Do you do any of the following?
* Excessive use of pleasurable activities
* Repetitive activities that result in harm to self or others
* Cope with stress through repeated use of pleasurable activities
* Engage in compulsive behaviors that were once pleasurable
* Become preoccupied with activities at the cost of relationship, career, or goals
* Have difficulty in delaying gratification
* Seek sensation
* Value non-conformity
* Switch from one habitual behavior to another
* Engage in activities that lower your quality of life
* Act on impulse
* Have difficulty dealing with uncomfortable feelings
* Seek peer approval by behaving how others expect to behave
* Look for temporary pain relief in substances or repeated activities
Addictions can be a complex and frustrating challenge to overcome. This is where I come in and where I can be of some assistance with your recovery and help you with your addictions. Most important to remember is that you are not faulty because you have developed a habit, or habits that are problematic in some way. You may have already attempted to stop the bad habit that is bothering you which already shows an admirable commitment to yourself.
Unfortunately, sometimes the solutions we use to overcome problems actually keep us stuck in the same old patterns that we are trying our best to get out of. This does not negate the effort that has been put in to try to manage the situation.
What is an Addiction?
An addiction is a behavior that moves from infrequent or casual to frequent and driven, eventually monopolizing an individul’s time, energy, money or thinking. Although the word habit is frequently substituted for addictions, addictions are usually more difficult for an individual to give up successfully even when the desire is present to do so.
What are the most common forms of Addictions?
Addictions fall into the categories of substance addictions and behavioral addictions. The five most common substance addictions are alcohol, smoking, drugs, gambling, and food. The five most common behavioral addictions are video games, Internet, sex, shopping, and work.
What are the most common Addictions Sign or Symptoms?
- Increasing time spent on the substance or behavior
- Unsuccessful attempts to give up a substance or behavior
- Cravings for the substance or behavior when not engaged in it
- Preoccupation with a substance or behavior at the cost of other activities, work, interests, or relationships
- Misrepresenting the truth of one’s involvement with the substance and behaviors to oneself or others. Being in denial.
What is the best Addiction Treatment?
Multiple factors play a part in developing addictive behaviors. Therefore a combined approach to treating them is the most effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional containment and release, exercise, Mindfulness and a person centered approach along with the right support system can launch you in a positive direction towards choosing the lifestyle that you desire.
12-Step Programs such as AA, NA, AL-ANON, Smart Recovery provide both spiritually oriented and non-spiritually oriented group support for the person in recovery. Denial is a key component of addiction and recovery. Therefore, motivation can be an issue for many people as cravings, impulsive behaviors and thoughts interfere with the intention to quit. Group support can assist an individual in staying on track through dealing with denial directly and productively.
In-patient Rehab provides a valuable structured kick start to stopping the addictive behavior in a supportive atmosphere where contact with the addictive substance or avenue is limited or absent. Many options for treatment are available in these facilities. Transitioning out of these programs into a structured outpatient program is essential to maintaining the gains that can be achieved in an in-patient program.
What can Loved Ones do?
Living with an addict can be a painful and frustrating experience. Family members can show their concern by talking to the addict in a non judgmental way that emphasizes the impact that the addicts behavior is having on them. Staging an intervention which is a planned meeting with the addict and family or friends led by an experienced professional can be effective in initiating some sort of treatment program.
Although treatment can be start-stop and confusing for the addict and his or her loved ones, it is possible to recover and change course, to navigate the addict’s life in a new direction. Through developing true self-empowerment without relying on addictions and through developing a treatment structure that supports your growth, you can succeed in shedding the habit and finding a more satisfying life.
Don’t give up on yourself
Heavy smokers need at least 4 attempts to stop smoking so don’t stop at 3. I will help you to make a plan for addiction treatment and follow through daily. As you find the answer to the question of ” how do I take responsibility for myself and my happiness in a constructive way”, you will begin to understand how you take responsibility for your successes and failures in life and in your relationships. Through this process of discovery, an amazing transformation can occur in the quality of your life.
Request an appointment for help with addictions HERE.
