Therapy and Treatment for Addiction in High Point, NC

Amelia recently became a partner at her law firm. She is well-known and well-liked at work and in the community. Every spring, she organizes a charity 5k to raise money for literacy. Amelia and her husband even just celebrated their 15th anniversary. From all appearances, Amelia has it all. However, not all things are as they appear. Most people look at Amelia and see her personal and professional success, but what they do not see is that she has hidden her addiction. Amelia is an alcoholic. For almost two decades, she has told herself things like, I will not have a drink tomorrow…I’m strong enough not to do this…I’ll make a different choice next time. Amelia does not want to abuse alcohol—she does not want this addiction. She is aware that with every drink, her relationships, finances, reputations, and career are at risk. Addiction, however, is an illness—not a choice. It changes people’s brains, and the antidote is not willpower but to rewire and heal the way the addict’s brain functions. Skilled mental health professionals can often guide that process.

“Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges.” —Kate Middleton

Addiction is an illness that does not discriminate. It can strike men and women, rich and poor, young and old, in every race and socio-economic status. As many as 21 million Americans fight an addiction every year. The addiction may be substance abuse—alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and more. The addiction may be compulsive behavior—sex, shopping, video games, gambling, and more. The addiction can look differently from individual to individual, but the underlying issue is always the same: the brain has been altered. The good news is that the brain is flexible. It can be rewired and addicts can recover. Skilled therapists often know how.

The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks High Point have worked with many clients who are fighting an addiction, providing support and care. We know recovery, healing, and brain balance are possible. We know that you did not choose to have an addiction and that willpower is not enough to heal the addiction. We have helped many clients find the true healing they need.

What Is an Addiction?

Addiction causes the co-called pleasure hormones, endorphins and dopamine, to become out of balance. This has several effects that change an individual’s brain and thus their behavior. Sometimes, therapist summarizes these changes with the three C’s of addiction: cravings, control, and consequences. The pleasure hormones produce cravings that begin to control people’s emotions, thinking, choices, and actions, despite the negative consequences they experience. Here is what the three C’s of addiction look like in everyday life:

• Failed Attempts to Quit: Most people who have an addiction want to quit or at least regain a measure of control. They often try to quit, often many times. However, their attempts rarely gain traction. They may curb the addiction for a short period of time, but within days, weeks, or months, the addiction returns in full-force.
• Escalation: What starts small, with addiction, always grows. The same amount of substance will not produce the same high. The same amount of time will not satisfy. Addicts experience escalation—needing more Internet, more alcohol, more sex, more of the addiction to experience the same sense of relief.
• Moodiness: Irritability, anger, and annoyance are usually just below an addict’s smile. Moodiness can rise quickly, and it is a symptom of a lack of emotional skills. People who struggle with an addiction often struggle with emotional regulation as well. In particular, they often meet attempts to identify the addiction with anger.
• Captivated Thoughts: Addiction will grow until it dominates an individual’s entire life, including their thought life. Addicts may dream or fantasize about the addiction—the substance or the activity. Their lives become focused upon the addiction, even when they are not actively engaging in it. The addiction demands their energy and their focus.
• Deceit: If there is an addiction, there will also be lies. The lies may be hiding the addictive behavior. They may be minimizing the situation. They may be trying to avoid consequences and responsibility. Whatever form they take, lies will be present.

Appointments for Addiction Therapy at Thriveworks High Point

When you read through the list of what addiction looks like, was there anything that you recognized in your own life? If you did, you are among the many others who are struggling. Many are also reaching out for help. Skilled therapists are often able to help their clients find the treatment option that works for them. If you are ready to seek out help for your addiction, Thriveworks High Point has appointments available, and our therapists and counselors are ready to help.

When you contact Thriveworks High Point for an appointment, here are a few things that may be helpful to know. A scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you find an appointment. New clients frequently meet with their therapist within 24 hours of their call. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also work with many insurance companies and accept many different insurance plans.

Everyone needs an ally as they pursue healing and sobriety. If you are ready for recovery, Thriveworks High Point is ready to support your healing. Call for an appointment for addiction therapy today.