How Did My Addiction Start?
Alcohol and chemical dependence is a complex disorder that encompasses intense cravings and compulsive drug-seeking. Substance abuse can include addiction to alcohol, prescription drugs, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and other addictive substances. While the pathway to drug addiction begins with voluntary acts of taking drugs, over time drug use can become uncontrollable.
Drug addiction results from a complex interaction between an individual’s mind and body. An individual’s genetic makeup and health can precipitate the development of addiction. In some families, addiction can occur from generation to generation. Additionally, addiction is a brain disease involving multiple brain circuits, specifically those related to motivation, learning and behavior. Lastly, the social environment that we live in has a significant influence over our lives and any conflict with others may be a contributing factor in seeking drugs. Understanding and identifying the actual triggers of addiction is an important aspect of treatment.
Addiction Treatment
Dr. Mazzei has years of experience helping individuals overcome their addiction. She will work collaboratively with you to develop a customized and confidential treatment approach. Because addiction is a complex interaction of mind, body, and environment, treatment typically requires multiple components, including counseling and lifestyle management.
Engaging in counseling with an addiction specialist has been shown to be an effective treatment for drug addiction. The goal of substance abuse treatment is to help you identify the causes of your addiction, develop the necessary skills to cope with addiction, and foster positive life changes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are evidence-based treatments for substance abuse. In addition, incorporating hypnosis, EMDR, biofeedback or neurofeedback can be effective adjuncts to addiction treatment. These therapies involve improving your emotions, thinking, and behaving so that you can successfully overcome your addiction. Sometimes, therapy involves family members, which can help to improve relationships. Seeing someone trained to facilitate appropriate changes can help to treat the devastating effects of addiction.
In addition to addiction counseling, Dr. Mazzei offers substance abuse evaluations to provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s substance abuse issues and specific treatment recommendations.
Treatment components may include:
