More often than not, addictions start with experimental use of a substance in social situations. And for some people, the substance use becomes more frequent. As time passes, a person may feel the need to use more of a substance to get their desired high, and soon a person may need the drug to simply feel “good.” This is also true when a person becomes addicted to the process of engaging in and receiving pleasure from certain behaviors such as gaming, technology, sex, food, shopping, stealing, etc.
Addiction symptoms and behaviors include, among others:
- Feeling the need to use the substance or engage in the behavior regularly, which can be daily or multiple times a day
- Having intense urges for the substance or behavior
- Over time, needing more of the substance or behavior to get the same effect
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the substance or access to the behavior
- Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities
- Doing things you wouldn’t normally do to get the substance or engage in the behavior
- Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the substance or engaging in the behavior
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance or behavior
- Failed attempts to quit using the substance or stop engaging in the behavior
If you can relate to any of the above symptoms or behaviors, it may be time to consider Recovery Coaching.
As a Recovery Coach, I will address the symptoms of your addiction and the related areas of impaired functioning, and together we’ll structure the time and content of your ongoing recovery.
I believe that there are many paths to successful recovery that will work with your goals and desires, and ensure you can make the life changes you want to make. Contact me today for a free consultation.