Addictions

Scientists have researched for years to isolate and locate a physiological marker that would identify someone’s predilection for addictive behavior. However, even if they were successful, any addict could tell you that addiction is much more than a physical problem.

No matter the addiction, multiple factors contribute to the descent into this common form of mental illness. Physiological factors do play a role in addictions, as well as do family, cultural, environmental, and psychological considerations. So, which is it for you? If you are a typical addict, all of them apply to a certain extent. Relapses into addiction after typical rehab treatments, usually occur when all factors haven’t been properly addressed and resolved.

Even though addiction in its latter stages tends to manifest itself in serious physical and behavioral problems, the early forays of an individual into addiction are often the result of unmet emotional and psychological needs. Addictions are often used as a coping mechanism to delay the painful journey into the past to resolve issues that still plague us. Addressing these issues and needs in the present sets the stage for long-term addiction recovery.

Additionally, it is vital to confront environmental and cultural issues that continue to play a role in addictive behavior. This can be the most difficult hurdle for many addicts. Addicts often gravitate to a culture and cadre of associates that are sympathetic to and enable their addiction. Emotionally, addicts see these individuals as close friends or family members, not as part of the problem. It can be very difficult to determine where lines should be drawn in many of these relationships and which ones need to end.

It is difficult, if not impossible for an addict to confront the Hydra of addiction alone. It takes more than a herculean effort to defeat this many-headed beast; mainly because most addicts aren’t aware of the multi-faceted nature of their malady. Only under the guidance of a trained and sensitive Orange County Therapist who is aware of and experienced in treating all the dimensions of addiction can an addict find the strength to recover from and deal with their addiction. The addict and therapist together must cut off the heads of the beast—every one of them.