Addiction
Addiction is the process of continuing to use a harmful substance or engage in a compulsive behavior despite significant negative life consequences.
Types of Addiction
Addiction to substances such as alcohol, marijuana, opioids, cocaine, and benzodiazepines and nicotine are the most common in the United States reports Addictioncenter.com. Process addictions are compulsive behaviors such as gambling, technology, and sex/love addiction. Neuroscience research shows that addictive behaviors hijack the reward center of the brain using the neurotransmitter called dopamine.
What’s the Cause?
Most people develop addiction/substance use disorders are as result of a combination of different “risk factors such as neurobiological factors, genetic markers, environmental factors, and life experiences,'“ according to Anxiety.org. An article from Psychology Today stated, “although genetic or other biological factors can contribute to a person’s vulnerability to addiction, many social, psychological, and environmental factors also have a powerful influence on substance use.”
Treating Addiction
Recovery from addiction is a challenging and very personal journey. Psychotherapy can be effective for addressing both the addiction and any underlying trauma or mental health issues that may co-occur. Harm reduction and behavioral therapies can help clients moderate addictive behaviors, improve physical and mental health, and enhance overall life functioning.
Group therapy and peer-led support groups are also shown to be effective for recovery from addiction. Practices such as mindfulness/meditation, relaxation/self-soothing strategies, exercise, healthy diet, and rest have also been shown to be beneficial.
Psychiatry is another resource that many clients in recovery use to treat their mental health challenges in addition to their addiction issues. When a client has an addiction and one or more mental health disorders, we use the term “dual-diagnosis” or “co-occurring.” According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45 percent of people in the United States have a dual-diagnosis.