Addiction

Addiction is more than a behavioral disorder

In the past, addiction used to refer just to psychoactive substances that cross the blood-brain barrier, temporarily altering the chemical balance of the brain; this would include alcohol, tobacco and some drugs. A considerable number of psychologists, other health care professionals now insist that psychological dependency, as may be the case with gambling, sex, Internet, work, exercise, etc. should also be counted as addictions, because they can also lead to feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, despair, failure, rejection, anxiety and/or humiliation.

The causes of addiction vary considerably, and are not often fully understood. They are generally caused by a combination of physical, mental, circumstantial and emotional factors.

Addiction, often referred to as dependency often leads to tolerance - the addicted person needs larger and more regular amounts of whatever they are addicted to in order to receive the same effect. Often, the initial reward is no longer felt, and the addiction continues because withdrawal is so unpleasant.

Drug Addiction:

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

Alcoholism:

Alcoholism (which is also sometimes referred to as alcohol use disorder, or AUD) is a chronic disease in which drinking alcohol to excess makes a person unable to live a healthy life – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Alcoholism is a drinking problem that  can range from mild to moderate to severe, depending on the number of symptoms experienced. For example, a person struggling with alcoholism may begin missing deadlines at work or other obligations; use alcohol in situations that are physically dangerous, like driving a car or operating machinery; and/or continue consuming alcoholic drinks, despite the problems that it creates in his or her relationships.

Food Addiction:

Unlike addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol, food isn’t something we can do without, of course. But for some people eating goes beyond sustenance and pleasure to become compulsive and even addictive.If untreated, addictive eating can cause many aspects of the person’s life to spiral out of control. Someone with food addiction is likely to feel great distress, often including anxiety, depression and shame. Overeating unhealthy foods also brings with it increased risks for high cholesterol and blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and a host of other medical problems, including disability associated with obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health. Not surprisingly, those who are addicted to food often want desperately to stop the addictive eating cycle.

Mental health:

When we’re mentally healthy, we’re able to (mostly) cope with all the difficulties that life throws our way, from work stress to a health crisis to the loss of a loved one. Mental health means we can also work productively, contribute to our community and feel good about our own unique abilities.

Sometimes, of course, things go very wrong, and over time we simply can not cope or be productive. A mental illness is a medical condition that has a negative impact on a person’s thoughts, feelings, mood and ability to relate to others and handle everyday issues. With our hectic lifestyle the number of people with mental health issue are raising

Whatever your needs are, we’ll find the right fit for you:

• Depression,
• alcoholism
• drug addiction,
• eating disorders,
• sex and love addiction,
• pathological gambling,
• co-dependency

(emotional and behavioral condition that affects a person’s ability to have a healthy relationship, people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive.)

• personality disorders,
• anxiety disorders,
• obsessive/compulsive disorders,
• phobias, trauma, chronic pain syndrome,
• burnout

You’re heading in the right direction, Get the expert care you or your loved one needs to turn your life around.

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