Addiction

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is a process addiction? When thinking of the word “addiction,” one may picture alcohol, illegal drugs like cocaine, or addictive prescription drugs  – all substances of abuse. However, addictions come in many forms and are not limited to substances. Addiction can look like repeated behaviors that have harmful effects on a person’s life. Behavioral addiction, also called process addiction, refers to “the compulsion to continually engage in an activity or behavior despite the negative impact on the person’s ability to remain mentally and/or physically healthy and functional in the home and community” (American Addiction Centers, 2022).  Common for all who struggle with addiction, those who have process addictions may find the behavior they engage in psychologically rewarding, perhaps even feeling elated or “high” while engaging, only to later feel remorse, guilt, and experience consequences for said behavior. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for human pleasure, satisfaction, …

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Staying sober throughout the year can be challenging, especially during holidays and other events involving alcohol. However, by following a few tips, it can be possible to maintain sobriety and continue to make progress in recovery. New Year’s resolutions are a great way to focus on improving and developing yourself. Many people choose to make resolutions about their health and well-being, such as quitting smoking or drinking less alcohol. Staying sober for a year is an admirable goal that requires dedication and determination to follow through with. In this article, we’re exploring helpful tips for staying sober all year. Tips for Staying Sober  Staying sober does not mean cutting out all pleasure from your life – there are many sober activities that can be enjoyed without having a drop of alcohol involved. Taking up sports or another hobby is a great way to keep busy and stay healthy; going for …

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To quit cold turkey means to stop doing something abruptly without help from a professional and use replacement medications. When someone says they will quit cold turkey, they aren’t usually smiling with joy. That’s because they know the awful, sometimes painful symptoms that follow quitting something abruptly, like an addiction or substance abuse problem. It is the withdrawal symptoms that cause most people to relapse on whatever their drug of choice. If you have ever tried to quit sugar or caffeine, you know the headaches, goosebumps, chills, nausea, and irritability that set in within six hours of not having them. For many, it doesn’t take much longer than that to use sugar and caffeine again. When someone wants to quit misusing alcohol or drugs cold turkey, they will experience much harsher withdrawal symptoms. Depending on their drug of choice, quitting cold turkey can be more dangerous than continuing to use the substance. …

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