man hiking embracing addiction recovery and nature healing

addiction Counseling in Maine

Our expert team offers personalized addiction counseling and individual therapy, tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're in Gorham, Maine, or looking for a virtual counselor, let us guide you on a journey of understanding and healing. Your story of recovery begins here.

You don’t have to suffer alone.

male with emotional pain and phone addiction

Are you struggling with the overwhelming weight of addiction? Our compassionate team specializes in providing expert addiction counseling and individual therapy to help you navigate this challenging path towards healing.

Understanding Your Addiction

At Eastern Shore Counseling, in Gorham, ME, we recognize that understanding your addiction is the first step toward lasting change. Our therapists provide a compassionate, judgment-free space to explore the roots of your substance use, whether it’s related to stress, trauma, or mental health challenges. Together, we’ll develop practical strategies to manage cravings, build healthier coping skills, and create a personalized plan for recovery, so you feel supported every step of the way.

Online Addiction Counseling Options

In today's fast-paced world, we understand that it's not always easy to attend in-person sessions. That's why we offer online addiction counseling services, allowing you to access support from the comfort of your own space. Whether you're in Gorham, Maine, or Portland, Bangor, Kennebunk or Bar Harbor, our virtual sessions are designed to make addiction counseling accessible and convenient for you.

man in addiction counselng session

Compassionate and Individualized Therapy

Our approach to addiction counseling is rooted in empathy and tailored to your specific circumstances. We utilize evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) as well as others to help you navigate your recovery process. Our goal is to provide you with invaluable tools and coping strategies that empower you to find relief and healing.

You Don’t Have to Suffer Alone

Addiction can feel isolating, but you don't have to face it by yourself. At Eastern Shore Counseling, we are here to walk beside you on your path towards healing. Our experienced addiction counselors offer a safe and supportive environment where you can express your feelings, process your trauma, and begin to rebuild your life.

Whether you're seeking addiction counseling in Gorham, Maine, or looking for online addiction counseling options, our counseling team is dedicated to helping you find hope and healing during this difficult time.

Symptoms of Addiction

Craving
A strong urge or desire to use the substance, often feeling preoccupied with thoughts about it.

Loss of Control
Using more of the substance than intended, or being unable to cut down or stop despite efforts to do so.

Tolerance
Needing more of the substance over time to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal
Experiencing physical or emotional symptoms when not using, such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, sweating, or shakiness.

Neglecting Responsibilities
Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or home because of substance use.

Continued Use Despite Problems
Keeping up the behavior even when it causes health issues, relationship conflicts, legal trouble, or other negative consequences.

Loss of Interest
Giving up or reducing important activities and hobbies because of substance use.

Risky Behavior
Using substances in dangerous situations, such as while driving or caring for children.

Time Spent
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.

Denial or Minimization
Downplaying the impact of substance use or insisting it is under control when evidence suggests otherwise.

It's important to remember that not everyone will exhibit the same symptoms. Seeking support through addiction counseling or therapy can be instrumental in coping with these symptoms and moving towards healing.

Get Started With Individual Therapy In Maine

Begin your counseling journey in Maine by choosing a therapist or coach who aligns with your needs and goals. Our team of experienced therapists, life coach and health are are here to help you find the right fit for the kind of support you need.

Select Your Provider

Schedule a complimentary 30min introductory session with the provider of your choosing to ensure they are a good fit for you. This initial consultation allows you to connect with your chosen provider, discuss your concerns, and explore how counseling can benefit you. We’re better together.

Schedule Free Intro Session

In your complimentary 30min introductory session, you'll start your journey towards emotional well-being, understanding, and personal growth. You don’t have to keep doing this and hoping it just sorts itself out. We are really good and helping you reduce symptoms and start living life on your terms!

Feel Relief

How Individual Therapy Helps With Addiction

Individual therapy provides a private, supportive space where a person can explore the underlying causes of their substance use and build healthier coping strategies. Many people use substances to manage emotional pain, trauma, stress, or mental health issues, and therapy helps clients identify these triggers and patterns, increasing self-awareness and reducing shame. Therapists teach concrete tools to handle cravings, manage stress, and regulate emotions without substances. Skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and problem-solving are often practiced to support lasting change.

Addiction frequently coexists with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions, and therapy can address both the substance use and the underlying mental health challenges at the same time. Therapeutic approaches like Motivational Interviewing help people explore their ambivalence about quitting and strengthen their commitment to recovery. Therapy also supports clients in creating a relapse prevention plan by identifying high-risk situations and developing personalized strategies to maintain sobriety.

A strong therapeutic relationship offers acceptance, accountability, and encouragement, which can be crucial in moments of struggle. Over time, therapy helps individuals rebuild self-esteem and reconnect with their values, strengths, and goals beyond substance use, laying the foundation for a more fulfilling and stable life in recovery.

Addiction Counselors in Maine

3 Benefits of Individual Therapy for Addiction

Safe and Confidential Space

Therapy sessions offer a safe and confidential environment where individuals can openly express their emotions, thoughts, and memories related to their addiction without fear of judgment or criticism.

Coping Strategies

Through therapy, individuals learn effective coping strategies to to manage cravings, cope with stress, and handle difficult emotions without relying on substances..

Identifying Underlying Issues

Therapy helps uncover and heal the emotional pain, trauma, or mental health conditions that often fuel addiction, supporting lasting recovery..

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction

  • Addiction is a chronic condition where a person compulsively uses a substance or engages in a behavior despite harmful consequences. It often involves both physical dependence and psychological cravings.

  • Addiction can develop due to a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including trauma, stress, and mental health issues.

  • Yes. Recovery is possible, and many people achieve long-term sobriety with the right combination of treatment, support, and self-care.

  • Treatment options include individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, support groups like 12-step programs, and inpatient or outpatient rehab.

  • Recovery is different for everyone. Some people benefit from short-term treatment, while others need longer-term support. Ongoing care often improves outcomes.

What Other Mental Health Services Does Eastern Shore Counseling Offer?

Couples Therapy

Individual Therapy

Whether you are struggling with signs of depression, postpartum anxiety, or relationship issues, our counseling clinic in Gorham, Maine is here to support you. We provide in-office counseling sessions as well as online life coaching and online health coaching. Schedule a complimentary 30min introductory session to ensure we are a good fit for you and the level of support you need in this season.

We’re better together.

Read More About Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy in Maine