Addiction involves:

• Compulsive engagement with the behavior, and preoccupation with it;

• Impaired control over the behavior;

• Persistence or relapse, despite evidence of harm;

​

Dissatisfaction, irritability or intense craving when the object – be it a drug, activity, or other goals – is not immediately available.

​

The hallmarks of any addiction are: compulsion, impaired control, persistence, irritability, relapse and craving.

​

How does the addict know she has impaired control?

Because they don’t stop the behavior in spite of all its effects. All addictions, substance-related or not, share states of mind such as craving, shame, and behaviors, such as deception, manipulation, and relapse.

​

Some of the symptoms of addiction are:

• Feelings of anxiety, irritability or depression

• Trouble thinking clearly

• Blackouts

• Problems with relationships

• Spending money on substances rather than of food, rent or other essentials

• Loss of hope

• Feelings of emptiness

 

How Therapy Can Help

Recovery involves ongoing treatment with a therapist, learning healthier coping strategies, and making better decisions dealing with life’s challenges. In order to stay clean/sober, dealing with the underlying problems that led to your substance use is essential.