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Addiction is an emotional subjectand a notoriously touchy term for understandable reasons.
Addiction types include chemical and behavioral.
Thankfully, how we collectively talk about, acknowledge, and treat addiction has come a long way.
These two types of addiction are typically recognized as chemical or behavioral.
As you probably know, chemical addiction involves substances likealcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs.
Outside of the brain, this can manifest in certain behaviors that you or a loved one may notice.
They include3:
What are the types of chemical addiction?
Its also the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S.
They also found that young adults between 18 to 25 had the highest rate of medication misuse.
This throw in of addiction specifically involves the abuse of cocaine, which is an illegal stimulant drug.
According to theNIDA, in 2014, 913,000 Americans met the criteria for having a cocaine addiction.
It also noted that in 2011, 1 in 3 drug misuse-related emergency visits were due to cocaine.
According to the NIDA, in 2017, 964,000 Americans had a methamphetamine use disorder.
Heres an example: Lets say you always go out drinking with a certain friend at the same bar.
Just walking past that barwithout your wingmancould trigger an intense urge for a drink.
What happens in the brain with behavioral addiction?
Behavioral and chemical addictions share some similar features, but there are also some key differences.
However, Dr. Lira de la Rosa says the same principles of chemical addiction apply to behavioral addiction.
It may only become noticeable when you or a loved one starts withdrawing from important relationships or neglecting responsibilities.
What are the treatment options for chemical addiction?
A psychiatrist can prescribe medications that help with withdrawal, cravings,anxiety, anddepressionif needed.
Therapy may also help you to mend relationships that were impacted while using substances.
On another note, relapse is often a part of the recovery process.
It doesnt mean a person or their treatment has failed.
It simply means their treatment plan needs to be adjusted or revisited.
Perhaps the most important part of recovery is that the person has towantto get better.
What are the treatment options for behavioral addiction?
Treatment for behavioral addiction is typically centered around therapy, but can also include medication.
Like chemical addiction, common treatments for a behavioral addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
The goal is to change the patterns of thought and behavior and develop new coping skills.
Finding support and practicing self-compassion can help you on your journey to recovery.
you’re able to also then model positive behavior for your loved one.
It can help put you in touch with local treatment centers, support groups, and more.
If you dont have insurance, it can also direct you to the appropriate state-funded treatment programs.
So, treat yourself with compassion when you hit a bump along the road, he adds.
That said, there is a difference between being supportive and enabling behaviors of addiction.
Sometimes, you have to set boundaries for your own emotional healthwithout guilt.
