Substance use treatment

Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Support for Lasting Recovery

Struggling with alcohol or substance use can feel isolating, overwhelming, and deeply personal. At Sage Leaf Wellness (SLW), we understand that substance use is rarely just about the substance itself. It is often connected to stress, trauma, grief, relationship pain, or nervous system dysregulation.

Our substance use treatment services are designed to address both the behavior and the underlying emotional drivers—so recovery is sustainable, not just temporary. We take care of the individual therapy side of treatment and collaborate with IOP + Inpatient treatment programs to support your journey towards healing.

A Different Approach to Substance Use Treatment

Many people seek help after:

  • Repeated attempts to cut back or quit

  • Strained relationships

  • Work or legal consequences

  • Escalating stress or emotional instability

  • Feeling stuck in cycles of shame and relapse

At SLW, we approach substance use with curiosity rather than judgment. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with you?” we ask, “What happened to you?” and “What is this behavior trying to solve?”

We work collaboratively to:

  • Identify triggers and high-risk patterns

  • Increase emotional regulation skills

  • Strengthen distress tolerance

  • Address trauma and unresolved experiences

  • Repair relational ruptures

  • Develop relapse prevention strategies

Our goal is not just sobriety—it’s stability, connection, and meaningful change.

Trauma-Informed & Evidence-Based Care

Substance use is highly correlated with trauma exposure, first responder stress, attachment wounds, and chronic nervous system activation. For many individuals, alcohol or substances have functioned as a coping strategy to manage hyperarousal, intrusive memories, or emotional numbness.

When appropriate, treatment may include:

  • EMDR therapy for trauma-related triggers

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed therapy

  • Cognitive and behavioral relapse prevention planning

  • Nervous system regulation skills

  • Motivational interviewing

  • Coordination with prescribers when medication support is indicated

We recognize that recovery is not linear. We focus on accountability with compassion—helping clients build insight without reinforcing shame.

Who We Work With

We provide substance use treatment for adults who may be experiencing:

  • Alcohol misuse

  • Prescription medication misuse

  • Cannabis dependence

  • Stimulant misuse

  • Co-occurring PTSD

  • Mood instability

  • Occupational stress (including first responders and high-responsibility professionals)

  • Relationship strain related to substance use

We also support individuals who:

  • Have completed inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment

  • Are stepping down from a higher level of care

  • Want structured outpatient accountability

  • Are seeking harm reduction rather than immediate abstinence

  • Are navigating mandated treatment requirements

What Treatment Looks Like

Substance use treatment at SLW may include:

Weekly Individual Therapy
Focused on emotional regulation, trauma processing, relapse prevention, and behavioral activation.

Support Group Integration
We may recommend or coordinate with community-based recovery groups for additional support.

Medication Collaboration
When appropriate, we collaborate with medical providers to support medication management or pharmacogenetic-informed treatment.

Family & Relationship Support
Substance use impacts systems, not just individuals. When appropriate, we incorporate relational repair and communication work.

Signs It May Be Time to Reach Out

You may benefit from substance use counseling if:

  • You are using alcohol or substances to manage stress, trauma, or sleep

  • Loved ones have expressed concern

  • You feel shame or secrecy around use

  • You’ve noticed increased tolerance or withdrawal

  • You feel emotionally reactive or numb without substances

  • You’ve tried to cut back but struggle to maintain change

Seeking help is not a failure. It is a form of accountability and strength.

Recovery Is Possible

We believe meaningful recovery involves:

  • Increased honesty and accountability

  • Emotional regulation within your window of tolerance

  • Stronger relationships

  • Consistent follow-through

  • Sustainable coping strategies

  • Alignment with your values

Substance use treatment at Sage Leaf Wellness is structured, relational, and grounded in long-term change—not quick fixes.

If you or someone you love is ready to begin, we are here to help.

Schedule a consultation today with Mike Veldihuis, MA, LPCC, LADC to learn more about substance use treatment at Sage Leaf Wellness.