top of page

Addiction

When individuals think of the word addiction, they are often thinking of drugs or alcohol, yet addiction is a term that, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is a universal description of “a state of being compulsively committed to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming.” That description can indicate a reliance on narcotics, alcohol, or any number of compulsive behaviors.

 

​

How We Treat Addiction

Addiction can feel overwhelming. Frequently individuals who try to overcome it feel defeated. We understand that. Yet we have been witness to the multitude of success stories of our patients and know that addiction can be treated. That is why our approach is based on hope. We partner with our patients to help them break the grip of addiction on their lives. We use a combination of medication management and psychotherapy to help individuals.

the clarity approach.png
25216608_m_edited.jpg
Common Symptoms

 

  • Difficulty or inability to cut down or control addictive behavior

  • Budding tolerance to the addictive behavior where more is needed to achieve the desired effect

  • Physical and mental withdrawal symptoms

  • The addiction is more important than activities or obligations in someone’s life

  • Extreme mood change and/or changes in energy
     

Behavioral Signs
 

  • Acting secretive, odd phone conversations, lying, stealing

  • Changes in social groups or new and unusual friends

  • Repeated unexplained outings sometimes marked by a sense of urgency

  • Presence of drug paraphernalia

  • Stashes of drugs and disguising drugs in unusual packaging

​

Examples Include:

​

  • Opioids

  • Alcohol

  • Stimulants

  • Marijuana

  • Prescription drugs

  • Gambling

  • Sexual compulsive addiction

What is Addiction
 

Addiction is defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as “…a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Addiction is the most severe form of a full spectrum of substance use disorders, and is a medical illness caused by repeated misuse of a substance or substances.”

bottom of page