What is an addiction?
Addiction has long been understood to mean an uncontrollable habit of using alcohol or other drugs. Because of the physical effects of these substances on the body, and particularly the brain, people have often thought that “real” addictions only happen when people regularly use these substances in large amounts.
More recently, we have come to realize that people can also develop addictions to behaviors, such as gambling, and even quite ordinary and necessary activities such as exercise and eating. As addiction and trauma expert Dr. Ross writes in his book titled "The Trauma Model" The problem of addiction is the place you are at, which he calls here. Here is intolerable due to feelings and conflicts. The intolerable feelings could be fear, anger, anxiety, emptiness, boredom or sadness. The purpose of addiction is to take you from here to there. The particular addiction is simply the Vehicle for getting from here to over there. It does't matter wheter you drive in a European, American, or Japanese car. It is all about getting away from here. The particular vechicle you chose could be any countless of reasons including avaliability, price and personal prefrence. There are many drugs of addiction. These inlude binge eating, alcohol, cocaine, prescription drugs, self mutilation, serial affairs, shop lifting, gambling, anger, work, the victims role, codependency.
What causes addictions?
Most often addictions occur in an effort to self–regulate or soothe difficult emotions and situations. Some people are more susceptible to becoming addicted than others and some substances are more addicting than others. Genetics and environment can also play a part in whether a person becomes addicted or not.
Addictions develop after an initial exposure to an addicting substance or activity and with repeated use cause physiological, chemical and anatomical changes in the brain, as well as psychological effects. Most often a physical tolerance to the substance or activity develops, so larger and larger amounts of a substance must be taken to feel the same effects. Attempts to stop using the substance or activity may cause painful withdrawal symptoms which perpetuates the addiction.
There are a number of underlying risk factors that set the stage for addictions. These include:
A family history of addiction
A history of sexual, psychological, emotional, physical abuse or trauma
Existing emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorders
A strong desire to escape frustration, stress or low self-esteem
Use of highly addictive substances such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine which create dependence after relatively few uses
Need to self-medicate painful feelings
Symptoms of addiction
Common symptoms include:
Alcohol, other drugs, food or compulsive activities are taking over your life
Finding it necessary to take alcohol or other drugs to get through the day
Missing days from work
Finding relationships difficult
Often experiencing emotions such as anger, anxiety or depression
Have troubling thoughts or nightmares
Trouble with the law or experiencing financial problems
Have hurt oneself or others
Obsessing over an addictive substance or activity
If you recognize one or more of the above symptoms in your own life then there is a very high degree of probability that you may be suffering from an addiction.
How counseling helps
Addiction counseling provides a unique opportunity for an individual to gain control over their life. In a safe and non-judgmental space the skills needed to become free of addiction are taught. With great compassion, the reasons that led to addiction are uncovered, difficult experiences become learning experience and deep-rooted problems are healed.
New and more effective ways to handle stress, disappointments and difficult emotions are presented as well as techniques for feeling good in one’s own body without the use of substances or addictive activities. Additionally, problem solving skills and the ability to interact with others are significantly improved.
Because each person’s needs are unique, treatment for addiction works best when an individualized program is developed. In addition to counseling this might include support from groups, medical referral, spiritual counseling or family involvement when appropriate.
Benefits of counseling:
Stop using alcohol, or other drugs or engaging in unhealthy activities
Learn how to deal with difficult memories & emotions without addictive behaviors
Gain more control over everyday life
Feel better in your own “skin”
Improved self-esteem
Improved relationships & communication skills
Less depression/anxiety
Increased ability to deal with stress
More happiness & joy from everyday life
Develop a support system
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