Addiction is a chronic disorder that is characterized by the compulsive seeking and use of a substance or behavior that, in the short term, causes a feeling of euphoria. An individual can become addicted to a substance: like drugs, alcohol, or food, or a process: like sex, gambling, or self-harm. Despite the short term good feelings that might result from using the substance or engaging in the behavior, the user often finds he or she is unable to stop and will continue compulsively seeking and using, even after experiencing devastating long-term consequences. 

It is rare that an individual becomes addicted to only one substance or behavior. More frequently we see individuals with multiple addictions and addiction interaction, the enhancement, reinforcement, or support of one addiction by another. Addiction interactions develop in different ways and serve different purposes. For example: One addiction can be used to mask another, as when someone only acts out sexually when they are drinking. The individual may present to therapy with a desire to cut down or stop drinking, with no knowledge that the sexual behaviors are also an addiction. Another example of addiction interaction is combining substances and behaviors to get a more potent effect than they do with each addiction separately. Finally, one addiction may be used to medicate pain and withdrawals caused by another addiction. 

Addiction is a maladaptive way of coping with unbearable emotions and trauma. In order to live free from addictive behaviors and prevent relapse, we walk alongside our clients to help them uncover the core issues that trigger their addictive behaviors and resolve them. At Highland Village Counseling we utilize a variety of treatment modalities to help clients process their core issues and develop more adaptive and healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and create healthier relationships.