Understanding Addiction: Seeking the Help I Need
Addictions need to be viewed in terms of a continuum, rather than a dichotomy between addiction and non-addiction. They may differ from normal life difficulties largely in degree rather than in kind. The addictive process may be centered on any one of a number of specific objects. The focus of an individual’s addiction can be on food, alcohol, gambling, cocaine, heroin and other psychoactive drugs, as well as behaviors (sexual promiscuity, porngography, computer games, etc.) and people (codependence). Addictive behaviors usually involve obsessive / compulsive behaviors and the pursuit of a temporary gratification at the expense of an enduring harm. Addictions are most likely to have biological (genetic predisposition), as well as psychological and social factors(inter and interapersonal , social and cultural) that contribute to some degree to the development and perpetuation the addictive process.
When May I be in need of Help
Although some people may become sober and never again engage in the addictive behavior on their own, for the most part, people who make a decision to stop the addictive process and stay sober, often necessitate assistance to accomplish their goal.
You may be engaging in substance abuse (substances will be used from here on as the focus of the addictive behavior) if You are involved in:
· recurrent substance use, resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home (e.g, repeated absences, or poor work performance related to use, etc.)
· recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving, etc)
· continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substances (e.g., physical fights, arguments with spouse (parents) about consequences of intoxication)
You may suffer from substance dependence if you experience the following:
· tolerance – manifested as a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve desirable effect, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of substance
· withdrawal- extreme physical discomfort or illness as a result of discontinuation of the use of the substance.
· the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than it was intended.
· there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to control the substance or to cut down.
· a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects
· important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of the substance use
· the substance is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent, or recurrent physical problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g., current marijuana use despite knowledge that recent short term memory difficulties may be caused by the frequent use of the substance)
At Family Counseling and Coaching of Miami, we provide a safe environment to navigate through the stages of the recovery process, that may include a combination of individual, family and/or group counseling. We are also prepared to refer patients for detoxification and rehabilitation services available in the community.