Aside from medication, therapy can be a good way to treat a wide variety of mental health issues. Addiction is no exception. A therapist has the knowledge and training to teach you how to cope with the intense feelings of addiction. The therapist will use various methods to help you heal and stay free of addictions. There are also other mental health challenges that can accompany addiction. The therapist can address these as well.
It is not unusual for a person to have a compelling draw toward a behavior or practice. Most people have a deep like for some activities or habits. When the compulsion for something becomes so intense that the person is willing to do anything for it, addiction could be involved. When addicted to something, the person will do it even if there are severe consequences. The compulsion dominates the person’s thoughts and actions.
Addiction can come in the form of substances such as drugs and alcohol. A person can also be addicted to gambling, sex, playing video games, or eating. In all cases, participating in these activities gives the person a high. They are willing to sacrifice anything to do them. Addiction can affect relationships and the person’s quality of life. Therapy is essential in serious cases.
Despite the negative effects of addictive behavior, the person sometimes cannot see these things happening. It often takes counseling to make the person aware. During a session, the therapist will help the person see the negative results of the addiction. The therapist will talk about how stress can play a role in the addiction. The environment the person is in, including the people around the patient, can trigger compulsive feelings. By counseling the patient, the therapist can identify ways to control the cravings the person is having.
In some cases, the therapist may recommend group sessions with the patient. In these settings, the patient will be with others who have similar challenges. Everyone in the group shares experiences and opens up their feelings. The group members hold one another accountable. Everyone becomes supportive of another.
To heal, the patient must first recognize they have a problem. The person must admit the addiction is hampering daily life. In this therapy, the therapist will talk about moods, thoughts, and other scenarios that trigger addictive behaviors. Instead, the therapist will teach the patient how to replace these negative emotions and actions with positive, healthy ones.
With addiction, the person’s problems usually affect family members. To heal these wounds, the therapist may bring spouses, children, parents, or siblings in for the therapy. The patient may not realize or believe their addictions are hurting other people. Through these sessions, the therapist can show the patient otherwise. The loved ones support the patient through the recovery process.
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Addictions are serious issues that you should not ignore. If you or someone you care about is showing signs of addiction, talk to a therapist. Though the road to healing can be long, there are effective methods. Through psychiatric therapy, you or your loved one can overcome addiction.
Request an appointment or call Push Wellness Health at 480-737-4658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
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