Addiction And Recovery

Addiction is a chronic disorder in which an individual is blinded by a substance, or engages in an activity, that gives them an immense amount of pleasure but has become detrimental to their everyday life. Compulsive behaviors and addictions can temporarily provide confidence, a perception of control, validation or other emotions lacking in one’s life, but the behavior may not stop until the root of the problem is addressed.

Addiction changes the brain through the limbic system, also known as the “brain reward system.” This part of the brain is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and will manifest thoughts such as, “I deserve this,” or “Let’s do that again.” The abuse of addictive substances and behaviors triggers this system which can prolong a continuous cycle of destructive behavior.

Common addictions include but are not limited to:

• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Gambling
• Internet
• Shopping
• Food

Seek Professional Assistance

People who have developed an addiction may be unaware that it is out of control, which is why counseling and/or treatment is an essential part of working through and managing this condition. An addiction of any sort can be exhausting and one should never go through the recovery process alone. A substance abuse assessment is the recommended first step to identify what level of treatment is needed.

Many treatment plans focus on talk therapy and behavior therapy and can be performed in a group or through one-on-one sessions, depending on the severity of the addiction. During these sessions, clients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), learn what triggers are, and learn how to manage uncomfortable feelings. Clients also learn coping skills so they can manage the compulsions without relapsing.