An addiction is a chronic disorder in which an individual is blinded by a substance, or engages in an activity, that gives them an immense amount of pleasure but has become detrimental to their everyday life. Compulsive behaviors and addictions can temporarily provide confidence, control, validation or other emotions lacking in one’s life, but the behavior may not stop until the root of the problem is addressed. There are positive and negative coping strategies to manage life on life's terms. For some people, the solution eventually becomes the problem because the original solution consisted of a negative coping strategy. The Right Path Counseling knows that you are aware of different coping strategies and want to help you live a more pro-active lifestyle.
Addiction changes the brain through the limbic system, also known as the “brain reward system.” This part of the brain is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and will manifest thoughts such as, “I deserve this,” or “Let’s do that again.” The abuse of addictive substances and behaviors triggers this system which can prolong a continuous cycle of destructive behavior. When someone abuses a substance, their brain is "hi-jacked." We bring an approach that is judgement free and promotes healthy living. By the way, we are friends of Bill's. 12-step programs can be great, but can be risky when negotiated with a sponsor or accountability partner instead of a professional. The first 3 steps of the 12-steps basically consist of admit, submit, and commit. This is when a person has dug themselves in a hole and has decided to put the shovel down and say, "I can't, He can, I'll let Him." The other 9 steps can be very challenging to negotiate without the proper supports and this is why many people get stuck with steps 1, 2, and 3 and then relapse and start back at step 1. Some people "2 step" and this dance consists of step 1 and step 12. This is the person who recognizes that they have a problem and want to help others. That is great; however, there are many steps between 1 and 12 where 12 is giving back. Some people 13 step and that is very unfortunate for the vulnerable attempting to get help. A person can only walk through the fire with another as far as they have walked through it themselves. Recovery can seem like a selfish process, but this is like placing your own oxygen mask on before helping others place the oxygen mask on when the plane is going down. The bottom line is that it is a challenge to be there for others if you do not have your own life in order first. Please remember that recovery is a process and not an event. The Right Path Counseling team would like to help you in your journey of recovery.
Common addictions include but are not limited to:
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Gambling
- Internet
- Shopping
- Food
- People
Seek Professional Assistance
People who have developed an addiction may be unaware that it is out of control, which is why counseling is an essential part of working through and managing this condition. An addiction of any sort can be exhausting and one should never go through the recovery process alone.
Many treatment plans focus on talk therapy and behavior therapy and can be performed in a group or through one-on-one sessions. During these sessions, patients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), what triggers are and what helped them control impulses in the past. Patients also learn coping skills so they can manage the compulsions without relapsing.
The Right Path Counseling team is hear to help you become the best version of yourself. Your loved ones deserve it, but, most importantly, you deserve this for yourself.