Addiction Therapists in Miami, FL—Counseling and Treatment

The hit show Mom has kept audiences entertained with its one-liners that have made it one of the best comedies of all time, but do not let the jokes fool you. The show tackles one of life’s biggest problems: addiction. Christy and Bonnie are a mother/daughter pair who are reconciling after years of estrangement. Both are recovering addicts, and both are working to maintain their sobriety. Together, they tackle demons from their past—abandonment, abuse, poverty, and more. Together, they work toward the future and breaking the generational hold that addiction can take. One of the many reasons for the show’s popularity may be because audience can relate to the struggle. As many as 21 million Americans struggle with addiction as well. In many ways, Christy’s and Bonnie’s stories mirror the experiences of many others.

“People still question my sobriety, my commitment to the program, and that hurts. I take things day by day, and sometimes I take them minute by minute, but I honor my commitment to stay sober.” —Tom Arnold

Healing from an addiction and living in sobriety are often about personal growth, moment-by-moment. Addiction is a disease that alters the way that people’s brains function and the way they emotionally bond. It is a common, horrible disease, but treatment options are available. They often involve fighting for brain balance. The brain must be rewired so that control mechanisms are restored. This often allows people who have an addiction to bond in a healthy way with their loved ones—not the addiction.

Thriveworks Miami provides therapy and counseling for addiction because we know that people can heal. Sobriety is possible. People can take back control of their lives from addiction. Help is available.

Addiction’s Signs and Symptoms

In some ways, addiction is an illness that is unique to each individual. It can look like substance abuse—alcohol, cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs, and more. It can also look like a behavior that is compulsive—sex, shopping, gambling, pornography, video games, and more. In other ways, addiction functions the exact same way, regardless of the details of how it manifests. Addiction is an illness that changes the way that an individual’s brain functions. This imbalance means that the addiction becomes the center of people’s worlds—their time, energy, money, love, and relationships all serve the addiction. People who have an addiction often put their own health and the health of their loved ones at risk in order to maintain the addiction. This is what it looks like in everyday life…

• Lost Control: Addicts do not want to be addicted. They often know that their lives are spiraling out of control, and they often have tried to stop or curb their behavior. However, addiction takes control, and addictions may experience several failed attempts to quit that are unsuccessful.
• Cravings: The changes that addiction makes to the brain mean that people experience cravings for the addiction. They may lust after the addiction, dream about it, or demand it.
• Moodiness: Anger and annoyance and irritability are often signs of an inability to handle stress. The anger can flare when confrontation occurs. The irritability may surface in response to consequences. Annoyance is often the response when addicts are shown the devastation the disease is causing.
• Escalation: Addiction is not a static illness. It always asks for more…more of the substance…more of the activity. Over time, the same levels of satisfaction require more to be achieved.
• Deceit: Addicts may lie to acquire a substance. Addicts may lie to hide the addiction. They may lie to avoid consequences or minimize the illness. Whatever the lies may be about, they will, without fail, be present.

Addiction: Myths and Misunderstandings

Despite the tens of millions of people who suffer with addiction each year, there are many myths and misunderstandings about this disease that have lingered. Unfortunately, these myths have kept many from getting the treatment they need, and they need to be rebutted with the truth.

Myth #1: Addicts Are Weak People. The truth is that if you have an addiction, you have an illness. Just as cancer does not develop in people who are weak, neither does addiction. In fact, addiction strikes indiscriminately in every socio-economic status, gender, religion, and race.

Myth #2: Addiction Is a Choice. This myth seeks to blame and find fault. The truth is that addicts do not want their addiction. Many are aware of the destruction it has brought in their life. Many have tried to quit but cannot without help.

Myth #3: Addiction Is Rare. Addiction grows when people are isolated. The truth is that addiction is one of the most common illnesses in the United States, and when many addicts reach out for help, they often find support communities that are filled with people who understand and are willing to help.

Addiction Therapy at Thriveworks Miami Counseling

Are you ready to reach out for help? Everyone needs an ally in the fight against addiction. If you are or someone you love is struggling, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Miami. We have appointments for addiction available. When you contact our office, know that our scheduling specialists will help you make an appointment—you will not reach a voicemail or an automated response. New clients often have their first appointment within 24 hours of their first call. We also offer weekend and evening sessions. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Miami today.