Addiction Counseling in Las Vegas, Nevada
One of the reasons people seek addiction counseling and therapy is because the issue is more than a physical dependence on these substances (alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, marijuana and cocaine). Other types of addictions are gambling, shopping, food, internet and sex—also called process addictions. These addictive behaviors can be just as debilitating as those associated with substance addictions.
When the physical dependence on substances has been resolved—or the dependence on gambling, shopping, the internet, food and sex has been curbed or curtailed–addicts are at a high risk for relapse. Both psychological and social factors are often powerful stimuli for addicts. Stress, especially sudden life pressures; cues in the environment like visiting an old neighborhood; or social networks, such as friends who continue to use drugs, drink alcohol and other addictions, are all temptations for a relapse. Addiction counseling helps individuals escape their cravings and learn to cope with life without using substances or other addictions.
Addiction counseling and therapy at Thriveworks in Las Vegas, NV has helped many people with a variety of issues. Qualified therapists help their clients learn new insights, cognitive and emotional skills, as well as a plan to practice these new skills and adopt habits that can make a huge impact on their lives. Thriveworks’ therapists can help people with addictions overcome trauma and guide them to build better relationships, and it starts here.
Whether the addiction is prescription drug use, substance abuse, gambling, shopping or sex, each case can be explored with the help of a professional therapist who can guide individuals through tough times and seemingly insurmountable odds. Some of the most common reasons for addictions are:
Mental Illnesses
Mental illness is such a burden to some individuals that they will try just about anything to relieve the pain they are feeling. Drugs or alcohol can temporarily make the person feel “normal” again. People with mental illness may find it scary, and they are reluctant to go to a doctor or family member for help. Instead, they turn to drugs or alcohol to try to solve the problem alone.
Family Members, Friends, Role Models Using Drugs
Many teenagers and young adults think it is easy to handle and control drugs and alcohol, especially if they witness others they know doing these things. It may become easy to rationalize their use if a friend has been drinking or using drugs for a few years and seems fine.
Entertainment and music is full of drug references, a fact that can add to the rationalization that drug use is okay sometimes. In addition, individuals with a family history of drug or alcohol abuse are far more likely to develop an addiction than a person with no family background of addiction.
Relief for Stress
The modern world is filled with new stresses that were not experienced in the past. While many things in life are now easier than ever, the burdens are also high. Having a family, handling a household and holding a job are big stress factors. Some drugs and other addictions are viewed as a means of relaxation—an avenue to calm the mind.
Process Addictions
Process addictions—sex, the internet, gambling, food and shopping—are comparable to the behavior of alcoholics and drug addicts. The behavior usually begins when people are trying to deal with some type of stress, depression or boredom. When they try one of these behaviors, they experience exhilaration, which eases their discomfort. Afterward, they associate the behavior with relief and pleasure. So, they do it again. Each time they feel discomfort, they seek out the behavior that makes them feel better. These individuals often have poor coping skills and unmet needs.
These examples are only a few of the many reasons people turn to addictions. Whether the addiction is drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, the internet, food or shopping, there is help. Call Thriveworks in Las Vegas, NV at (702) 820-3061 to schedule a session or to find out more about how addiction counseling and therapy can help you get on the road to a healthier, stronger you. Thriveworks is located at 40 N. Valle Verde Dr. Suite 110 Henderson, NV 89074.
