What is "addiction"?
Addiction is defined as dependence on a specific drug or engaging in a habit despite the fact that it causes psychological and physical harm. The need for reliance on the substance is so strong that it causes behavioral modifications in an individual. When our need for something becomes so severe that it begins to negatively impact our overall well-being, it can lead to the development of substance use and substance abuse disorders. Addiction can lead to various negative consequences which not only impact you but the people around you too. If necessary, you might consider online
psychiatric consultation from the best psychiatrist
in India to make the necessary intervention or through proper online counselling from a top psychologist in India as a way to combat this addiction.
Online addiction counseling is a convenient and effective form of therapy that provides support and guidance to individuals struggling with addiction. Conducted through digital platforms like video calls, chat, and email, it allows individuals to receive counseling from the best online counselor or the best psychologist near
me.
Types of addiction
1. Chemical Addiction- (Use of Substances)
This type of addiction involves the use of substances. ‘Addicted substances’ such as alcohol, and opioids, including both heroin as well as prescription pain medication like oxycodone and morphine. Other drugs like:
- Heroin,
- Opium,
- Cannabis,
- Tobacco,
- Cocaine,
- Alcohol
2. Behavioral Addiction -
This type of addiction involves compulsive behavior that brings Rewards to an individual. This reward is known as a ‘natural reward’ as they do not involve any negative consequences to mental, physical, and social well-being. On contrary, this can harm one’s financial well-being if it is related specifically to ‘shopping.’ Behavior that comes under this addiction is shopping, exercise, sex, TV, or social media. An individual with this sort of addiction engages in compulsive behavior that rewards them. Some of the behavioral addictions are-
- Shopping,
- Exercise,
- Sex,
- TV,
- Social media.
Signs & Symptoms of addiction
Aggression
Extreme dependence
Poor Appetite
Poor performance
Poor sleep
Strained relationships
Signs and symptoms of addiction can vary depending on the type of addiction, but some common signs include:
a. Changes in social groups, including new and unusual friends, increased sociability.
b. Increased energy, feeling high, and agitation.
c. Engaging in risky behaviors, legal and financial problems
d. Secretive behavior, such as being dishonest about whereabouts and activities
e. Neglecting duties such as those related to employment, school, or family
f. Loss of interest in previously cherished hobbies or activities
g. Changes in appearance, such as unexplained weight loss or gain, or neglecting personal hygiene
h. Increased tolerance, needing more of the substance to feel the desired effect
i.Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, such as shakiness, nausea, or headaches.
The signs of an overdose of the drug or substance include:
Drowsiness or trouble walking, Agitation, Aggression or violent behavior, Difficulty breathing, Nausea and vomiting, Hallucinations, Delusions, Paronia
Myths & Facts about addiction
Fact :
Admission into de-addiction centers depends upon the type and severity of addiction
Fact :
Drugs can have a powerful effect on the brain, making it difficult to control desires. Most addicts require one or more sessions of structured therapy to reduce or eliminate their habit.
Fact :
People who are ill require treatment, not punishment, to recover."
Fact :
Prescription drug addiction, including addiction to painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants, is a serious and expanding issue that affects people of all ages.
Fact :
People who are ill require treatment, not punishment, to recover.
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Online Counselling
Causes, Issues and challenges of addiction
Causes of Addiction
There are many potential causes of addiction that have been identified through research & clinical experience. The following are a few typical reasons for addiction:
- Genetics & Family history: According to research, the probability of having an addiction is increased by heredity. The likelihood of having an addiction might be increased by a family history of addiction.
- Environmental Factors: This includes things like exposure to drugs, stress, poverty, and living in a disordered family environment.
- Trauma: History of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, or neglect.
- Underlying Mental Health Disorders: Co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can increase the risk of substance abuse and dependence.
- Brain Changes: Repeated use of substances can permanently alter brain structures and functions, which can lead to addiction.
- Frequency & duration of substance use: A person is more likely to develop an addiction to a substance the more often they use it.
It is important to understand that addiction is a complex condition often arising from multiple factors. This is why addiction treatment typically involves a multimodal approach that targets these underlying causes.
Some of the common issues faced by persons having an addiction are:
- Physical health problems like heart disease, liver disease, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases.
- Psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, personality disorder, and suicidal thoughts.
- Relationship problems with family and friends, loss of trust, loneliness, and social isolation.
- Financial and legal problems, such as job loss, bankruptcy, jail, and legal charges.
- Stigma and discrimination, which may lead to social exclusion, and can make it difficult for people to seek help.
- Cravings and triggers, that can make it hard for people to maintain sobriety and stick to a recovery plan.
Loved ones of those struggling with addiction can also face a number of challenges and issues, such as:
- Emotional stress, feeling overwhelmed, and worried about their loved ones.
- Financial problems and job loss, which can happen when trying to support a loved one financially.
- Social isolation and loss of friends, especially when not many people understand their situation.
- Codependent behaviors, where they enable their loved one's addiction or have a difficult time setting boundaries.
- Feelings of guilt or shame can arise from being unable to help their loved one or feeling responsible for their addiction.
- Psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), which can develop from the stress and trauma of dealing with their loved one's addiction.
It is important for loved ones to also seek support for themselves, through support groups or online counseling with the best Psychologist
in India, in order to cope with these challenges and take care of their own mental health.
Faced by- The person-
- Isolation
- Guilt & Shame
- Developing new coping strategies
- Facing trauma and shame without alcohol or drug,
- Building a new relationship and rearing the old,
- Overcoming relapse
- Finding meaning or purpose in life.
- Other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, etc.
Faced by the person’s loved ones-
- Daily Arguments
- Trust Issues
- Marital Conflict
- Domestic Violence
- Neglect
- Legal Conflicts"
Treatment of addiction
De-addiction Management, also known as substance abuse treatment, is a process that involves the management and treatment of addiction to substances such as drugs and alcohol. There are various approaches and management processes for de-addiction, which are tailored to the individual's needs and preferences.
Some of the treatment approaches and management processes used in de-addiction are:
Detoxification: This is the first step in the de-addiction process, where the individual is medically monitored as the substance leaves their body. This process can be uncomfortable and may require medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Online Addiction Counselling - Online Addiction Counselling with the Best Psychologist
in India and best psychiatrist
in India for Deaddiction applies various behavioral therapies which aim to modify the individual's behavior and thought patterns to help them cope with addiction. These therapies may include:
a. Cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT): CBT used by the best therapists in India helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction. It teaches individuals how to recognize triggers and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse. CBT can help individuals develop healthy habits and change self-defeating beliefs about themselves and their addiction.
b. Motivational interviewing: Motivational
interviewing during online addiction counselling helps individuals identify their motivation for change and work towards setting and achieving goals. It helps individuals overcome ambivalence about making changes and build self-confidence to make positive changes in their lives.
c. Dialectical
behavioral therapy (DBT): This approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness techniques. DBT when used in online addiction counselling, helps individuals learn how to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop coping skills. It can be particularly effective for co-occurring mental health conditions.
d. Contingency management (CM): This approach uses positive reinforcement to reward individuals for positive behaviors and milestones achieved in their recovery journey. It can help individuals stay motivated and committed to their recovery goals.
e. Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT): This approach is used by the deaddiction counsellor on the individual in the context of their family and social environment. It helps family members develop skills to support their loved one's recovery and improve family dynamics. It can also help individuals develop skills to manage stress and cope with triggers outside of the family environment.
Medication-assisted treatment with the best Online Psychiatric Consultation for Addiction: This approach uses medication prescribed by the Best Psychiatrist
in India for Deaddiction to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. Medications used may include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Any medication taken should be prescribed in consultation with a professional psychiatrist.
Support groups for Deaddiction: Support groups for Deaddiction such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide a supportive environment for individuals in recovery. They offer peer support and accountability, which can be beneficial in the recovery process.
Rehabilitation Programs-
a. Short-term residential treatment- Inpatient treatment for Deaddiction involves staying at a treatment center for a period of time to receive intensive treatment from the best psychiatrists in support of top psychologists. This approach can be beneficial for individuals with severe addiction or those who need a more structured environment to recover.
b. Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment for Deaddiction involves visiting a treatment center for therapy sessions or online addiction counselling sessions and support groups while continuing to live at home. This approach is suitable for individuals with milder addiction and those who cannot take time off from work or family obligations.
Benefits of Online Counselling for addiction
Some of the benefits of counseling for addiction are:
- Provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their addiction and related issues.
- Helps individuals develop coping strategies and tools to manage triggers and prevent relapse.
- Provides a non-judgmental space for individuals to process and work through underlying emotions and trauma that contribute to addiction.
- Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Provides a space for individuals to develop healthy relationships and build a support system for recovery.
- Can help individuals improve their overall mental health and well-being.
- Can improve family dynamics and relationships by involving family members in the counseling process.
- Provides a sense of accountability and motivation for individuals to stay committed to their recovery goals.
- Can be tailored to an individual's specific needs and preferences to provide personalized support and care.
- Overall, online addiction counseling can be an essential tool in the recovery journey and can help individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term sobriety.
Best Therapists in India for addiction
Suffering from addiction? Seek online addiction therapy to regain control of your life and lead a better future.
addiction Related Blogs
Frequently Asked Questions on addiction
If you think your addiction has turned into a substance use/abuse disorder, it is best to contact an online counselor/therapist who specializes in rehabilitation and online counselling for addiction. However, if you think it is an addiction that you can overcome on your own, you can start by observing and understanding the pattern of your addictive behavior. This should be followed by breaking the chain of addictive behavior. You should also focus on taking small steps to develop counter-addictive patterns. You need to be dedicated to staying away from temptations. Since rehabilitation or de-addiction treatments often involve medication, it is best to undergo de-addiction under the counsel of the best therapist in India.
Addiction is a medical illness that alters brain functions. Whereas substance use disorder is identified as a “mental health condition”. It is observed in various studies that people with an addiction problem are twice as possible as the general population to have a mental illness at the same time. However, substance use/abuse is a disorder identified in the DSM 5 and ICD 11. If you are looking for the best "psychologist near me" for de-addiction counselling, TalktoAngel can help you with a top online therapist and the best psychiatrist in India for online counselling for addiction.
Addiction can be caused due to several reasons. Heredity is one major factor, if you have a family history of addiction; you are predisposed to this condition and have higher chances of becoming an addict if introduced to it. There are other causes too like prenatal exposures, early indulgence in addiction-related activities, and developing addiction as a stress buster or coping mechanism. According to studies, stress is a significant contributor to mental health issues like addiction and can also originate from other underlying mental health issues like depression, and anxiety In such cases seeking help from online psychologists can help in addressing those mental well-being concerns.
You cannot take medication for addiction, substance use, or abuse disorder without the consultation of a psychiatrist. It is unprofessional and ethically wrong for us to disclose any medications in this manner. You can consult with one of our online psychiatrists. Moreover, medication is only effective in the long term if coupled with effective online psychological counselling.
TalktoAngel is an online platform that provides quality online therapy and other mental health services online. We have online therapists that specialize in de-addiction to online counseling and recovery and can assist you in recovering greatly from addiction. These professionals are skilled in addressing these issues through online addiction counselling. The best psychologist in India and top online psychiatrist can assist you in overcoming your dependency via cognitive restructuring, exploration of emotions, and issue-solving approaches. You can work with an online counselor to set short-term and long-term goals to deal with addiction. Furthermore, at TalktoAngel, we put your needs first. Our online addiction counseling experts can help you with flexible appointments, and personalized and customized intervention plans all at the tip of your fingers.
Alcohol deaddiction is possible through online counselling and treatments, such as behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy. With the right addiction counselling and addiction support, a person can reduce or stop drinking altogether. Alcohol deaddiction is the process of overcoming addiction, involving a shift in attitude, behavior, and lifestyle. Alcohol deaddiction involves getting rid of physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Addiction counselling may include various forms of therapy, counseling, and deaddiction support from family, friends, and best deaddiction counsellors online. During deaddiction and addiction counselling sessions, people may need to learn new ways of coping with problems, and practices such as relaxation and mindfulness may be used. Ultimately, deaddiction requires a change in mindset and lifestyle as well as ongoing support and addiction counseling online.
Mobile phone addiction is a growing phenomenon, especially among younger generations, where people become dependent on their mobile phones for social connection and entertainment. Individuals with mobile phone addiction experience an urge to frequently check for new notifications or messages on their mobile phones, leading to a disruption of regular activities and social interactions. Youngsters with mobile phone addiction can become so addicted to their mobile phones AI-enabled capabilities, content, and apps that they find it difficult to be without them, leading to potential consequences like strained relationships, increased stress and anxiety, and lower academic performance.
Addiction counselling for mobile phone addiction can help individuals manage their addictive behaviors. Addiction Counselling can focus on understanding triggers, developing healthy habits, exploring underlying causes, and setting realistic goals. Cyber-deaddiction Counselling can also provide support, and guidance from the best psychologist and online counsellors to help individuals build coping skills and find alternative activities to replace their mobile phone addiction.
Pornography addiction is an alarming psychological disorder in which an individual uses porn to an unhealthy degree. Pornography can interfere with interpersonal relationships, cause financial problems, and lead to depression. Addiction Counselling for pornography addiction includes cognitive behavioral therapy but also requires commitment and support from top psychologists and the best online therapists and counsellors online. Loved ones can help by providing understanding, support, and resources that encourage a path toward pornography deaddiction.
Social media addiction can be a serious problem, causing people to spend too much time on their devices. It can lead to negative consequences, such as poor mental and physical health, increased anxiety, and even alienation from others. Despite these risks, addiction counselling can be taken to reduce social media addiction. Taking regular breaks from devices and avoiding triggers like notifications can make a big difference. Addiction counselling from the best online counselling and top psychologist for social media deaddiction can help in setting time limits and taking care of your anxiety, stress, and depression while working with you on social media deaddiction.
