Process Addiction is a Growing Problem

Process Addiction is a Growing Problem

When you think of addiction, you probably think of drugs and alcohol. If so, you are like most Americans who associate the term addiction with substance abuse. But a growing number of people have found themselves dealing with a new kind of addiction, and it actually affects millions of people. “Process addiction” refers to a compulsion to take part in certain activities, such as computer gaming and the internet, eating, sex, gambling, shopping, and even dependent relationships. We as humans can become addicted to just about anything, and we are seeing more and more new addictions in our country in recent years.

Invisible addiction
The problem with these kinds of addictions is that many people don’t yet recognize these things as harmful. In the case of computer addiction, the family members see their loved one just as much as they otherwise would, and they know they are home safe and not out doing drugs or drinking, but the problem is that the person can’t pull themselves away to interact with their family. Another problem with these things is that they gradually become addicting. A person can go and gamble for a while and be fine, or play a computer game occasionally. Then, for a reason unclear to scientists, the person becomes addicted and what was once a fun past time becomes a trap that holds them. These addictions are dubbed invisible addictions because it isn’t apparent from looking at a person that they are sick.

It may be that these addicts thrive on the highs and lows they experience while doing these activities. Gambling, for example, gives people a series of lows when loosing, and these actually make the winning times into a better “high”. It may also be that the brain releases its own chemicals that give the person a high when doing things such as shopping or gaming. Just like the cocaine addict, these people live for their “high” and not much else matters to them.

Signs and Treatment
There are warning signs that someone you love is becoming addicted and it is important to watch for them: spending less time with family and friends, falling grades or job performance, depression, loneliness, and lack of ambition to participate in things other than the addiction.

Just like substance addiction, process addictions can be treated, but catching the addiction early offers the best chance at success. The stronger the compulsion and the more a person’s lifestyle has been affected by the addiction, the harder it will be to get that life back.
Process addictions have been on the rise in recent years and there are now treatment centers that specialize in this type of mental illness. It is important to first of all admit that there is a problem beyond the addict’s control, and then seek professional help.

Sources

Vedder, Tracy Computer addiction a growing problem Apr 1, 2009

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/42296677.html

Clark, Bobbie Gaming’s lure addictive to some April 11, 2009 http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090411/NEWS01/904110341

10 Tips for Breaking an Internet Shopping Addiction March 25, 2009 http://www.promotionalcodes.org.uk/3235/10-tips-for-breaking-an-internet-
shopping-addiction/
Derworiz, Colette Gambling’s toll on social costs grow as economy softens March 23, 2009http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/fp/Gambling+toll+social+
costs+grow+economy+softens/1417947/story.html

Transformations Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

Transformations Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center is located in sunny south Florida. Delray Beach, Florida is known as the recovey capital of the nation and host thousands of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings weekly.
Transformations is a 30 to 90 day three phase step down program that specializes in relapse prevention, life skills coaching and Christian drug treatment. Transformations is unique because they are one of the few drug and alcohol treatment centers that offers beautiful 3 bedroom luxury apartments with private rooms while in drug and alcohol treatment. Transformations believes that people should be inspired by recovery and should not have to look at recovery or treatment as a step down but a giant step up.

Relapse Prevention and Life Skills Coaching

Relapse Prevention and Life Skills Coaching is proving to be extremely effective at Transformations Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center.

Relapse Prevention-
According to Matt Brindisi, the Admissions Coordinator for Transformations Treatment Center and Relapse Prevention Program, “I have seen why people come in and out of treatment and it is usually for the same reasons by different faces. People try to come out of the gate too quickly because they think that 30 days is enough treatment. Realistically, that does not make too much sense. Some people have been using for 5, 10 or even 20 years. So for someone to think they will be cured after 30 days is not realistic. Unfortunately, some people may not have the ability to stay 90 days because insurance just want allow it. So we offer those who can not stay 90 days the opportunity to come back three days a week for one year with hopes that they will achieve that one year of sobriety.”

Life Skills Coaching-
1. “Normal” life skills are often eschewed in favor of drug seeking behaviors while an addict is in the throes of his or her addiction. Because he learns new, drug seeking, habits, the healthy habits he or she might have once had are un-learned.

2. Drug rehabilitation offers the drug addict a chance to get clean in a safe and monitored environment. Often the addict becomes reliant upon that monitoring to keep him or her from returning to her former drug seeking ways. Once this monitoring is removed, many addicts find that they are not sure how to monitor themselves or how to get themselves into a regular, drug-free routine.

Transformations Treatment Center understands that the transition from life in rehab to life in the “regular world” is difficult for many recovering drug addicts and they have put together the Life Skills for Addicts program to help them both cope with that transition and learn how to continue leading a drug free life outside of rehab.