Whenever the term “addiction” is tossed out, our immediate attention goes to gambling, smoking, opioid use, alcohol abuse, and other addictive products. Well, it is important to note that addiction is not just limited to addictive and dangerous products. An individual can be addicted to anything and everything that gives pleasure.

This is why addiction is technically defined as taking, doing, or using something to a point where an individual has no control; therefore, backing up our claim, one can be addicted to almost anything.

In this blog, we will take an in-depth look into the different types of addiction and understand how addiction counseling benefits addicted individuals. But first, let us understand –

What is addiction?

Decades ago, people believed that addiction was a choice that one could overcome or break with adequate willpower. But, recent studies in the field have shown that addiction ends up altering an individual’s brain chemistry.

In simple words, addiction can make an individual act in unpredictable ways, which often are harmful and dangerous.

Addiction can interfere with an individual’s daily life, negatively impact finances, cause unmanageable cravings, and even hurt relationships on the personal and professional levels.

What can a person be addicted to?

As mentioned earlier, one can be addicted to anything, including –

• Internet – With huge advancements in technology, there has been an increased obsession in people for smart devices and the internet.

People tend to spend hours of the day and night playing games and surfing the internet while neglecting the important aspects of their life such as family, friends, and work.

• Work – There are individuals, especially start-up owners, who become highly obsessed with their work to the extent that they become mentally and physically exhausted. Work addiction ends up disrupting family, social life, and relationships to an irreversible extent.

• Shopping – Buying impulsively occasionally isn’t an issue, but getting obsessed with buying something every time you go out is a concerning problem. Shopping addiction damages not only your finances but healthy relationships, too.

• Solvents – This type of addiction is termed volatile substance abuse and happens when an individual gets the feeling of intoxication by inhaling substances like petrol, glue, lighter fuel, aerosols, etc.

Addiction counseling – the basics

It isn’t always straightforward to recognize an individual is addicted to something. In fact, those who suffer from addiction are typically the last ones to realize their addiction.

Thankfully, on-time intervention through addiction counseling can make a huge difference.

Addiction, whether it is due to substance, workload, etc., is a mental dependence that gets triggered due to various psychological factors, including environmental cues or stress.

With addiction counseling, it becomes possible to confront the underlying addiction causes and arm the patient with relevant mechanisms and strategies that prevent relapse. Addiction counseling makes it possible to secure the patient’s future while steering them away from harmful substances.

In combination with other treatments, addiction counseling can significantly decrease the likeliness of relapse. In fact, those undergoing such programs tend to continue the treatment for years to come and eventually overcome addiction.

The working of addiction counseling

Since addiction treatment is an individualized procedure, one size may never fit all. Hence, there are different types of counseling approaches taken by the experts, such as –

• Individual counseling – This type of counseling is when a certified counselor works with the patient alone. While the frequency of the sessions might vary, the counselor typically works closely with the patients to determine the session’s frequency. Individuals who wish to set recovery goals can benefit from such counseling incredibly.

• Family counseling – As the name might suggest, family counseling is when family members like spouses, siblings, or parents are involved in the treatment. The counselor and the family members discuss causes and challenges and work together to uncover solutions.

• Group counseling – Multiple individuals are involved in group counseling. This type of counseling suits individuals who might benefit from speaking with people who have undergone similar problems as them.

• Online counseling – Online counseling can be like any of the counseling types mentioned above, the only difference being that it is held online. If you love extra privacy and are comfortable speaking with experts from your home, you should prefer online addiction counseling sessions.

What are the benefits of addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling has a lot to offer to those who seek assistance – from helping unearth the addiction causes to creating many coping mechanisms.

Besides boosting the patient’s mental health, addiction counseling also provides a judgment-free environment where their problems are tackled one at a time in a positive manner.

There are many reasons to participate in an addiction counseling program; better mental health and improved relations are two of them.

Wrapping it up

You or your loved one’s journey toward addiction-free life begins with the choices you make today.

With in-depth details about addiction counseling in front of you, we are sure you must know what benefits await. So, wait no more and meet with the counselors at NuLease Medical Solutions to discuss treatment alternatives that best suit your individual needs.