Addiction
Through my long-term involvement in the treatment of addicts, I have concluded that, for the effective handling of such a complex issue, an accurate diagnosis and assessment of individual’s addiction level as well as the type of addiction they are experiencing, is initially essential. Subsequently, it is important to select the appropriate treatment plan in collaboration with the individual, which can certainly be modified depending on their progress.
In cases of severe dependency and always in combination with the substance or condition from which the person is dependent, online counseling may help prepare the individual to seek the most appropriate to their situation treatment offered by mental health services.
In cases in which the addiction is in the early stages and has not affected the entire life of a person, a session plan could be designed aimed at effectively addressing the problem, in cooperation with the family environment if it exists. Usually this can work effectively in cases of addiction to cannabis, cocaine or online gambling.
Addiction. Types
Addiction is a pattern of behavior that a person may exhibit towards the consumption of various psychoactive substances (i.e. substances that can alter the person’s thinking, mood and actions) but also towards a situation, a person or a condition to which they are unable to set boundaries. The dominant forms of addiction are these described below.
Physical dependence occurs when the body has adapted to taking a substance that affects the brain and develops withdrawal symptoms as soon as it stops taking this substance (withdrawal syndrome). The physical symptoms of this syndrome last a few days and then disappear.
Psychological dependence occurs when a person feels the need to consume a substance or repeat a harmful behavior in order to feel good or to alleviate anxiety, mental pressure or even to cope with the demands of daily life. We understand that psychological dependence is more significant than physical dependence and requires more time to address.
In the case of psychoactive substances a person may encounter both forms of dependence or one, usually the psychological.
In the case of situations such as gambling, food disorders, etc. a person will mainly encounter psychological dependence.
Dependence. How to recognize it
Recognizing a person’s degree of dependence on a substance or condition can be done using formal diagnostic tools available to the specialist. However, we could generally mention three situations whose presence signals the risk of addiction which are as follows.
1. The continuation of the addictive behavior despite the individua’s awareness of its negative consequences on their body and life in general.
2. The consumption of significant time of daily life for this specific engagement.
3. The gradual abandonment of social, professional and recreational activities due to this specific engagement.
Treatment. What helps
Counseling a person who struggles to manage an addictive behavior must take into account the interaction of three important factors that have probably played a role in the emergence and maintenance of this behavior and, based on these, therapeutic interventions should be designed. These factors are the individual’s family, social and cultural environment, his personality structure and the pattern of addictive behavior they have developed with a substance or situation.
In practice this means that a person who has stable family ties, a supportive friendly environment, a professional meaningful engagement as well as decision-making and self-control skills, can manage addiction more quickly and effectively, especially by the guidance of a counselor with expertise in addiction issues.
Conversely, when someone lacks in all of the above, they will need more time and possibly intensive treatment in order to gradually build the supportive environment required for their recovery process.
In any case, what is needed to ensure the success of any form of counseling is the motivation of the addicted person to seek help.
