We hear so much in our culture today about Addiction. Just what is it?
If you are reading this, perhaps you are concerned about someone you love.
Just maybe, you're wondering about
yourself, you've gotten to the
place.. the time is now.
"One of the scariest moments in human experience is when you have to admit
there is something wrong with your brain. One of the worst of those moments
is admitting that you are an addict.
For the vast majority of addicts the very worst is admitting that you are
addicted in many ways.
For years you have convinced yourself that you could handle your behavior"
Dr.Patrick Carnes
Addiction is defined as a continuing use of a mood altering behavior, that
despite consequences in a person's life, the behavior continues. After the
perceived "high", the grief and despair takes over, leading to progressive
unmanageable consequences. The lies and deception to yourself and others
become automatic.Still, where does it lead.. back into the cycle of needing
more and more. 
We understand now that Addictions effect everyone, and come in many
different forms. Have you ever heard of someone who stopped smoking but
then gained weight? What if you decided that your drug use was not OK, but
you kept drinking? Cybersex, sex-ting, pornography.... Is that betrayal in
your relationship?
What story do you tell yourself to make your behavior seem OK? Afterall, you
say to yourself .. I'm not hurting anyone? Addiction is a condition that
results when a person ingests a substance ( drugs, alcohol, improper use of
prescription drugs), and/ or engages in an activity or relationships
(gambling, cybersex, shopping, food, exercise, video gaming, toxic
relationships, emotional affairs) that causes consequences, and yet you
continue the behavior. What you are doing interferes with ordinary life
responsibilities.. work, relationships, your own life. Yet, you need more
and more to get the same relief. The neuroscience research today is
understanding more clearly that there is a change happening in your brain.
The key to a successful treatment plan is the assessment process. First,
we'll review the history related to behaviors identified. We will discuss
family and social history, and any concerns family members have expressed.
It is the telling of your story that begins to break through patterns of
denial and shame: what has been happening, how the behavior started, what
has been the impact in your life. Screening assessment tools will also
provide valuable information. Health information is an important part of
the assessment. After the information is gathered, together, a treatment
plan is then developed with you, and resources identified to build a
successful recovery, freedom from addiction.
FAMILY MEMBERS and PARTNERS
Perhaps, you are the one who is impacted by another person's addictive behavior. You have been hurt, scared, betrayed! Perhaps, the person with addictive behavior is now in treatment, or working with another therapist. What about you, and your brokenness? What if the person you care about refuses to seek help. You have tried everything you know, and you are struggling with your own pain, depression, fear, and loneliness. If you have found things that were kept from you, perhaps you're filled with anger and despair! The treatment process often involves help for the entire family ... everyone is effected.
INTERVENTION
Parents, Grandparents, Partners...
A question often asked is how can we need help the person we love enter
treatment? Can we meet with you to learn about addiction, and plan an
intervention? Planning usually involves several meetings with those who will
be involve, either in person, via Zoom or telephone. The best intervention
is the successful one! Your goal is to help the person you love accept help,
be successful in building a life in recovery that will last a lifetime. We
will explore the best treatment options that are available for each
individual situation.
