Addictions can be
experienced by anyone at any point in their life. Traditionally, people think
of addiction as a dependency on alcohol, substances, or drugs, but this is
really a very narrow way to look at the issue. Addiction, by definition, is
continuing to engage in behaviours that have negative consequences and
repercussions for the individual. Addictions, under this definition, can
involve any repetitive behaviour that is destructive or has negative
consequences.
Addictions may involve sex,
viewing pornography, eating, gambling, being online, shopping, or even
addiction to relationships. Even normal healthy behaviours such as work or
exercise can be carried to a level that becomes destructive. People that engage
in addictive behaviours typically understand that the behaviour is destructive,
and they attempt to minimise, rationalise, or hide the behaviour from friends
and family.
THE OPTIMAL PROCESS
Addiction counselling is
considered the most effective way to allow the addicted person to accept the
addictive behaviour, and make changes in their live to avoid this behaviour in
the future. It typically involves understanding the root issues that led to the
addiction, and also planning a life in the future that is free from addiction.
The most successful
treatments will be customised to meet the needs of each individual client.
Usually, clients will start with individual counselling and move to group
sessions as part of their treatment. Talking through potential problems and
having a cohort group that shares the reality of an addiction is both cathartic
and educational.
While individualised, the
most successful processes in addiction recovery follow a set of steps or
processes. This is most commonly known as the Twelve Step programme that was
developed in the later part of the 1930s. These steps start with acknowledging
the addiction, then through to committing to support others with addictions,
and using the steps in each day of a sober life.
For many individuals, the
addiction may be the visible sign of another mental health issue that needs to
be treated. Many clients with addictions have long-standing issues with
depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, or the
more Generalised Anxiety Disorder. For these individuals, the addiction may
have been a coping mechanism and a process of self-medication. Diagnosing and
treating that underlying mental health issue will be instrumental in the
addiction recovery plan.
TEAM APPROACH
With the complexity of
addictions and the multitude of underlying factors, a team approach to treatment
and developing an addiction recovery plan is critical. The team will include a
range of different professionals, based on the needs of the individual.
Typically on an addiction
recovery team, there will be a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, nutritionist, and
an addiction recovery specialist. The team, in consultation with the client,
will develop and evaluate the treatment plan at key points in the process.
Addiction recovery and
ongoing sobriety is not a quick fix treatment. Many people that have addiction
problems continue to work with therapists, addiction recovery specialists and
support groups throughout their life.
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