Addiction Counselling
Secure online sessions are available in Alberta
Do you struggle with an addiction? Perhaps it is not an addiction yet…maybe just a bad habit? Are you having difficulties with your personal life, your friends, and your relationships? Maybe it is your job that is an issue? Do you find that you have to lie to cover up what is going on in your life? Are you blaming others for your issues? Has your life become so chaotic that you are tired of it?
What is an addiction?
Addiction happens when you are affected by something negative. Instead of dealing with the situation in a healthy way, it is easier to go use something that is addictive. This way you do not have to deal with the problem.
Addictions and trauma
From a trauma perspective, addiction is a flight away from trauma. This is just like the birds flying away in the fight/flight response.
When something happens and you do not like it, it is easy to leave and not have to deal with it. Just go drink or use something else that is addictive. At first, it starts as a habit, and from there it can develop into an addiction.
Types of addiction
There are many different types of bad habits/addictions. Some of them may surprise you. Which ones do you struggle with?
Substance Addiction
Substance addiction is the type of addiction that most people think of. This involves something entering your body. They include the usual addictions like alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, prescription drugs, caffeine, and other hard drugs.
Process Addiction
Process addictions involve a process that becomes addictive. These include sex, pornography, work, exercise, video games, internet, money issues like gambling and shopping, and other issues.
Some process addictions are normal everyday occurrences that we do to survive like eating.
Compulsive attachments
Some people have attachment issues in their life. Some of these addictive issues include staying with difficult people, overly giving, intensity, drama, bonding in trauma, concerned about your impression, and other issues.
Feelings
Some people are addicted to strong emotions like rage, fear, and strong intensity.
Relational trauma
Relational trauma is another issue with addiction. Discussions happen that lead to arguments and you may react with strong emotion. To deal with this, it is just easier to live the situation and go into your addiction again.
How can treatment help me?
Treatment can help you understand how the addiction has affected you and others. It will help motivate you to stop the addiction. You will learn how to deal with the addiction. You will help your triggers and how to deal with them. It will help you learn to move forward and become connected with others. It will help you find personal peace in their life.
Are you tired of how your addiction is affecting you? Are others in your life tired of your addiction? Are you tired of the chaos in your life? Are you facing consequences for your addiction? Are you ready to do something about it?
Short-term therapy can help relieve many symptoms and you back on your feet. For people who choose to engage in long-term therapy, the results are deeper and often very profound. You can choose the best path for your life, short or long-term therapy, or a combination of both options.
Audrey Tait has specialized training in addictions (Alcohol/Chemical Dependency, Financial/Work Disorders, Sexual Addiction, Eating Disorders, and more). She is here to help you. Make an appointment, today. Find out more about her training.