Addictions

Mental health treatment for Addictions Recovery in Sydney

When something feels good, it is natural to want to seek it out more often. But there are also situations where we know that engaging in the behavior again may not be an idea.

Some individuals, however, have trouble controlling their desire to continue the behavior. Others may have their brains affected chemically, and their bodies “need” the good feeling, or they will experience profound distress. Still others are struggling with other, chronic mental health issues, and turn to substances that help them find relief from their struggles. This is how addictions develop.

People with addictive disorders may be aware of their problem, but be unable to stop it even if they want to. The addiction may cause health problems as well as problems at work and with family members and friends. The misuse of drugs and alcohol is the leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature death.

Causes of Addiction

Many different factors can go into the development of addiction.

• There are those who are genetically predisposed to addictive behaviors, who may be more likely to find themselves struggling to control their desire for addictive substance.

• There are others that use substances and behaviors to cope with the effects of a traumatic past.

• There are others that are chemically addicted, and their desire for the “high” is driven by their physical need to ingest the substance.

• There are others that continue to seek it out because it feels good, and they prefer that feeling to their current emotions.

• There are others that have anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges and see relief in addictive substances.

It may also be a combination of factors, as addiction is not always as simple as one specific cause. Understanding what may have contributed to the addiction is an important part of treatment.

Types of Addiction

It is possible to develop an addiction to anything that “feels good.” Shopping addiction, jogging addiction, and adrenaline addiction are all potentially behaviors that a person might become addicted to. Challenges arise when a person’s addictions interfere with their personal or professional life. That’s why some of the most common addictions include:

• Drug Addiction.

• Alcohol Addiction.

• Sex Addiction.

• Gambling Addiction.

• Food Addiction.

• Gaming Addiction.

These are the addictions that tend to have the greatest impact on a person’s quality of life, and the most likely to require treatment.

Comorbid Disorders with Addiction

For many, addiction also occurs with other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These are known as “comorbid disorders,” as they occur in combination with addiction.

A person with a comorbid condition often faces greater challenges than a person coping with either substance abuse or mental illness alone. Drug or alcohol use may set off an acute episode of mental illness, and may intensify its symptoms. Conversely, individuals trying to cope with symptoms of a mental illness may “self-medicate,” turning to drugs or alcohol to try to feel better.

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Addiction

A number of effective treatments are available and people can recover from addiction and lead normal, productive lives. For addiction this is primarily a detox and cognitive behavioural therapy.

With the right intervention, it is possible to overcome addiction. But it is a process that also requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses the cause of the addiction, the challenges that push someone to addiction, and how to manage it after treatment is done. If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, please contact our Admissions Team.