Addiction therapy is treatment for individuals who have become dependent on substance or activity. It is provided by a wide range of people such as clergymen, counselors, physicians, social workers and psychotherapists. Programs are designed to not only help with the physical, but psychological, emotional and mental withdrawal of the addiction. Treatment for various addictions varies and can include medication, forms of talk therapy and include education about lifestyle changes to avoid relapse.
Who needs Addiction Therapy?
Persons, who are physically or mentally addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex and many other activities may require addiction therapy to help them recover. There are many different types of addiction but some signs and symptoms are the same in all of them.
Signs noted in almost all addictions include but are not limited to:
- Difficulty in controlling the addictive behavior
- Withdrawal when the substance or activity is withheld, they may experience unpleasant symptoms or behavior changes
- A development of tolerance to the substance or behavior, more of the addiction is required to satisfy their need
- Placing occupation and social relationships in jeopardy to achieve the "fix"
- Spending excessive amounts of time in planning, engaging in or recovering from the addictive activity
Signs noted in some but not all addictions include but are not limited to:
- Mood Swings
- Increased or decreased sleep
- Changes in energy levels
- Weight fluctuations
- Size in pupil changes
- Secretiveness, lying, unexplained outings
- Stealing, financial difficulties
Benefits of Addiction Therapy
Recovering from an addiction of any kind is not an easy task. By getting help and support from family, friends and professionals trained and equipped to help you overcome your addiction you have a much better chance of succeeding. Learning coping strategies to help deal with the issues that led you toward addiction or trigger addictive behaviors can help continue your recovery.
Most addiction therapy programs have other people who have been down the same road as you are traveling who can offer insight and truly understand what you are going through. Sponsors can be there to help you through a weak time. Recovering from addiction is very difficult and knowing there is someone else on your side to offer solutions and help you through can make the difference between success and failure.
