Addiction Recovery

What is an Addiction?

An addiction is a chronic disorder in which an individual is blinded by a substance or engaged 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. Often, the behavior will 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

Below are some of the most common substances that are associated with addictive behavior.

• Drugs

• Alcohol

• Gambling

• Internet

• Shopping

• Food

Although these tend to be the most common addictions, they are not limited to this list.

Seeking 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 and can be performed in a group or through 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 compulsions without relapsing.