Our therapists offer addiction counseling in Maumelle, AR

Addiction Counseling in North Little Rock, AR (Maumelle)—Addiction Counselors

Addiction is a condition in which the person consistently returns to an activity they find rewarding—either physically or psychologically, though both can be present—despite any negative consequences. For example, a person may overspend and receive a credit card bill for more than they budgeted. If they put the card away for a time and pay off the bill before resuming responsible use, they are probably not addicted to shopping. If, however, they are unable to stop the action despite bills they are unable to pay—repeated overspending—they may need to seek help.

If this sounds like you, reach out to Thriveworks North Little Rock to get started with addiction counseling right away.

Examples of Behavior Addictions

• Pornography or Sex
• Video Games
• Gambling
• Internet

Substance Addictions

• Alcohol
• Illegal Drugs
• Prescription Drugs
• Other unspecified substances

It’s important to know that even if what you or a loved one is struggling with is not something you’ve heard about elsewhere, it may still be an addiction—and any addiction can be very difficult to overcome without appropriate help. Feelings of shame, guilt, and the idea that addiction can be “fixed” alone are common.

Symptoms of Addiction

Some key symptoms of addiction are:

• Having intense cravings for the substance or a strong desire to engage in the problematic behavior
• Doing things (like stealing) you would not normally do, in order to gain access to the substance
• Not meeting work or social obligations
• Spending money to engage in the addictive behavior, though you do not have the money to spend
• Focusing more and more time and energy on participating in substance use or the behavior

How Addiction Counseling Can Help

There are many ways counseling can help. Assistance forming healthy habits is one of those ways. What may have been a healthy habit at one point can become a cue to engage in unhealthy routines. For example, at the end of a stressful day, some go home to an alcoholic beverage. For someone suffering from alcohol addiction, the cue—end of a stressful day—may instead motivate them to respond with overindulgence. A counselor can help identify triggers and teach healthier ways to respond to them.

Though the initial choice to participate in the problematic behavior was voluntary, the repeated exposure to the behavior or substance causes a change in the brain’s ability to regulate the action, thus making stopping without help very difficult. A counselor trained in addiction can help address any personal, social, psychological, or physical factors that are affecting the sufferer’s ability to recover. Though one-to-one counseling will likely be a huge part of this, a counselor can also help figure out if group therapy is necessary.

You Can Heal, We Can Help

Some still attach a stigma to having an addiction, but it’s important not to let any perceived stigma stop you from getting help. Every community, even picturesque areas like Maumelle and North Little Rock, has residents suffering from addiction. If you are one of those people, we are here to help.

To reach us, call (501) 628-9066.