Addiction is an emotionally and destructive disease
It affects not only the individual, but the entire family. Addiction that goes untreated may have a traumatizing effect on both children and adults, leading to developmental concerns, difficulty regulating emotions, and relationship difficulties among family members and spouses.
Symptoms that suggest a behavior has become problematic include:
- Interpersonal and professional relationship issues
- Concealment of behaviors
- Denial and dishonesty of the problem
- Inability or difficulty stopping the behavior
- Alternating feelings of anxiety, confusion, shame, and/or elation which revolves around the behavior
- Withdrawal from/lack of enjoyment in other activities
- Desire only for the company of others who pursue the behavior
- An urge to conduct the activity only in isolation
- Fear surrounding the potential repercussions associated with discontinuing the activity
Addictions often develop as a result of other underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or trauma. Engaging in addictive behaviors can provide a false relief from stress or anxiety. These addictions trigger neurological pathways that contribute to a cycle of desire and reward that allows the addictive behavior to continue.
Psychotherapy is designed to help people identify uncomfortable feelings and sources of distress in order to change and grow. People who struggle with compulsivity and addiction are unlikely to conquer those behaviors unless they work to address the underlying causes of their addictive and/or compulsive behaviors.
Working with a therapist is one of the most effective treatments for managing compulsive behaviors and addictions. A person is likely to achieve the most benefit from consulting with a therapist who is qualified to address the underlying cause of the issue.
Our goal is to provide insight and help you understand why you may have chosen to use a substance rather addressing the feelings within. We will work with you to understand how the addiction began, what led you to using, and work on developing new skills to cope with triggers and choose behaviors that lead to better long-term outcomes.
Are ready replace your addictive behaviors with a positive ones?