Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complicated condition that is often misunderstood. This disease not only impacts the person addicted, but oftentimes those around them as well. Addiction often includes excessive use of substances or repetitive behaviors that often result in harmful consequences. There can be powerful urges to excessively use and/or do certain things, often in an attempt to distract from upsetting emotions or situations. Addiction can cause pain and suffering not only for the person with addiction, but also for the people close to them.

A Better Understanding of Addiction

Traditionally, addiction is often thought of as someone being hooked on drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, addiction can be wildly misunderstood. While one certainly can be addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, one can be addicted to a variety of things such as eating, smoking, shopping, Internet gaming, pornography, etc. The pleasure derived from these activities can trigger a powerful urge to continue using or engaging in that activity. Due to this you may be likely to develop a repetitive cycle that can be very difficult to break.

Addiction in the past has been described as “a sign of moral weakness”. This could not be farther from the truth; addiction is a chronic and misunderstood illness. It can affect an individual’s inhibitory control over their behavior. Specifically, drug or alcohol addiction can significantly alter brain structure and function, as well as faculties involved in learning, memory, motivation, and reward. Treatment can be a very complex process and recovery may be subject to frequent relapses.

How Common is Addiction?

Millions of people across the United States struggle with addictions, some of the most common including alcohol, drugs and tobacco. The addiction statistics released by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reveal that 21.5 million American adults (aged 12 and older) meet criteria for a substance use disorder, 80 percent of which being an alcohol use disorder. There are more than 7 million Americans with an addiction to drugs today.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the global burden of drug and alcohol-related addiction is 5.4 percent worldwide. With all these staggering figures, addiction is more common than you may realize.

When Behaviors May Indicate Addiction

When you or someone you know is abusing substances or engaging in repetitive behaviors you may feel powerless to stop it. You may be left wondering what to do or whether it is even an addiction at all. Oftentimes what causes problems is a problem. If substance use or behaviors become excessive, compulsive and/or impact ability to function it is likely time for a closer look. When these behaviors can be blamed for difficulty meeting responsibilities, put you or others in danger or spark legal problems, these are red flags that your behavior has likely become unhealthy and is crossing the line. If you feel out of control or feel the need to increase your behavior to achieve the same effect or avoid any unpleasant feeling, you may be experiencing addiction.

Addiction can diminish your ability to respond to the needs of your family and subject them to harmful emotions, such as anger, fear, guilt, etc. Consequently, your relationships will likely be negatively impacted. Therapy can help.

Taking the First Step

Addiction is powerful but you are not powerless. In many cases, seeking help for addiction is motivated when a major life consequence or crisis occurs as a result of addictive behavior. You don’t have to wait to seek treatment, early intervention can be key in your recovery. Counseling can help. Evidence shows that the sooner treatment is sought, the higher the possibility of a successful recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is crucial to take the first steps toward recovery. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, or an addiction to an activity, there are supportive and nurturing ways to help an individual overcome addiction before it becomes worse. The first step is often talking about what is going on and deciding to make a change. Seeking addiction counseling can become essential when your addictive behavior is disrupting your life and you are unable to stop on your own.

Remember, although addiction is complex, it is treatable. Carolina Counseling Services- Fayetteville, NC contracts with independent therapists that can help. Take the first steps toward recovery today. Call CCS to schedule an appointment!

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