Addiction, as a medical condition, is defined by an individual’s inability to control his or her intake of a particular substance or behavior. Addictions can develop in relation to any number of things; some of the most common examples include nicotine and alcohol. Addictions can also develop to otherwise benign behaviors—shopping or surfing the Internet, for example.
It is generally accepted that there are two major types of addiction: physical and psychological addictions. Often these subtypes occur hand in hand, although mental dependencies regularly develop in isolation from the physical factors. Addiction counseling is a recognized method of treating psychological addictions.
There are many signs and symptoms of an addiction and they will vary depending on the type of substance/behavior and the individual affected. These may include:
- Inability to stop taking a substance or engaging in an addictive behavior.
- Intense feelings of shame and guilt about one’s addiction.
- Obsession with the object of addiction.
- An addict may engage in risky behavior to keep up his or her addiction.
- Denial; loved ones express concern, which is brushed off by the addict.
- Aggression, frustration, sleep disruptions, body odor, and bloodshot eyes
If you are exhibiting any signs or symptoms of addiction, such as those listed above, it’s important that you talk to a professional. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can get to a happier, healthier, and more successful place.
What Are the Causes Of Addiction?
Addiction is a complex disorder with a variety of different factors that contribute to its development. A mixture of genetics, family history, and environmental factors can contribute towards development of this condition. In addiction counseling, you will work with your counselor to investigate and identify these causes so that they can be addressed in treatment.
For example: Jess has been feeling depressed ever since her breakup. She feels hopeless, useless, and unmotivated—the only thing that makes her feel better is a glass of wine. Which quickly becomes several glasses of wine every hour. Addiction runs in Jess’s family. And her breakup serves as an environmental factor that ultimately contributes to the development of her addiction. Jess’s counselor helps her work through her emotions related to the breakup and they discuss better means of coping.
Addiction Counseling: How Does It Work?
For many addicts, a period of detoxification is necessary before the psychological rehabilitation can begin. This rehabilitation generally takes the form of one of the many existing addiction counseling methods. Addiction counseling is designed to supply the patient with the tools that will allow him or her to resist a wide range of addiction triggers he or she might be exposed to in everyday life. This is a vital aspect of addiction therapy, aimed at preventing the addict from relapsing into old routines and habits that promote his or her addiction.
Thriveworks Woodbridge understands that there is not a single “one size fits all” solution for addiction or for addiction counseling. The correct treatment plan varies from person to person and therefore needs to be tailored to one’s particular needs. This is what you can expect from your experience with an addiction counselor at Thriveworks Woodbridge.
Schedule Addiction Counseling at Thriveworks Woodbridge, VA
A major challenge for many addicts is recognizing that they have a problem. It is hard for them to see that their unhealthy habits have progressed into more dangerous territory; they often even brush off the concerns of friends and family. In fact, they might start avoiding their loved ones in response.
If you are experiencing symptoms of addiction, we want to help you. Once you recognize that you might need help, another hurdle appears: reaching out for that help. This hurdle might be hard to overcome, but you will be taking a huge leap toward living an overall better life: one of greater happiness, health, and success. To schedule your first addiction counseling appointment at Thriveworks Woodbridge, VA just give our office a call. We’ll be here to help you pick a day and time to begin working with a skilled, caring addiction counselor. We look forward to hearing from you and joining you on the road to recovery.
