How One Can Take Control Of Addiction Tendencies
How One Can Take Control Of Addiction Tendencies
Naturally, the substitute addiction never really decreases the underlying need, so like the proverbial hamster in a cage one constantly seeks out distracting substitutes such as sexual activity, over-dependence on another person, material possessions, exercise, food, and alcohol or drugs.
Beyond the initial, requisite step of recognition, the usual therapeutic direction taken by licensed therapists, is to help the client identify more exactly what the underlying need is. Typically this is a large and mostly unrecognized emotional negativity – a very painful set of emotional reactions – which the client is trying by addictive behavior to avoid. With the help of a counselor or therapist, one tries to stop running, face what the matter is, recognize where it came from, and begin substituting a positive process for the negative, addictive one.
This positive process may be extensive and take many months to put in place one step at a time. It may include forgiveness, revisiting traumatic memories in a way that reduces their pain, assertiveness training, rational thinking, relationship building, improving communication, addressing family relationships, and engaging in positive, health and mental health building activities.
There are numerous qualified therapists and licensed counselors in and around the Denver area who specialize in alcohol abuse counseling and treatment.