Addiction
Addiction is not a choice and must be handled with unwavering compassion. Two types of addictions exist: ingestive and process addictions. Addictions require careful consideration and a microscopic view. With an addiction, it’s important to foster the ability to understand and communicate in the language common to addictive behaviors, dual-diagnosis, treatment considerations/paradigms, and the impact of addiction on families and society. The appropriate treatment and an understanding of culturally-specific vulnerability to addictive behaviors cannot be overlooked. Loved one’s of addiction, there’s a place for you here as well.
Assess the Warning Signs:
Amount
Control
Time
Cravings
Obligations
Social
Activities
Hazard
Harm
Tolerance
Withdrawal
How can therapy help with addiction?
Due to the severity and risk that addiction can cause, it is imperative that clinicians who work with addictions have a therapeutic approach that aligns with the individual client and addresses the complexity of their challenges rather than reprimanding them. A therapist can help individualize one’s treatment by assessing severity levels, gaining a greater understanding of the systems that infiltrate one’s life, explore the individual’s past, specific goals for the future, and provide resources.
