Addiction comes in many forms, and each person experiences addiction in their own way. Whether alcohol or party drugs, what began as recreational use often becomes a substance dependency. Additionally, addiction can arise from self-medicating, as mental illness disorders such as depression or anxiety provoke habitual substance abuse. In most cases, a combination of addiction and mental health issues co-occur and require specialized addiction treatment.
At La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center, we have over a decade of experience treating addiction in LGBTQ individuals. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out now at 888.903.9898 or contact us online.
What is Addiction?
Put simply, addiction is when a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on a substance and cannot function without that substance. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), making it a legitimate mental illness. In the most extreme cases, individuals cannot stop themselves from using the substance, even if they know it will lead to negative consequences.
The Progression of Addiction
Exposure
The individual is exposed to alcohol, and the opportunity to try it – perhaps peer pressure from friends or an episode of depression or anxiety entices them to drink.
Experimentation and Recreational Use
Regular Use
At this point, drinking has become a behavior, almost like a ritual, and the person would miss it or feel conflicted if they could not drink. For example, they always have beers on the weekend with friends or have a few glasses of wine every night after work. While not necessarily addicted at this point, there are most likely signs of a developing problem, such as occasionally showing up to work hungover.
Risky Use and Behavior
The individual has a problem, and they probably know it, as do their friends, family, and coworkers. At this point, their drinking is damaging the relationships in their life. They are neglecting obligations or behaving in embarrassing ways. Poor decisions, denial of the problem, and shame can manifest and lead to even more risky behaviors like habitually driving drunk, supervising children while intoxicated, or regularly missing work.
Dependence and Addiction
What Is Therapy?
Common Therapies
Some of the most common, effective, and prove therapies in the treatment of substance abuse include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- 12-step program
Seek Out Therapy for Addiction and Mental Health at La Fuente
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction in the Greater Los Angeles area, reach out now to La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center at 888.903.9898 or contact us online.