Process Addictions
At Alta Mira we offer programs that deal with process addictions in the context of a co-occurring disorder. This occurs when a person has both a mental disorder and chemical addiction simultaneously.
Addiction is a persistent compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. Everyone is addicted to something to some extent at some point in their life.
The obvious addictions are substance addictions which include tobacco, alcohol and drugs. And then there are the "process" addictions, the mood-altering behaviors or activities which include gambling, sex, love, work, shopping, computers, cell phones, etc. There is a growing recognition that many addicts are addicted to more than one substance or process.
Whenever we engage in an activity with the intention of avoiding our painful feelings, we are using that activity as an addiction. We can use anything as a way of avoiding how we feel and to avoid taking responsibility for our feelings. Anything can be an addiction, depending on our intention.
There is help for persons who are struggling with a process addiction and trying to get life "back on track". At Alta Mira we offer programs that deal with process addictions in the context of a co-occurring disorder.
For more information about Process Addictions, contact our call center at (866) 922.1350.
Sexual Addiction Treatment
We must look at sexual addiction from a clinical aspect. The person who is a sex addict has a compulsion that haunts them. It is like the alcoholic who suffers from closet drinking and then gets caught; the difference is the sex addiction has much more shame around it.
Alta Mira's programs treat sexual addiction using the framework of dealing with compulsion. The Internet has created an atmosphere where compulsion can be acted out in a private manner so that someone afflicted by the compulsion of masturbating, having live chat, or sending pornographic pictures can be done in isolation. The sex addict who is online also acts out offline. The secrets and fantasy lives of a sex addict stay hidden until they seek help.
Are you seeking help?
Alta Mira's treatment programs treat individuals in a safe and therapeutic environment. We approach the compulsion with education and group, individual and family therapy. It is imperative at Alta Mira to address the physical and psychological issues surrounding this compulsion. Our programs deal with sexual addiction when related with a co-occurring disorder.
In general, a client's biggest fear is that they will not be able to stop acting out. We are here to say, "Yes you can." Learning new behaviors is essential. There are several studies dating back to the early '70s documenting a neuron-chemical change that takes place in the body during sexual behavior. Patrick Carnes states, "Contrary to enjoying sex as a self-affirming source of physical pleasure, the sex addict has learned to rely on sex for comfort from pain, for nurturing or relief from stress."
Sex addiction can manifest in a variety of ways, however, through group and individual counseling, a sex addict begins to see the similarities in their manifestations compared to peers dealing with compulsions.
For a free phone consultation, please contact our call center at (866) 922.1350.
Problem and Compulsive Gambling
Problem and compulsive gambling is defined as having the urge and craving to gamble despite the consequences. With the onset and popularity of poker played in casinos and online, we have seen an upsurge in families torn apart by this issue.
Pathological gambling is the clinical term used when treating a gambling addiction. Problem behaviors around gambling include:
- Sports betting
- Casino gambling
- Racetrack betting
- Manipulation of stocks, bonds and futures commodities
All these can occur on the Internet and in regular business.
Alta Mira has developed an approach to help the gambler identify how to live again without gambling while dealing with a co-occurring condition. Most compulsive gamblers can admit that there are some problems but will not seek treatment because of the commitment.
Like most addictions the gambler thinks they can stop at any time and truly cannot understand why they need to stop immediately. At Alta Mira we focus on how to stop forever by approaching this from a spiritual and psychological approach. An individual treatment approach is the only way we have found for a gambler to truly recover. It is imperative to address issues that cause triggers and also address the devastation that this causes to the family.
Many studies have determined that the change in brain chemistry in gambling addiction is similar in nature to chemical addiction. When faced with a situation that can cause a thrill of excitement or stress of possibly losing, the gambler will actually have a chemical reaction that can be similar to a cocaine addict receiving an infusion of cocaine. As debts build up, the gambler at times can turn to other forms of self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse and even theft.
Alta Mira has an excellent medical and clinical staff who are up to date on the latest treatments for gambling addiction accompanied with a substance abuse. There are medications that can be quite helpful for some, while others learn to address the emotional turmoil in a more holistic way. Regardless of what preconceptions are out about gambling addictions, Alta Mira's approach is unique, affordable and state of the art.
Please call now for more information at (866) 922.1350.
Internet Addiction
Internet addiction has become prevalent in the United States. This addiction has been described as an impulse control disorder. The interesting and obvious point is that Internet addiction is very similar in nature to pathological gambling.
Many Internet addicts find themselves compulsively drawn to online communities. Sexual compulsivity at times is the root of the addict or online gambling. The preoccupation and anticipation of what is waiting for the addict takes away from being present in conversations and activities. As a result of this preoccupation and poor impulse control we see more and more Internet addicts suffering from increased anger, poor hygiene, poor social skills and loss of important relationships.
Alta Mira addresses the impulse control and helps the Internet addict choose their individual road to recovery. Our program excels at designing the right approach for each individual in the context of a co-occurring disorder.
Please call us for a free phone consultation if you or someone you love needs help with this issue.
Call today for more information at (866) 922-1350.
|
More Treatment Info
» Treatment Overview
» Integrated Treatment
» Chemical Dependency
» Co-Occurring Disorders
» Depression
» Trauma and PTSD
» Eating Disorders
» Codependency/Relationships
|
