Treating sexual addiction and substance abuse concurrently

September 23, 2015

Treating sexual addiction and substance abuse concurrently: Treating multiple addictions

Treating sexual addiction and substance abuse concurrently will help you remove the element of shame that is always associated with sex and besides it will give you the new lease of life full of comfort and fulfillment.

Talking of addiction, people often associate addiction only with drugs and other substance of abuse. We have actually been brought up knowing that drugs both illicit and prescription drugs are the elements that qualify for abuse and so many people have narrowed their minds in that school of thought. But is it really the true position of the understanding of what addiction is all about? We spoke with the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of a renowned addiction expert doctor Dalal Akoury about this subject and we want to share with you some of the outcome of that discussion particularly on the significance of treating sexual addiction and substance abuse concurrently. From the discussion we were able to establish that there are different kinds of addictions. One could be addicted to drugs and alcohol, or to certain behaviors or even both. Doctor Akoury explains that behavioral addiction may include addiction to sexual activities, gaming from the computer devices, gambling and many others. And like we had stated before that, one could be addiction to either one or both. Therefore take for example sexual addiction can be accompanied by other addictions or other substances of abuse. She continues to states that while on the surface, different addictions seem to be associated with their own unique set of behaviors they are often fueled by the same underlying feelings of guilt, shame, avoidance and trauma. Addictions interact within the individual making it difficult to tease them apart.

Treating sexual addiction and substance abuse concurrently: Patterns of problematic substances

When examining patterns of problematic substance use in individuals seeking help for a sexual addiction, it becomes clear that the two are indistinguishably linked together. It is estimated from the various studies that between 40-60% of individuals struggling with sexual addiction also meet the criteria for alcohol or drug addiction. And according to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center it is evident that many individuals with sexual addiction problems have actually admitted to using substances in order to deal with, or escape from, the pain that is caused by their sexual behavior. Besides that it is also very common that many people are currently using substances to get over their inhibitions in order to engage in sexual behaviors that might be uncharacteristic for them if they were not drunk or high further explaining the significance of multi addiction. We must therefore seek for information by way of investigating how multiple addictions can feed into one another. This is very important because it is possible that individuals may use one of their addictions to mask or dismiss the other addiction and this could be influenced by various reasons including fear and shames especially those elements that are considered shameful addiction. Like for instance take for example, an individual may deny having a problem with sexual addiction and insist completely that their problematic sexual behavior is only caused by intoxication. However, the truth of the matter in this case may be that the drugs or alcohol are merely concealing the pain and shameful acts that are associated with the sexual addiction thereby helping the person to be spared from the emotional consequences of his or her actions. By the same token, both addictions may work on intensifying one another in such a way that the person only engages in their sexual addiction under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These rituals then serve to protect the addiction and ensure that patterns of use are stable and predictable and this can be very dangerous if not dealt with expeditiously.

A major concern with treatment of substance use disorder alone is that untreated sexual addiction often precipitates a relapse of substance use. Dealing with one addiction while ignoring the other may end up intensifying the problem that has not been addressed. A good example would be when a person in early recovery from a substance addiction turns to sexual performance enhancers in order to continue the ritualized sexual behavior that was previously enhanced by the substance use. This sexual behavior can continue to be problematic for the individual. The individual may continue to feel a sense of shame and pain. Therefore recovery is about addressing the entire addictive process, not just those associated with a particular substance or behavior. The addictive process, whether it be related to sexual behavior or substances is often characterized by a pattern of secrecy, cognitive distortions and rituals. Therefore recovery from addiction regardless of type, would involve embracing and attempting to live a life of honesty, authenticity and emotional growth.

Fortunately, many underlying similarities between multiple addictions mean that the underlying framework for concurrent treatment is quite effective. According to a recent study conducted at Bellwood Health Services confirms that individuals with a comorbid sexual addiction and substance use disorder attending the same treatment centre as those with only sexual addiction, have comparable treatment outcomes at six months follow-up. Both groups demonstrated substantial improvement not only on measures of substance use and sexual impulse control but also on self-reported measures of well-being and quality of life.

Treating sexual addiction and substance abuse concurrently: Replacing the maladaptive coping strategies

Finally and looking at some of the past psychological trauma, sexual abuse, abandonment and neglect, doctor Akoury reiterates that these are some of the very important issues that need to be addressed in treatment. Therefore any recovering addict must endeavor to learn on how to recognize the signs of being actively involved in the addictive process and work hard primarily at replacing all the maladaptive coping strategies with positive and affirming ones. Moreover the individual addict needs to be empowered and be given the necessary tools to be able to function effectively in their environment and successfully meet all life’s challenges without turning to substance use or problematic sexual behavior. We know that this can be very difficult to some of you and if you’re that person, then you need not to give up because there is help on the way upon calling doctor Dalal Akoury today to schedule for a one on one meeting with her and your life will never be the same again thereafter.

Treating sexual addiction and substance abuse concurrently: Treating multiple addictions

Managing Forms of Fear in Addiction Recovery

July 20, 2015

Forms Of Fear And Addiction And How To Manage

Ever found yourself at a scene of accident? Ever watched a horror movie? Well many of us have.

It is indeed dreadful. These two however brings out different kinds of fear in many of us. One is the kind you never want to experience ever. The other is the kind that despite the fact it holds our breaths and makes our hearts beat a little faster we still mole around and find some fun in them. Or who enjoys accident scenes; trust me not even the corps. How about anaconda, or the vampire diaries, aren’t they some of your favorites? The answer is obvious. Now back to our subject, fear and addiction.

One of the greatest concerns of an addict on rehab is fear. The following are some of the most common forms of fear among the addicts.

Fear of recovery from addiction

As mentioned in many other reports, addiction is both rewarding and reinforcing. One major concern therefore is losing the very substances that gave them a sense of happiness and joy, losing their primary forms of pleasure and replacing the same with new ones that do not in essence give similar kind of pleasure quickly. Many addicts wonder whether really they are able to sustain recovery and their life after victory.

fear

Fear of Failure to Recover

It has also been mentioned a number times recovery is a long journey. In the course of it, there are several pitfalls and failures. There are times of doubt; there are those times the addict thinks s/he set her/his goals so high. At which point they think they do not have what it takes. And they attempt to fall back due to fear and addiction.

Fear of Victory over Addiction

Isn’t it ironical this comes after that of disappointment? Could be there are good reasons for this too. Naturally human beings are curious. They often wonder what it is on the other side. Usually they do not know. This develops into a form of fear similar to one of the most dreaded, fear of the unknown. Isn’t it true people fear walking in the dark? Similarly addicts may not know exactly what would happen once they recover. They may know the benefits yes, but they may not yet know a whole lot of other things including; how to deal with the past, and new identities.

Fear of Denial by Family and Friends

Many addicts are slow on coming to terms with reality. They fail to admit they have a problem. They go about recovery either discretely or normally and in total disregard of their situation. They find it hard in the face of mockery and or rejection by their old friends. It could be the ones who led them into the problem in the first place or the new recruits who are probably still blinded by the short-term benefits of addiction and are yet to face any real consequences. Many addicts fear being judged. However the worst form of fear under this category is the fear to seek support.

Fear of Falling Back

There are never assurances to recovery. They are never clear cut treatment. These make this form of fear very real. Recovery demands a lot of commitment. Many addicts therefore fail to take any steps concerned the whole process might fail they shall be right back where they started, states of both fear and addiction.

The road leading to addiction is straight and smooth. Addiction is both rewarding and repetitive, literally making the ride fun. But there are consequences, most of the time dreadful. This reminds us the way back to recovery. Unlike the road down to addiction, the one back to sobriety is rough and bumpy. Sometimes it is so rocky we get stuck, other times it’s so muddy and slippery we get back down to addiction and wait for another season. Faced with both fear and addiction, it is important to be bold and take the right steps back to recovery. What then must we do to manage such fear and addiction?

Based on Fear of Recovery

The first thing to do when faced with any form of fear is to recognize it. The other thing to do is to overcome. However the latter is never easy. It is advisable to take a step at a time. Also, it is advisable to share the same with a therapist who will be able to walk you through the steps. The other forum, rather one of the best is sign up in a support group where you will likely meet other addicts undergoing the process, probably harboring the same fears. Don’t they say always there is security in numbers?

Based on Fear of Failure

It is simple, first recognize the fact there are failures along this path. Second everyone is unique; it might be a simple straight path as so and so. Once these facts have settled drop a perfectionist kind of attitude and go through the process. When faced with difficulties, share the same with the therapist and try another approach. Also, persistence is crucial in managing this form of fear and addiction.

Based on Fear of Victory

How about try not resisting this kind of fear? How about identifying it and yet letting it be? Many however have found a secret in simply letting the future be and living in the present.

Based on Fear of Denial

This form of fear demands great support by trusted family and friends. It is overcome by signing up into support groups.

Based on Fear of Falling Back

This has been solved by the discovery of the brain’s ability to reorganize itself to a state of normal functioning, neuroplasticity. The secret here is in abstinence; this is so that the brain is able to remold back to a former state of sobriety. It also involves exposing yourself more to alternative forms of pleasure.

The above, very important, are a tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more to fear and addiction you may find very useful to you. Click on http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com to find a whole piece of information on fear and addiction.

Forms Of Fear And Addiction And How To Manage

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