How Addiction Happens

Addiction is a treatable condition. Unlike other diseases, however, addicts must choose to seek help before they can be successfully treated. However, once an addict commits to treatment, there is a real hope of achieving sustainable results and ultimately overcoming addiction.

The disease of addiction can manifest in many different behaviours. A common perception of addiction is of drug and alcohol abuse.But addictive behaviours can include compulsive gambling, relationship addictions and eating disorders, amongst others. Common to all such behaviours are the fundamental emotional difficulties that need to be treated in order to arrest addiction.

For the best long-term results, a 12 Step Recovery programme has been demonstrated to be an especially powerful component of an addiction treatment regimen. 12 Step Programmes are designed to help addicts prevent relapse and provide the tools needed to overcome addiction over time.

Addiction will generally involve intensive counselling – either individual or group sessions, or a combination of both, if the addiction is to be successfully arrested. Therapy is a critical element of treatment because addictive behaviours are symptoms of underlying problems. Simply ceasing addictive behaviour, while an important part of recovery, does not address the root causes of that behaviour. Addiction is a manifestation of severe underlying emotional trauma. Therapy sessions directed by professional counsellors provide a safe environment to confront these issues and work through them.

Addiction is not a disease that can be cured – but it can be successfully treated. Addicts who recognise they have a problem and want help will be able to find holistic courses of treatment and support that will not only help them to cease their destructive behaviours but even to live full and successful lives.

There are no overnight solutions for addiction, but it can be managed. Dealing effectively with the underlying causes of addiction is the only way to ultimately deal with problem.

The value of a rigorous and balanced course of treatment is that it will provide addicts with the tools they need to deal with their own emotional problems and to relate better to loved ones and to society in general.

Successfully managing addiction is not merely about stopping addictive behaviours, but about thriving in society. With treatment, and particularly aided by the precepts of a 12 Step Programme, addicts can focus on continual growth and development, with a significantly reduced chance of relapse. Experienced addiction counsellors understand that addicts have as much right and desire as anyone else to contribute meaningfully to society, and will work with those seeking addiction treatment to help them to cope with addiction.

 

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