Addiction And Recovery

An 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, 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 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.

Many treatment plans focus on talk therapy and behavior therapy in one-on-one sessions. During these sessions, patients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), what triggers are and what helped them control impulses in the past. Patients also learn coping skills so they can manage the compulsion.

More detailed information on behaviors is listed below:

Substance Abuse/Dependence Behaviors:

  • Demonstrates a maladaptive pattern of substance use, manifested by increased tolerance and withdrawal.
  • Fails to stop or cut down use of mood-altering drug once started, despite the verbalized desire to do so and the negative consequences continued use brings.
  • Denies that chemical dependence is a problem, despite feedback from significant others that the use of the substance is negatively affecting them and others.
  • Experiences frequent blackouts when using.
  • Continues substance use despite knowledge of experiencing persistent physical, legal, financial, vocational, social, and/or relationship problems that are directly caused by the use of the substance.
  • Demonstrates increased tolerance for the drug, as there is the need to use more to become intoxicated or to recall the desired effect.
  • Exhibits physical withdrawal symptoms (e.g., shaking, seizures, nausea, headaches, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, depression) when going without the substance for any length of time.
  • Has a history of arrests for addiction-related offenses (e.g., driving under the influence [DUI], minor in possession [MIP], assault, possession/delivery of a controlled substance, shoplifting, breaking and entering [B&E]).
  • Reports suspension of important social, recreational, or occupational activities because they interfere with using.
  • Presents with blood work (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, electrolyte imbalance) and physical indicators (e.g., stomach pain, high blood pressure, malnutrition) that reflect the results of a pattern of heavy substance use.

 

Behavioral Definitions:

  • Demonstrates a maladaptive pattern of substance use, manifested by increased tolerance and withdrawal.
  • Fails to stop or cut down use of mood-altering drug once started, despite the verbalized desire to do so and the negative consequences continued use brings.
  • Presents with blood work (e.g., elevated liver enzymes, electrolyte imbalance) and physical indicators (e.g., stomach pain, high blood pressure, malnutrition) that reflect the results of a pattern of heavy substance use.
  • Denies that chemical dependence is a problem, despite feedback from significant others that the use of the substance is negatively affecting them and others.
  • Experiences frequent blackouts when using.
  • Continues substance use despite knowledge of experiencing persistent physical, legal, financial, vocational, social, and/or relationship problems that are directly caused by the use of the substance.
  • Demonstrates increased tolerance for the drug, as there is the need to use more to become intoxicated or to recall the desired effect.
  • Exhibits physical withdrawal symptoms (e.g., shaking, seizures, nausea, headaches, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, depression) when going without the substance for any length of time.
  • Has a history of arrests for addiction-related offenses (e.g., driving under the influence [DUI], minor in possession [MIP], assault, possession/delivery of a controlled substance, shoplifting, breaking and entering [B&E]).
  • Reports suspension of important social, recreational, or occupational activities because they interfere with using.

 

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