Addiction
Complex to understand, layers of treatment and support are needed for success.
Substance use disorders and behavioral addictions can be baffling, though quite common (ranging from overuse of alcohol to “wind down” to use of sexual behaviors compulsively to those who feel their entire lives have been destroyed). Addiction also is estimated to impact about 10% of society.
The differing terms and labels thrown around even by professionals makes it no less confusing (e.g., addict, alcoholic, dependence, abuse, etc.), not to mention societal views. One instance is the tagline of one of my favorite Dallas Taco Joints: “Welcome to your new addiction.” This is a poor mischaracterization, I’m afraid to say (though I love the tacos).
We do find that there is a consistency among those who deeply suffer, those who have an addiction.
- craving a substance or behavior
- with loss of control
- despite significant adverse consequences,
- with an inability to abstain or moderate.
The good news: it’s treatable.
Effective treatment requires applying the factors necessary to get the job done. The person who abuses a substance occasionally on weekends will need to be treated different than the person who is “hooked” on something. Those who seek me out for my core specialty of OCD & Anxiety (I only currently take clients needing Exposure Therapy as a core component of their treatment) will also find a deeply compassionate, yet specialized clinical approach working with their substance/behavioral addiction or compulsivity.
Read my full blog article on Addiction here.
Relevant Videos
Curated to get you started.
Defining Addiction and Effective Treatment (Short Synopsis)
Addiction is a confusing term. Let’s face it: there is NO standardized definition that even addiction professionals have. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t effective methods. In fact, there is effective treatment for MOST.
[Full Version] Defining Addiction, Types, and Effective Treatment
Watch this FULL video to understand more about cutting through the confusion.
Specially Curated Resources
These are handpicked, referenced in ACTUAL therapy sessions.
(Sorry, outside requests to add will not receive a response.)This page may contain affiliate links. This means that some links on this site will produce a small commission from affiliate sites. Read more
“Addiction” documentary (HBO)
“Assembled by some of the nation’s top documentary filmmakers, and consisting of nine segments that focus on case studies and cutting-edge treatments that challenge traditional beliefs about addiction, this film features insights from experts on trends and treatments in the ongoing battle against drug and alcohol abuse.”
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The Brain Disease Model of Addiction (Hazelden)
“Advances in neuroscience and imaging technology have rapidly evolved our understanding of addiction and demonstrated a great deal of support for what is often referred to as the brain disease model of addiction.”
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Children and Teens (DrugFree)
“From tips on preventing substance use to guidance on managing recovery from addiction, we have the information and resources you need at every step of the way.”
Understanding Addiction (Harvard)
“Addiction involves craving for something intensely, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. Addiction changes the brain, first by subverting the way it registers pleasure and then by corrupting other normal drives such as learning and motivation. Although breaking an addiction is tough, it can be done.”
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Addiction Science (NIDA)
“NIDA is the lead federal agency supporting scientific research on drug use and its consequences.”
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American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
The premier organization of Addiction Medicine professionals.
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Expert Interviews (The Institute for Addiction Study)
“Memo to Self is a film about Recovery Management: organizing addiction treatment and recovery support services so people with addiction can get ready for recovery, get into recovery, get through early recovery, and get what they need to thrive in long-term recovery.” Here are excerpts from the film.
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Pornography Religious Resources (Porn Help)
“Resources provided by religious organizations and denominations to help their adherents apply religious principles to quitting pornography, including through guided prayer, study, and faith-based counseling.”
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Sex Addiction- Education and Help (IITAP)
“Should you seek help? Curious if you may have an issue with sex addiction, including pornography?”
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Gambling Addiction (HelpGuide)
“Whether you bet on sports, scratch cards, roulette, poker, or slots—in a casino, at the track, or online—a gambling problem can strain your relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster.”
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
“Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.”
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Celebrate Recovery (CR)
“Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”
View >
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
“NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for
whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering
addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.”
Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA)
“A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency.”
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Sex Addicts Anonymous Primary Purpose
12 step fellowship for sex addiction utilizing the format for AA in their studies and step work.
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Smart Recovery
“Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating). “
View >From My Blog
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