Addiction Rehab Help

Many people are aware of addictions to substances like heroin, prescription drugs, and alcohol. What many do not consider is that there are other types of addictions that are not related to substance abuse. “Process Addiction” is a term that refers to the dependency upon a process or activity such as gambling, spending, eating disorders, shoplifting, work and sexual activity. Unlike that of substance abuse, these mood-altering behaviors do not appear to be harmful, or addicting. But contrary to what you may assume, these addictions can be destructive. 

The problem appears when the activity or behavior is repeated often enough where an urgent need to continue emerges despite the consequences of the action.  Obviously, process addictions such as eating disorders can cause more apparent physical problems such as dehydration, diabetes, and seizures. But, even compulsive gamblers and shopaholics can see the physical effects of their addictions. Very often, Chronic gambling and spending can cause extreme depression which can frequently bring thoughts or even actions of suicide due to the great amounts of debt that has been acquired. Depression is only made worse when they continue the habit causing bankruptcy. Many addicts also find themselves suffering major marital and family issues due to their addictions. 

Like any dependency, these addictions can be influenced by a number of factors such as mental state, genetics, childhood experiences and social status.  An example of this could be someone who suffered from abuse and neglect as a child. Although children who experience abuse most likely will develop a substance addiction, any addiction could occur due to an attempt to mask their emotions. It is also thought that many addictions take place after an emotional event has occurred in the addict’s life. For instance, many people may eat, shop, or gamble to take their mind off of the emotional and physical stress of losing a loved one. Or, a spouse or parent may stay at work longer to avoid the hectic household they would have to come home to. Lastly, process addictions can often occur after the rehabilitation from another addiction. This is the idea about the man who gains 100 pounds after becoming sober; Addicts often find themselves trading one addiction for another. Keep in mind that each individual’s addiction could have a different explanation for the dependency, not all addictions happen for the same reasons.  

Getting to the root cause of an addiction is the key to unlocking a happy productive future for the addict, getting to the root cause and learning how to deal with like situations in the future without relapsing into the cycle of addiction again. Traditional rehab programs are not the best form of treatment for process addictions, individual counseling is needed, group meetings do not get to the root cause of an addicts behavior and in many cases group meeting will introduce the addict to other addicts that they befriend and continue their addiction with. Long term in house treatment in necessary, Addiction Rehab Help can help you find the best rehabilitation center for your needs. Process addiction is normally a privet pay issue; most insurance companies do not pay for Process Addiction Treatment because they do not recognize it as an addiction. If there are other mental health issues involved insurance companies can be billed but this is often not the case. If you or a loved one is suffering with a process addiction we look forward to helping you find the best addiction rehabilitation center for you needs.

Call today and speak with one of our professional addiction counselors 1-877-744-3536

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