Addiction is a process that slowly can take control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Usually someone develops an addiction to something because they are trying to change the way they feel. For example, someone might not like feeling anxious, so they use alcohol to cope with the anxiety in the short term. They learn that alcohol is very useful at getting rid of anxiety for a period of time. The problem is that the anxiety keeps coming back, so they repeatedly continue to use alcohol as an attempt to deal with the uncomfortable anxious feeling. Using alcohol to deal with anxiety turns into an automatic behavior that is difficult to change. Even if the person wants to stop using alcohol, this pattern is so ingrained in their brain and body that they feel hopeless.
Utilizing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) along with behavioral relaxation techniques you can learn to change these automatic patterns that keep you stuck in the cycle of addiction. We will take a close look at the “why” of addiction and get to the underlying issue that is driving the addictive behavior. Once we understand the “why” then we can start to change the addictive behavior. We typically will start by looking at sleep patterns and other factors that may be causing extra stress.
The next thing we will do is learn skills to relax your mind and body to feel more calm internally. Once you have learned how to feel more relaxed, we will then focus on learning “mindfulness” skills to stay aware of thoughts and feelings that can drive addictive behaviors. Once you are aware of these “triggers” you will be able to notice when they show up and create a new response that moves you away from the addictive behavior. Usually we will focus on creating a new response that aligns with your personal values. This will help you to feel proud of yourself for not engaging in the addictive behavior. Once this new pattern starts, we will focus on reinforcing it so the old addictive pattern is not as strong.
If you end up having a “using event” or “relapse”, we will learn from it and use this new information to help you in a future scenario. Each “using event” is an opportunity to learn about yourself. There is no such thing as “failing” in your recovery from addiction. As long as you commit to changing your life and stay committed, you will find more meaning and joy in life, while continuing to leave the old addictive behaviors in the past.