Chemical dependency is a medical condition characterized by addiction to a mood-altering substance such as drugs or alcohol. Typically, it starts as a voluntary decision to use the substance because it relaxes you, or because it makes you feel good. Repeated use, however, can lead to changes in your brain that create a chemical dependency, and you become driven by intense urges that lead to withdrawal symptoms if left unmet, and you can lose your power of choice. At Stone Oak Christian Counseling in Texas, we are here to help.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(210) 961-8365

How can I tell if I have a chemical dependency?

Some common signs of chemical dependency include:

  • Using drugs or alcohol on a regular basis and experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you try to scale down or stop
  • Struggling to function without your substance
  • Requiring more and more of your substance for you to get the same effect it used to have
  • Denying you have a problem
  • Placing your need for drugs or alcohol above all other interests or responsibilities, including family, work, and relationships
  • Getting into trouble with the law for using your substance in dangerous situations such as driving while intoxicated.

The first step towards breaking the cycle of addiction is to step out of denial and acknowledge you have a problem. Next is to seek help and be willing to make the necessary changes.

Chemical dependency is chronic and progressive. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

The main purpose of Christian counseling for chemical dependency is to address the underlying causes of your addiction as well as any co-occurring mental health issues, and to provide support and equip you with the necessary tools for getting sober and preventing relapse.

The most common therapies used by chemical dependency counselors in Stone Oak, Texas, are evidence-based behavioral therapies such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you learn how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, identify triggers, anticipate and avoid risky situations, and equip you with strategies to prevent relapse.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is specially geared toward people who feel emotions very intensely. The focus is on helping you accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and learn relaxation techniques such as controlled breathing and muscle relaxation to decrease self-harming behavior and encourage healthy change.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, make them less painful, and weaken their power over your emotions so they are less likely to trigger a relapse.

Stone Oak Christian Counseling provides faith-based therapy in far north San Antonio. You can learn more about the Christian counselors in Stone Oak, San Antonio, Texas, by browsing the counselor profiles in our online counselor directory.

Stone Oak Christian Counseling provides outpatient counseling services in a safe, nonjudgmental environment of acceptance and support.

Our highly trained, licensed Christian counselors in Stone Oak, Texas know the power of faith and the healing Christ offers to those who trust in Him. You can expect a combination of evidence-based clinical interventions with biblical principles as your counselor guides you through the process of finding healing and sobriety through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

Christian counseling for chemical dependency in Stone Oak, Texas includes:

  • An individualized approach to fit your unique needs
  • Education about addiction
  • Tools to help you break free and stay free from the bondage of your addiction
  • Guidance to get to the root of your addiction and equip you to deal with your pain in a healthy way
  • Healthy ways to deal with your drug or alcohol cravings
  • Advice on how to cope with the stresses of life without resorting to drugs or alcohol
  • Support and accountability
  • Teaching you how to recognize, avoid, and cope with triggers
  • Addressing co-occurring mental health issues
  • Learning and practicing healthy behaviors
  • Learning how to avoid relapse
  • Helping you strengthen or get in a right relationship with God

If you would like to set up an appointment with one of the Christian counselors in Stone Oak, San Antonio, Texas, please give us a call today.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(210) 961-8365