Addiction

Addiction is a condition that can be treated through therapy and does not have to be a process all on your own. The first step to treating addiction is the willingness to decrease use and some may seek complete sobriety. There are physical effects that can occur when stopping substances, withdrawal symptoms, which may need treatment from a physician, a detox center or even a residential treatment center. There are also psychological or emotional effects that occur when stopping using of a substance. These effects include irritability, depression, anxiety and mood swings. Withdrawal symptoms typically last 3-5 days depending on the substance.

Therapy can be helpful in addictions treatment to help clients manage their cravings, impulses, loss of sense of self, managing emotions and motivating yourself to make lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you avoid, identify and cope with situations that may be high risk for abusing drugs, alcohol or activities connecting to the addiction. Motivational enhancement, another therapy technique, helps remind the client of their goals and values and helps prevent you from further use. Family therapy can also be helpful in helping you improve family functioning and maintain a supportive environment. It is important that we do not forget the impact addiction can have on your family and people you love. It is important that we help family and friends gain extra support, and sometimes therapy, to help them get through the process as well.

The end goal of addictions therapy is to help you find meaning and purpose without the use of the addictive behavior and work toward a happy, productive life.