Break Addictive Patterns
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, an Addiction is:
“a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction, 2014).
This definition justifiably includes not just substances (such as alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs) but also behaviors (such as excessive internet use, gaming, or sex/porn).
We generally use the term “addicted” when we notice a pattern in which individuals continue to use a substance or engage in a behavior even though they know it can be harmful: to their relationships, their academic or professional performance, or their health. People engage in these “addictive” patterns because the experience brings pleasure, offers an escape, feels rewarding, brings satisfaction, reduces boredom, or helps cope with adverse life events. In addition, our brains are designed to return to substances or behaviors that give us pleasure or create an emotionally advantageous state of mind again and again. In other words, the drug or activity becomes a habit or a repetitive way to feel good or cope with stress.
What We Can Do to Help You Or Your Child
At Oasis, we have experience treating individuals with (a history of) substance abuse, as well as various behavioral addictions (especially sex/porn, internet, and gaming). In therapy, we choose a comprehensive approach to treat “addiction.” We look at history, triggers, stressors, consequences, motivation to change, and felt experience, and help our clients gain insights, identify coping strategies, and increase stress tolerance and interpersonal skills. The treatment is highly unique to each individual.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of any type of addictive behavior, please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns, or to make an appointment with one of our trained therapists. We offer professional, compassionate, and highly confidential treatment that is geared towards helping you meet the goals you would like to achieve -- for your self or for your child.