Types Of Addiction

Substance abuse, addiction, and alcoholism affect more than 1 in every 7 Americans over the age of 12 every year. Because they are incurable and chronic conditions, treatment is almost always required in order to fully recover. Even if you achieve long-term abstinence and sobriety, you can experience a relapse. There are two major types of addiction: physical addictions and psychological addictions. Both significantly change your brain chemistry and can be equally hard to overcome, making luxury addiction therapy services at St Augustine FL your best option for recovery.

Additionally, a relapse occurs when you resume abusing drugs and alcohol after sustained abstinence. Nearly half of all people in recovery eventually relapse, demonstrating the pull addiction has. Those that choose to complete a treatment program with relapse prevention therapy stand a much better chance of maintaining recovery, as the treatment helps you identify triggers and learn to cope with things like stress and cravings.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADDICTION?

So, what are the different types of addiction? Physical addiction occurs when you become physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. Certain drugs, like opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines, are physically addictive. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Shakes and tremors
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Sweat and body temperature changes
• Changes to your heart rate and blood pressure
• Aches, pains, and restless legs

Psychological dependence can occur when you become dependent on non-addictive substances or behaviors. You can experience mood changes and intense cravings when you stop engaging in the behavior but are less likely to experience physical symptoms.

Some examples of psychological addiction include:

• Shopping addictions
• Compulsive gambling
• Sex
• Video Games
• Technology, like smartphones of social media

Both physical and psychological addictions create changes to your brain chemistry. Your brain begins equating drugs and alcohol or certain behaviors like sex to pleasure. When you engage in those stimuli, your brain releases excessive neurotransmitters, which rewards you. You can experience intense cravings when you try to stop using or participating in the addicting behavior, making it hard to stop without help.

HOW IS ADDICTION TREATED?

Regardless of the types of addiction you are suffering from, both evidence-based and holistic treatments are highly beneficial. Evidence-based treatments include things like cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, individual counseling and medication. Family and marital counseling are often used to help improve communication with your loved ones and help all parties be on the same page during your recovery.

Holistic approaches help treat your body, mind, and spirit. Holistic treatments, like yoga, hiking, and meditation, improve mindfulness, decrease stress and increase cognition. They have few side effects, making them especially helpful if you deal with problematic side effects from medication.

FINDING HELP TODAY

Regardless of the types of addiction, you are struggling with, treatment is an important part of your recovery process. Pearl of the Sea Retreat, the leading addiction therapy services St. Augustine FL offers, is here to offer you the support and guidance you need to navigate recovery. To find out more about our nationally recognized programs, call us today at 866-962-1907.