Substance and non-substance addiction therapy
A path to freedom
What is an addiction?
Addictions, of any kind, are a condition that is reached over time. Generally, the sequence is:
- First contact: The substance, game, or purchase is introduced.
- Regular use: Occasional consumption/behavior, with control over it, and no negative consequences.
- Abusive use: Regular, excessive, and inappropriate consumption/behavior. Although physical or psychological dependence has not necessarily developed, there are negative consequences for the individual and/or their environment.
- Addiction/dependence: The main characteristic of addiction is the lack of control over the consumption or behavior, a strong desire to continue it, and the appearance of abstinence symptoms when trying to reduce or cease the behavior.
Types of addictions
- Substance addictions: This includes the consumption of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other chemical substances.
- Non-substance or behavioral addictions: These involve activities such as gambling (slot machines, roulette, casinos), sports betting, compulsive shopping, video games, internet use, among others.
Identifying addiction
Recognizing an addiction can be complicated. Distinguishing between what is normal and what is problematic is not easy, as alcohol, drugs, gambling and shopping are normalized in our society.
To identify whether you have abusive use or dependence, you can look for the following signs. If you meet at least 2 of them, it’s time to consult a specialist.
Signs of addiction
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Frequent and out-of-control consumption, gambling, or shopping
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Persistent desire to quit the behavior without success.
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Spending a lot of time trying to engage in consumption, gambling or shopping.
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Anxiety or strong craving for the behavior.
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Failure to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home due to consumption, gambling or shopping.
- Abandonment of social, professional, or leisure activities.
- Continue the behavior despite known risks.
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Tolerance: The need to increase the amount of consumption, gambling or shopping to achieve the desired effect.
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Abstinence: Intense physical discomfort (sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, nausea or vomiting) or psychological distress (anxiety, nervousness, irritability, insomnia) when the addictive behavior is nor performed, or when it is done less frequently than desired.
Therapeutic approach
It is normal for the process of addiction to have periods in which you are very aware of the harm that the behavior is causing to yourself and those around you, and other periods when it seems like you forget or minimize it. In therapy, we will address this ambivalence with you, and also support person if you wish.
If you are a family member, friend, or partner of someone with abusive use or dependence, with or without substances, we can also work on how to cope with it. Witnessing the harm being done to a loved one can be very painful and frustrating.
