What is Addiction?
Addiction is when someone consumes a substance (alcohol, nicotine, cocaine) or engages in an activity (gambling, sex, shopping, eating) that can be pleasurable but the continuation becomes compulsive and interferes with day to day responsibilities such as work, relationships, or health. People who have developed an addiction often do not realize the behavior is out of control and creating problems for themselves and others.
How do I know that I have an addiction?
- The inability to limit use of a substance or activity beyond need.
- There is a craving or compulsion to use the substance or activity.
- Recurrent use of the drug or activity escalates to achieve the desired effect, indicating tolerance.
- Attempts to stop usage produce symptoms of withdrawal—irritability, anxiety, shakes, nausea.
- Recurrent use of the substance or activity impairs work, social, and family responsibilities, creates psychological impairments and interpersonal problems, has negative effects on health, mood, self-respect, exacerbated by the effects of the specific substance itself.
How Do I Start Treatment?
Meeting with a clinician one-on-one for a first visit is the first step in addressing your symptoms. Based on this assessment, your therapist can help you decide on the best approach to begin to work on your symptoms. Starting treatment is a big step, and we’re here to help. Our clinicians are here to answer any questions you may have, and to help you through the process of getting started. To request information or to get started with a counselor, fill out our contact us form and we will be in touch.