Addiction

Addiction Q & A

What is addiction?

Addiction is a chronic condition that affects the part of your brain in charge of processing motivation, memory, and reward. When you’re addicted to something, your body craves that substance or behavior despite the negative consequences that come with it.

Because addiction is such a common problem, and one that develops over time, many people who struggle with this disorder remain unaware of its impact on their lives and the people who love them.

Seeking professional counseling at High Desert Psychological Services is an important first step on the path of your recovery from addiction. It’s important to understand you’re not alone in addiction, and you shouldn’t have to face recovery on your own, either.

What substances or behaviors can lead to addiction?

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The most serious and well-known forms of addiction involve drugs and alcohol. About 1 in 10 people in the United States are addicted to both. Many drugs are addictive, including nicotine, opioids, and cocaine.

High Desert Psychological Services offers counseling for addiction to all types of behaviors and substances, including:

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• Alcohol and drugs

• Coffee or caffeine

• Tobacco and nicotine

• Gambling

• Technology and the internet

• Food

• Sex or pornography

• Work

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When used as a coping strategy, even anger can trigger addiction. High Desert Psychological Services also specializes in anger management counseling for anyone who struggles with it.

What are the signs of addiction?

One of the main signs of addiction is the inability to maintain self-control. You may experience a strong urge to use a substance or engage in a behavior after failed attempts to stop.

Other signs of addiction include social problems, such as failing to complete tasks or honor your responsibilities at home. Your performance at work, school, or in social relationships may decline, or you might give up on pleasurable activities altogether to devote more time to the addiction.

Addictive substances and behaviors also cause tolerance, which means you need to keep using more and more to achieve the desired effect.

How can I get treatment for addiction?

If you or a loved one is dealing with addiction, it’s never too late to seek help. At High Desert Psychological Services, a compassionate team of counselors provides individualized addiction treatment.

After spending some time with you to learn about your particular type of addiction, your counselor works with you as a partner to create a recovery plan.

Depending on your needs, treatment may include various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, identifying the triggers and causes of your addictions, and learning coping skills to manage compulsions without relapsing.

To get started with addiction and recovery counseling, call High Desert Psychological Services, or request an appointment online today.