Addiction Therapy
Addiction is an obsessive-compulsion to engage with a substance or activity. It is considered a very complex mental health issue and offers many challenges when it comes to treatment. Various types of therapy are used to treat addiction. Behavioral therapy and counseling therapy are among the most common. However, holistic and experiential addiction therapy that involve the arts, animals or exercise are also common.
It’s generally accepted that psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and counseling therapy are among the most effective treatments for addiction. This is especially true for addiction that involves substance abuse. Many people engage in substance abuse as a result of past trauma. Poor coping skills then lead them to drug or alcohol abuse. Therapy can help resolve trauma and develop coping skills.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse Warning Signs
Substance abuse is characterized by chronic and excessive use of a substance with the intent of intoxication. For prescription drugs, any use outside of prescribed parameters usually constitutes abuse. With alcohol, it can be more of a gray area due to the general social acceptance of drinking. However, substance abuse can be described as any substance use that results in the following negative consequences:
• Failure to meet obligations at school or work
• Physical injury or sickness
• Legal problems that came directly from the use of a substance, such as alcohol abuse resulting in a DUI
• Relationship problems
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Loss of memory or blackouts
Some of these consequences and warning signs can also accompany other types of addiction, such as gambling or sex. For example, relationship problems and failure to meet obligations can happen as gambling gets out of control.
When Does Abuse Become Addiction?
- Increased tolerance and the need to consume more
- Requiring and consuming the substance throughout the day
- Dismissing or getting angry at concern from others
- Avoiding activities that don’t involve substance use
- Hiding use from loved ones
- Inability to quit
Medical Consequences of Addiction
Counseling Therapy For Addiction
Counseling is a common addiction therapy treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, group and family counseling therapy and various other types of therapy can get to the root of addiction and help achieve lasting sobriety. Why do you need counseling therapy? Addiction isn’t just a physical dependence on a substance. Addiction is highly characterized by a mental compulsion to do something. This could be substance abuse, but it can also be gambling, sex or other process addictions.
Certain triggers and stressors can create a powerful and chronic urge to keep repeating the behavior that leads to addiction. Therapy helps you cope with these triggers and manage stressful situations so that you don’t fall back into addiction.
Individual and Group Therapy
Counseling therapy for addiction is effective in both individual and group forms. Both types of therapy can be helpful for addiction in different ways. Group therapy gives you the support of peers who are going through the same situation. Individual therapy can be helpful for those anxious about interacting with a group.
Menachem Psychotherapy Group provides addiction therapy in Los Angeles CA. They specialize in therapy for addiction of all types, including the following:
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Sex
- Gambling
- Other process addictions
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s important to know that therapy can help. Get in touch with Menachem Psychotherapy Group today to find out more about addiction therapy.