Why do some people form addictions while others do not?
Initial use of substances or other problematic behaviors often begin voluntarily, borne from a sense of curiosity, the desire to be accepted by peers, or as an escape from the effects of trauma. No one experiments with alcohol or drugs with the intent of becoming addicted, and while addiction can develop within anyone, certain aspects make it more likely to occur in some individuals. A family history of substance abuse, personal trauma, domestic violence in the home (emotional, physical, or sexual), undiagnosed or untreated mental health conditions, and a lack of social support make addiction more likely to develop from experimental use. Brain Circuits Simplified The following is a simplified version of the brain chemistry underlying addiction as this forum does not support the time or space to detail the complexities involved. The key chemical involved in addiction (whether substance use or behavioral patterns) is dopamine which impacts several regions of the brain, collectively referred to as the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. Together, these areas of the brain support the necessary chemical reactions to induce pleasure sensations and reinforce those sensations, while simultaneously impairing one’s ability to control impulses and practice sound judgement. The brain remembers these pleasurable sensations and the more the behavior is practiced, the stronger the urge to repeat it becomes, sometimes in a habitual manner that manifests as chemical dependence (addiction). Addiction’s Impact on Quality of Life The impact of addiction can typically be seen in an individual’s personal relationships, job performance, finances, legal problems, and health concerns. One of the leading indicators that a person can achieve successful recovery is strong social support, like family and long-term friendships. Ironically, one of the biggest impacts of addiction is the damage to family relationships due to broken trust. Family and/or couples counseling can often increase the chances of a successful recovery as it helps to repair the damage inflicted by previous behaviors associated with substance abuse and reinstates a support system in the individual’s life. When family members are not willing to engage in the recovery process, therapists can often help clients find opportunities to develop new sober friendships to establish a support system. If you or a loved one is experiencing chemical dependance, there is help. Please contact our office at (252) 571-6508 to schedule an appointment with a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist that can walk you and your family through the process of recovery in a judgment-free environment. For more information about addiction, visit the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) website at https://nida.nih.gov/, or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website at https://www.samhsa.gov/. Written by Vicki Howe, LCMHC, LCAS, CCTP, NCC #Addiction #MedicalModel #Disease #Alcohol #SubstanceAbuse #BehavioralAddiction #Gambling #Pornography #FoodAddiction #BrainChemistry #Dopamine #Recovery #SupportSystem #FamilyRelationships #Counseling #AddictionRecovery #ChemicalDependence #Empathy #Support #NoStigma #EndTheStigma #MentalHealth #AddictionHelp #RecoveryJourney #Healing #Hope #SAMHSA #NIDA
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Meditation is a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting relaxation. Regular meditation practice helps calm the nervous system, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall well-being. Maybe the most beneficial aspect of meditation is its power to shift negative emotional energy into cultivating positive emotions. The nervous system is responsible for regulating the body’s response to stress and controlling the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When the nervous system is overstimulated, it leads to feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Meditation helps to calm the nervous system by slowing down the body’s physical and mental responses to stress. "I can never get my mind to stop." We hear this all the time from so many clients. We can't even get our minds to stop because the mind is always active. This takes practice, but there are several different types of meditation techniques that can be used to help with this. It does not always involve shutting off your thoughts. Mindfulness techniques can help to reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging relaxation, focusing on the present moment, and fostering positive emotions. Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment and non-judgmentally observing thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Become the observer instead of a participant. This type of meditation can help to reduce stress by increasing awareness of the mind-body connection and allowing individuals to detach from negative thoughts and emotions. Loving-kindness meditation involves focusing on positive emotions such as love, compassion, and kindness. This type of meditation can be used to shift negative emotional energy by increasing feelings of well-being and promoting positive feelings toward oneself and others. Body scan meditation involves lying down and focusing on each part of the body, one at a time, to release tension and promote relaxation. This type of meditation can help to calm the nervous system by reducing stress in the body and allowing for a deeper level of relaxation. When you engage in mindfulness meditation practices, rather than trying to block out thoughts, you're giving your mind-energy something to focus on other than the habitual process of scanning the past to assess future risks. Meditation can be practiced anywhere, at any time, and requires no special equipment. Begin by setting aside 10-20 minutes each day for meditation practice. Start by focusing on your breath and gradually progress to more advanced techniques. Over time, you may find that meditation becomes an integral part of your daily routine, providing a source of calm and balance in your life. Regular meditation practice can promote relaxation, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall well-being. The emotional energy shift you experience with meditation goes far beyond calming the nervous system. Emotional energy is central to your life and even manifestation. Give meditation a try and see the positive impact it can have on your life. By Deborah Ashway, LCMHC, LCAS #Meditation #EmotionalEnergy #EmotionalHealing #InnerPeace #EnergyShifting #StressRelief #Calmness #MindBodySpirit #PositiveEnergy Do you have too many regrets about your past and/or anxiety about your future? Mindfulness
may be for you! It can be defined, “...as meaning to remember to pay attention to what is occurring in one’s immediate experience with care and discernment (Wallace & Bodhi, 2006). Without research a person often finds themselves thinking that mindfulness means emptying your thoughts or never thinking about your past or present. It is not those things, but several thoughts put together to enhance the current activity and experiences of people. Mindfulness includes both mindful awareness followed by mindful practice. Mindful awareness is a way of being in the moment with everything included in that moment such as smells, sounds, how your body feels, your emotions, and your perceptions without adding to it or pushing away what we do not want to acknowledge. Have you ever had a thought in your head that led to an emotion that you did not understand or like so you distract yourself somehow instead of experiencing it? Mindfulness teaches how to sit with it instead. There are three core elements used in mindfulness and they are intention, attention, and attitude. Intention is the why of the situation. Why is this important to you? Why are you giving the item time in your life? Attention is, “... discerning and non-reactive, sustained and concentrated, so that we can see clearly what is arising in the present moment”. That includes thoughts, feelings and emotions that may be coming to the surface. Attitude has more to do with the approach in that we should use our heart when using mindfulness so that, “ with practice and right effort, individuals can learn to attend to their own internal and external experiences without evaluation or interpretation, and practice acceptance, kindness, and openness...”. In conclusion, mindfulness techniques can be used to stay in the present while slowing down our thoughts and intentionally staying in the situation as it is and experiencing all that comes with it. It takes time to master these techniques but thirty years of research has proven its usefulness, relevance, and benefits. References Shapiro, S. L., Carlson, L. E. (2006). Mechanisms of mindfulness. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62, 373-386. Shapiro, S. L., Carlson, L. E. (2017). What is mindfulness and how does it work in clinical settings?. The Art and Science of Mindfulness. 10-28. Shapiro, S. L., & Schwartz, G. E. (2000a). Intentional systemic mindfulness: An integrative model for self-regulation and health, Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 16, 128-134. By April Fitchett, LCSWA #Mindfulness #PresentMoment #SelfAwareness #EmotionalWellbeing #MentalHealth #MindfulPractice #MindfulAwareness #Acceptance #Kindness #Openness #StressManagement #AnxietyRelief #PositiveChange #EmbraceThePresent #MindfulLiving #MentalWellness #Meditation #StayInTheMoment #MindfulAttitude #MindfulApproach #InnerPeace #SelfDiscovery #MindfulThinking #EmotionalHealth #LiveInTheNow #MindfulnessBenefits #ResearchBacked #MindfulnessTechniques #MindfulnessMatters Individual counseling and therapy offer a transformative approach to addressing mental health challenges such as PTSD, cPTSD, codependency, anxiety, and stress. This unique and empowering treatment modality is designed to help individuals find healing and growth from within, using evidence-based practices and personalized treatment plans. Through personalized treatment plans, patients receive individualized care tailored to their unique needs, goals, and circumstances. We also emphasize mindfulness-based techniques for self-awareness and coping skills and take a long-term recovery focus for lasting well-being. If you or someone you really care about is seeking profound and lasting healing and growth, consider our empowering approach to mental health treatment.
Inner Strengths Unleashed: Mental Health Treatment With Inner Source Therapy Continue reading this blog to explore how mental health treatment with Inner Source Therapy can provide a nurturing and supportive environment, individualized care, trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and long-term recovery focus, empowering individuals to achieve profound and lasting well-being. 1. Nurturing And Supportive Environment For Healing Mental health treatment provides a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. Patients are encouraged to explore their inner selves and connect with their inner wisdom and resources. Through individual counseling, patients can work one-on-one with a therapist to develop a deep understanding of their mental health challenges and uncover the root causes of their symptoms. This supportive environment promotes self-reflection, self-compassion, and self-empowerment, creating a solid foundation for lasting healing and growth. 2. Individualized Care Tailored To Unique Needs One of the core features of mental health treatment is its individualized care approach. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs, goals, and circumstances. Further, it may include a combination of individual counseling, techniques, and other evidence-based practices that are specifically chosen to address the patient's mental health challenges. This individualized care ensures that the treatment is targeted, effective, and aligned with the patient's unique journey toward healing and growth. 3. Trauma-Informed Therapy For Comprehensive Healing Such treatments are grounded in trauma-informed therapy, recognizing that many mental health challenges are rooted in past traumas or adverse life experiences. Inner Source Therapy, a holistic and integrative approach, combines talk therapy with body-based techniques, mindfulness, and energy work to address the complex interplay between the mind, body, and emotions. Moreover, this trauma focused counseling approach allows patients to safely process and integrate their past traumas, promoting comprehensive healing at all levels of their being. 4. Mindfulness-Based Techniques For Self-Awareness And Coping Skills Mental health treatment also incorporates mindfulness-based techniques that promote self-awareness and healthy coping skills. Patients learn mindfulness practices that help them develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations and cultivate present-moment awareness. Additionally, these mindfulness-based techniques can assist patients in managing stress, anxiety, and triggers, promoting emotional regulation, and empowering them with effective coping skills for everyday life. 5. Long-Term Recovery Focus For Lasting Well-Being Inner Source Therapy takes a long-term recovery focus, aiming to provide patients with the tools, skills, and support network necessary for sustained well-being. The emphasis is not only on managing immediate symptoms but also on addressing underlying issues, building resilience, and developing healthy coping strategies for the long haul. Consequently, this long-term recovery focus empowers patients to not just survive but thrive, creating a solid foundation for lasting well-being and growth. Discover Your Inner Source Of Healing And Growth! Individual counseling and therapy are dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey of mental health and healing. Through our integrative and personalized approaches, we help uncover inner strengths, promote growth, and facilitate lasting recovery. If your loved one is seeking mental health treatment, contact Inner Source Therapy today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future. Together, we can unlock your inner strengths and empower you on your path to healing. Connect with us today! By Jessica Whittington, LCSW #MentalHealth #Therapy #Counseling #Healing #Growth #TraumaInformed #Mindfulness #SelfAwareness #CopingSkills #Wellbeing #RecoveryFocus #Empowerment #IndividualizedCare #EvidenceBased #HolisticApproach #InnerStrengths #InnerSourceTherapy #PTSD #cPTSD #Codependency #Anxiety #Stress #MentalHealthTreatment #LongTermRecovery #SupportiveEnvironment #SelfEmpowerment #EmotionalRegulation #MindBodyConnection #Nurturing #ComprehensiveHealing #MindBodyEmotions #PersonalizedTreatment #MentalWellness #HolisticHealing #TherapeuticApproach #BrighterFuture #Consultation #SelfReflection #SelfCompassion #NurturingEnvironment #SupportiveTherapy #EmpoweringRecovery #NurtureYourself #HealingJourney #LongLastingWellbeing #MentalHealthSupport #EmpowerYourself #MindfulLiving #SupportNetwork #TraumaHealing #SelfDiscovery #InnerWisdom #TherapyApproach #ResilienceBuilding #MentalHealthAwareness #IntegrativeApproach #MindfulnessPractices #SelfHealing #ComprehensiveSupport #EmpoweringTherapy #WellnessJourney #PositiveChange #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #IndividualTherapy #MentalHealthCare #EmotionalWellbeing #MentalHealthSupport #EmpowermentThroughTherapy #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthMatters #MindfulTherapy #TherapySession #TherapeuticJourney #SelfGrowth #EmpoweringTreatment #TherapyWorks #SelfImprovement #MentalHealthJourney #MentalHealthResources #MentalHealthHelp #PositiveMentalHealth #SelfDevelopment #TherapeuticApproach #MindfulLiving #InnerStrengthsUnleashed #MindfulnessMatters #IndividualCounseling #TherapeuticSupport #EmpoweringApproach #PositiveMindset #MentalHealthAwareness #IndividualTherapy #InnerSourceTherapy #TraumaHealing #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #WellnessJourney #PositiveChange #MentalHealthTreatment #InnerStrengths #Mindfulness #SelfAwareness #CopingSkills #Wellbeing #RecoveryFocus Premarital counseling is a therapy procedure that helps couples prepare for marriage. It is typically offered by therapists, psychologists, or other mental health professionals who specialize in working with couples. However, the primary goal of premarital counseling is to help couples build a strong and healthy foundation for their relationship before they get married. It can cover various topics, including communication, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, and parenting. For a successful session, you must take the services of reputed professionals. Read this blog further to explore how the sessions have addressed premarital issues. Explore The Ways To Address Premarital Issues In The Counseling The counseling process may involve individual sessions for each partner and joint sessions. The therapist may use various techniques and tools to help the couple better understand each other, identify potential conflict areas, and develop strategies to resolve conflicts. Overall, the counseling is designed to help couples set realistic expectations for their marriage. It further helps to develop the skills and tools for building a strong and lasting relationship and addresses stress management. Let's have a brief look at the process. 1. Explore The Significance Of Your Marriage Commitment Discuss your beliefs about marriage and how it will enhance your lives. Identify behaviors that are unacceptable in your marriage and those you aim to incorporate. Also, talk about how you will safeguard and honor your commitment. 2. Discuss Your Personal And Joint Aspirations And Goals Clearly articulate your strategies for the short and long term. Consider what career, community, and family objectives are important to you. Also, premarital counseling introduces the concept of planning and the sacrifices that will be necessary to achieve them. 3. Talk About Your Expectations For Your Relationship. Examine how you hope to support each other, the level of togetherness, and the comfortable time alone. It also includes the willingness to honor work, recreation, and intimacy agreements. Consider the importance of personal hobbies, friendships, and family time in your daily life. 4. Address Your Ideas Regarding Family Planning And Blending. Determine if you want children, how many, and how to handle any potential challenges in making that a reality. Premarital counseling includes discussions like parenting children from previous relationships and openly sharing child-rearing philosophies, values, and disciplinary measures that are important to you. 5. Discuss Your Perceptions And Expectations Regarding Financial Matters. Develop a system for financial review and accountability, honestly share your money histories, and openly discuss your current financial circumstances. Consider salary differentials, expectations regarding breadwinning, and lifestyle choices as your family grows. Additionally, consider how bills, personal and joint debt, credit, taxes, and savings will be managed. 6. Chat About Your Home Life And Living Arrangements. Talk about your everyday life together, whether you want to live near family or somewhere else, homeownership, and living in particular socio-economic locations. Consider whether you want to recreate the lifestyle you had as children or build an entirely different home life. Additionally, premarital counseling discusses the needs of your aging parents and how they may factor into your life together. 7. Develop A Plan For Resolving Conflict In A Productive Manner. Recognize that disagreements are inevitable and commit to managing them effectively. Discuss how you can handle points of conflict and ineffective communication patterns early on and fight with more tolerance and less resentment. Thus, it can help you identify and manage these areas of conflict. Strengthen Your Bond With Premarital Counseling Today! Getting premarital counseling can be extremely helpful for your relationship from the beginning. It can make you more comfortable seeking help if you encounter difficulties in your marriage in the future. It is a wise and proactive step to strengthen your love. Are you seeking effective therapy for depression and anxiety at a reasonable cost? You can connect with Inner Source Therapy for a one-stop solution for all kinds of therapies that impart clarity and wellness in life. Call us to explore our therapies and effective sessions. By Vicki Howe, LCMHC, LCAS #PremaritalCounseling #MarriagePreparation #RelationshipGoals #HealthyFoundation #CommunicationSkills #ConflictResolution #FinancialPlanning #Intimacy #Parenting #StrongRelationship #StressManagement #TherapyProcess #RelationshipBuilding #RealisticExpectations #MarriageCommitment #LifeGoals #FamilyPlanning #FinancialMatters #ConflictResolution #RelationshipCounseling #PremaritalTherapy #RelationshipGoals #MarriagePreparation #CouplesTherapy |
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