Addiction is a serious issue in society.  Addiction tears apart families and destroys relationships.  Knowing that one is addicted is the first step to recovery.

It is usually very self apparent if one is addicted, but there are questions and measurements to evaluate if one is addicted.  Substance Abuse Counselors can go through a series of questions to determine if someone is addicted.

The article, “How Addiction Is Diagnosed” by Chrystine Wagner takes a closer look at addiction and what the dictates if one is addicted.  She states,

“Since addiction is often a self-diagnosed condition, recognizing or deciding you may be struggling with an addiction is often one of the biggest challenges in recovery. Everyone who has an addiction comes to that recognition in different ways.  Questions to ask yourself if you think you may have an addiction include…”

To read the entire article, please click here

The most common elements are over indulgence and the inability to stop.  Other factors to consider include loss of time for other things, broken relationships, loss wages and jobs, and excessive time and spending on the habit.

To learn more about addiction, please review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Addiction treatment plans differ and vary depending on the severity and type of addictions.  For most substances, licensed counselors or professional therapists will prescribe certain medications, as well as supply certain behavioral therapies.  Substance Abuse Counselors can play a role in guiding others at a lower level with basic guidance and encouragement and direction.

The article, “How Addiction Is TreatedA” by Ruth Edwards supplies an indepth look at a variety of treatment responses to a multitude of different drugs.  She states,

“Addiction is a complex chronic brain condition that is characterized by substance abuse or repetitive engagement in preblematic behaviors, such as gambling, which then continues despite causing harm to yourself or others.1 It involves interactions between the brain, genes, and environmental factors.  Common treatment approaches include behavioral therapies and medications. Different treatment options are recommended depending on the specific addiction, and in many cases, a combination of approaches is advised.”

The article then covers a myriad of different substances and recommended treatment plans.  To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a certification in Substance Abuse Counseling Training.

Addiction is a powerful thing even during normal times.  Isolation and quarantine can make addiction even harder.  Lack of social support, counseling and being around other people can make one turn towards addicting things.  Instead of connection, the person returns to addiction.

The article, “Managing Addiction Recovery During Self-Isolation” from Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials takes a closer look how one can manage addiction during self-isolation.  The article states,

Managing addiction recovery can be difficult at any time but the recent coronavirus pandemic has made doing so even harder. Besides affecting in-person meetings and appointments, current quarantine rules have also put extra strain on those struggling with recovery. But that doesn’t mean any efforts are hopeless. Understanding what triggers can add stress to your situation can make dealing with current circumstances easier. And it’s also important to know how many ways you can still receive the support you need.

To read the entire article, please click here

Identifying triggers is a key part of managing oneself during self isolation.  Being able to ward off the feelings of need is also key.  This is easier said then done but the article above hopes to give a few ways to make it less difficult.  If you would like to become certified in Substance Abuse Counseling and would like to help others, please review AIHCP’s program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.