Addiction
Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of individuals and families. It is not simply a lack of willpower or self-control—it is a chronic disorder that impacts the brain’s reward system, making it difficult to stop engaging in certain behaviors or using substances despite harmful consequences. At Beenen Therapy Group, we approach addiction with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based strategies to help individuals regain control of their lives. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, behavioral addictions, or co-occurring mental health challenges, we are here to provide the support and tools needed for lasting recovery.
Types of Addiction
Addiction can manifest in many forms, ranging from substance use to compulsive behaviors. While every individual's experience is unique, addictions share common characteristics: an intense focus on a substance or activity, difficulty controlling use, and continued engagement despite negative consequences. Understanding the different types of addiction can help in identifying and addressing the specific challenges someone may face.
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1. Substance Addictions
Substance addiction involves the use of drugs or alcohol to the point where it disrupts daily life, relationships, and health. Common types of substance addictions include:
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Alcohol Addiction (Alcohol Use Disorder): Characterized by excessive or uncontrollable drinking that impacts physical and mental health, relationships, or responsibilities.
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Drug Addiction: Includes dependence on illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin) or misuse of prescription medications (e.g., opioids, stimulants, sedatives).
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Nicotine Addiction: Involves dependence on tobacco products, often linked to long-term health risks such as cancer and heart disease.
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2. Behavioral Addictions
Behavioral addictions involve compulsive engagement in certain activities that trigger the brain’s reward system in similar ways to substance use. These behaviors can disrupt relationships, work, or daily life. Examples include:
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Gambling Addiction: A compulsive urge to gamble, often resulting in financial and emotional distress.
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Internet and Gaming Addiction: Excessive use of the internet, social media, or video games that interferes with daily life and responsibilities.
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Shopping Addiction (Compulsive Buying): A persistent and uncontrollable urge to shop, often leading to financial strain and emotional guilt.
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Food Addiction: An unhealthy relationship with food, where individuals may binge eat despite negative physical or emotional consequences.
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Exercise Addiction: A compulsive need to exercise excessively, often leading to physical injury or health issues.
3. Process Addictions
Some addictions involve habitual patterns of behavior that may not fall under traditional substance or behavioral categories but still have profound impacts on well-being. These can include:
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Work Addiction: An obsessive focus on work to the detriment of personal health and relationships.
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Relationship or Love Addiction: A dependence on relationships or romantic connections to validate self-worth or provide a sense of purpose.
4. Dual Addictions
Many individuals may experience more than one type of addiction simultaneously, such as a combination of substance use and behavioral addictions. This can complicate treatment and recovery, making comprehensive and integrated care essential.
Recognizing Addiction
Addiction often involves:
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Loss of control over behavior or substance use
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Increased tolerance, requiring more to achieve the same effect
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Withdrawal symptoms when not engaging in the behavior or using the substance
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Negative impact on personal, professional, or social life
At Beenen Therapy Group, we recognize that addiction is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Whether an individual struggles with substance use, behavioral addiction, or both, we provide compassionate and personalized care to help them on their recovery journey. Therapy can empower individuals to break free from addiction, heal, and rediscover a fulfilling, balanced life.
Addiction can take many forms, including substance use disorders (such as alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications) and behavioral addictions (such as gambling, internet use, or compulsive shopping). It often affects not only the individual but also their relationships, work, and overall well-being. Recovery is a journey, and therapy plays a vital role in addressing the underlying causes of addiction and providing tools for long-term healing and growth.
At Beenen Therapy Group, we offer a safe, non-judgmental space to help individuals understand and overcome addiction. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches to address the emotional, behavioral, and psychological aspects of addiction, empowering clients to build healthier habits and reclaim their lives.
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How Therapy Helps with Addiction
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Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment by focusing on the root causes of addiction, coping strategies, and emotional well-being. Key benefits include:
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Identifying Underlying Issues: Therapy helps uncover the emotional, mental, or situational factors contributing to addictive behaviors, such as trauma, stress, or unresolved conflicts.
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Building Coping Skills: Clients learn healthier ways to manage triggers, stress, and emotions without relying on substances or harmful behaviors.
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Improving Emotional Regulation: Therapy teaches tools for managing intense emotions, such as anger, anxiety, or sadness, that can fuel addictive patterns.
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Healing Relationships: Addiction often impacts loved ones. Therapy can help repair trust, improve communication, and rebuild stronger relationships.
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Developing Relapse Prevention Strategies: Clients learn to recognize triggers, develop a support network, and create action plans to maintain sobriety.
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Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders: Many individuals with addiction also experience mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety. Therapy addresses both addiction and these co-occurring conditions.
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Enhancing Self-Esteem: Overcoming addiction requires rebuilding confidence and self-worth. Therapy supports this journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Therapeutic Approaches for Addiction
At Beenen Therapy Group, we use a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, including:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change harmful thought patterns that drive addictive behaviors.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Provides skills for managing emotions, building distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal relationships.
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Motivational Interviewing (MI): Encourages clients to explore and strengthen their motivation to change.
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Family Therapy: Supports families in healing and learning how to create a supportive environment for recovery.
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Trauma-Informed Care: Addresses past trauma that may contribute to addiction and helps clients build resilience.
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Therapy for addiction is a process of growth, healing, and rediscovery. With the right support and strategies, individuals can move beyond addiction and build a life filled with purpose, connection, and well-being. At Beenen Therapy Group, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Debunking
common
myths
about
Addiction
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Addiction is one of the most misunderstood conditions, often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. These myths can prevent people from seeking help or offering compassion to those struggling. Let’s challenge some of the most pervasive myths about addiction to foster greater understanding and empathy.
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Myth 1: Addiction is a choice.
Fact: Addiction is not a choice; it’s a chronic medical condition. While the initial decision to use a substance or engage in a behavior may be voluntary, addiction changes brain function, making it difficult to stop without help.
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Myth 2: Only certain people get addicted.
Fact: Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or socioeconomic status. While genetics, environment, and personal circumstances can increase risk, no one is immune to addiction.
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Myth 3: People with addiction just need to try harder.
Fact: Addiction is not about willpower. It involves complex changes in brain chemistry that make stopping extremely challenging. Recovery requires support, therapy, and often medical intervention, not simply “trying harder.”
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Myth 4: Addiction only involves drugs or alcohol.
Fact: While substance addiction is well-known, behavioral addictions—like gambling, gaming, or compulsive shopping—are just as real and can be equally harmful.
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Myth 5: Treatment doesn’t work if someone isn’t ready.
Fact: Even individuals who enter treatment reluctantly can experience significant benefits. Motivation often grows during the recovery process, and therapy can help spark the desire for change.
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Myth 6: Relapse means failure.
Fact: Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey, not a sign of failure. Addiction is a chronic condition, and setbacks can provide valuable learning opportunities to strengthen long-term recovery.
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Myth 7: People with addiction can quit if they really want to.
Fact: Quitting is not just about desire. Addiction creates physical and psychological dependence that can require professional support to overcome.
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Myth 8: Medication is just replacing one addiction with another.
Fact: Medications used in treatment, such as those for opioid or alcohol use disorders, are carefully monitored and designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping individuals focus on recovery.
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Myth 9: Addiction is a moral failing.
Fact: Addiction is a medical condition, not a reflection of someone’s morals or values. Viewing addiction as a failure rather than a health issue perpetuates stigma and hinders recovery.
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Myth 10: People with addiction can’t lead successful lives.
Fact: With the right treatment and support, individuals can recover and lead fulfilling, productive lives. Recovery is not only possible but achievable.
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At Beenen Therapy Group, we believe in breaking down these myths and offering compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families affected by addiction. Understanding the truth about addiction is the first step toward healing and creating a path forward.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. At Beenen Therapy Group, we offer personalized therapy and evidence-based support to address the unique challenges of addiction and guide you toward lasting recovery. You don’t have to face this alone—our compassionate team is here to help you regain control and build a healthier, more fulfilling future.