How Addiction Counseling Can Help – Counselors in Austin
When people are calm, happy and well-rounded, they are often referred to as “balanced.” When that balance is shaken and several or one area of someone’s life becomes to be his or her most important focus, people might call that person “obsessed.”
While obsession is a strong word, it’s a euphemism for the much more sinister reality: addiction. If you’re struggling with addiction, reach out to Thriveworks Austin for help. We have compassionate counselors who can help you as soon as this week.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is the dependence on a substance (e.g., alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, marijuana, cocaine) or an activity (e.g., gambling, shopping, sex). The dependence may be physical, as in the case with drug and alcohol abuse, or psychological, as in the case of pornography, shopping and excessive video game playing, but the overarching distinction is that these addictions are used as a method for coping with everyday life.
Addictions are chronic behaviors that become nearly impossible for the individual to control, and leads to adverse activity as a means of hiding or fueling the addiction. The addict pursues their dependency for whatever diminishing benefit it provides, despite the negative consequences of the repeat behavior. It is common for an addict to blame his or her problem on external factors, such as their environment, a stressful job or marital issues, instead of taking personal responsibility for their actions.
Symptoms of Addiction
Key characteristics of addiction include:
- Patterns of uncontrollable behaviors
- Substance use for a year or more
- Increasing patterns of behavior or substance use over time
- Mood swings
- Feelings of self-worthlessness or shame
- Impulse control problems — with food, drugs, sex or money
- Strong needs to be liked or approved of
- Behaviors or substance use to reduce anxiety
- Unmanageability
- Obsessions over a behavior or substance
- Guilt and shame
- Negative consequences to self or others
- Failure to control actions
Action Steps for Overcoming Addiction
Friends and family members of an addict are understandably concerned for their loved one’s safety. The concern for safety extends to the addict’s children, for example, if there is risk of the addict driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you are suffering from addiction or know someone who is, immediate steps must be taken in order to prevent serious, irreparable harm. One simple way would be to turn down any rides offered by the addict. Also, if there are children in the picture, seek help in keeping them safe.
An Austin addiction counselor is specifically trained and experienced to help anyone with an addiction make the necessary changes toward living a healthy, fulfilling life. Like any illness, it’s best to seek treatment sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more challenging and debilitating the addiction becomes.
Schedule an Appointment with Austin Addiction Counseling Today
Thriveworks Austin addiction counseling is dedicated to patient care and treatment, which means that we’re available when you call and new clients can often meet with a provider within the week.
Contact us today. Your addiction doesn’t have to control your life. Let our experienced Austin addiction counselors help.
