Addiction Therapy—Counselors in Dallas, TX
Addiction can take a variety of forms. On the surface, addiction can be substance abuse (opioids, prescription drugs, alcohol, marijuana, and more) and also look like a compulsive behavior (sex, the Internet, video games, shopping, and more). In both cases, just below the surface, the addiction works the same. Addiction is an illness that changes people’s minds.
The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Counseling in Dallas, TX have many clients who are battling addiction, and we have provided the healing, care, and support they needed. Many people think that addiction is about willpower and making healthier choices. The professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Dallas know that is not how addiction works, and it is not how to fight this illness. If you need addiction help, reach out to Thriveworks Dallas to schedule an appointment.
Addiction’s Red Flags
Addiction rewrites how an individual’s brain functions so that people experience pleasure hormones (endorphins and dopamine) when they engage in the activity or substance. The rewiring of the brain means that people’s thoughts, choices, and behaviors are affected as well. Here are some of the more tangible signs that addiction is changing a person’s brain. Do you recognize anything?
Physical Signs of Addiction
- Being hyperactive or lethargic (depending upon the drug)
- Weight loss
- Dilated pupils, red eyes
- Repetitive speech
- Being undernourished or pale
- Excessive sniffing without being sick
- Body odor that is unpleasant or different
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
- Missed engagements/work/school
- Isolating oneself
- Difficulty in school
- Keeping secrets
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties (particularly, needing money)
- Lying to loved ones (especially, to cover the addiction)
Emotional Signs of Addiction
- Lack of awareness about one’s own behavior: denial, rationalizations, minimizations, blame, diversions
- Being unable to handle stress
- Defensiveness
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in people/activities that were once valued
- Obnoxious, silly, easily confused
It is easy to see from these red-flags: addiction can cause severe harm to both the addict and their loved ones. Because of an addiction, people may take risks they would not otherwise take. They may put their own well-being on the line so that the addiction can survive—in many ways, addiction is like a parasite. Therapists may talk about how addiction has three C’s: cravings, consequences, and control. Addiction demands control of an individual’s life and drives their decisions, thoughts, feelings, and actions. Addiction will persist despite the negative consequences they bring into an individual’s life. Addiction uses cravings as a way to take this control.
Scheduling an Appointment for Addiction Therapy at Thriveworks in Dallas
If you are ready to meet with a therapist, Thriveworks in Dallas is ready to support you. When you contact our office, know that you may have your first appointment within the week. We also take many forms of insurance, and we offer weekend and evening sessions.
Let’s fight addiction together. Call Thriveworks Counseling in Dallas today.
