Addictions

Addiction refers to those kinds of behaviors (what are sometimes or loosely called “habits”) that involve the interplay between several factors. These may involve substances, behaviors, or the links between them.

• OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS
  • Recurrent, Persistent Thoughts That Seem To Invade Your Consciousness
  • You Can’t Stop Thinking About Them

• COMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS
  • Impulses That Seem To Drive You
  • Things That You Feel You Have To Do
  • You Do Them Even Though You “Know” You Shouldn’t
  • You Do Them Even Though They Have Negative Consequences In Your Life

• TOLERANCE
  • The Need For More Of The Substance Or Behavior In Order To Reach The Desired And Previously Obtained Effect
  • You Need To Do It More In Order To Have It “Work” For You

• DEPENDENCE
  • You Depend On It In Order To Feel Good
  • You Feel Like You Can’t Do Without It
  • You Need It, Not Just Want It

• WITHDRAWAL
  • You Feel Bad When You Don’t Use The Substance Or Do The Behavior
    • Symptoms May Include:
      • Change In Mood
      • Anxiety/Panic
      • Restlessness
      • Agitation
      • Irritability
      • Apathy
      • Attention/Concentration Difficulties
      • Sleep Disturbances
      • Change In Appetite
      • Depression
      • Physical Discomforts/Distress
      • Tremors/Convulsions
      • Change In Sexual Appetite/Functioning
    • You Return (Or Are Strongly Drawn To Return) To The Substance Or Behavior In Order To Relieve The Discomfort Or Distress Of The Withdrawal Symptoms

When All Your Best Efforts Haven’t Worked
Maybe It’s Time to Talk to a Professional

Why Wait To Feel Better?