. As a Qualified Supervisor, she mentors and supervises new clinicians seeking licensure and growth in their therapeutic careers.