Addiction is an illness that does not discriminate. While some are more prone to addictive behaviors due to genetic and environmental factors, it still may be difficult to differentiate between a bad habit and an addiction. By our very nature, humans are all creatures of habit. Everyone, of course, has both good and bad habits, but at what point do poor habits become addictions? At Lake Ave Recovery, our expert master’s and doctorate-level clinicians are experienced in helping individuals break free from the cycle of denial, regret, and addiction.
What is a Habit?
A habit can be seen as a pattern of behavior that is formed over time by repetition, whether it is intentional or unintentional. For example, the order in which someone puts on their socks and shoes before leaving their house can become a habit. Repeating an action until it is ingrained establishes a pathway that is effortlessly followed again as a person becomes more proficient at carrying out the task automatically.
Some may brush off their substance or alcohol use as just a bad habit that they have. However, when you are no longer aware or disregard how this behavior is impairing your life, it crosses over into an addiction.
What is an Addiction?
As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Prevention efforts and treatment approaches are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.”
With addiction, a person continues to engage in alcohol or substance use despite negative consequences, be it physical, professional, or social. A habit is said to spiral into an addiction when it is difficult to quit and has a negative impact on day-to-day life.
Signs of Addiction
- Loss of control: Wanting to stop but can not
- Continued substance use despite physical and mental harm
- Denial of addiction
- Hiding use
- Slurred speech
- Insomnia
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Poor physical condition
- Sudden mood swings
- Irritability
- Withdrawing from others
- Paranoia
Why Choose Lake Ave Recovery for Your Treatment Needs?
Addiction is a complex illness that often coincides with other mental health or medical issues. When trying to help a loved one battling a substance use disorder, it is critical to seek professional help. At Lake Ave Recovery, we offer varying levels of care. We guide individuals down a comprehensive addiction recovery path that includes a Day Treatment Program/Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Evening Treatment Program, and a flexible Outpatient Program. Our experienced medical and clinical staff use a comprehensive assessment to determine which level of treatment would be most suitable to ensure your loved one gets the help they deserve.
At Lake Ave Recovery, we offer trauma-informed holistic care that includes an individualized treatment plan that focuses on a person’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences and incorporates mindfulness and experiences services into treatment. We offer various holistic and mindfulness services to coincide with our evidence-based treatment programs because we believe in a complete, whole-body approach to addiction treatment. We understand the importance of well-rounded care that includes a wide range of therapeutic and holistic services to heal on multiple levels and find what works best for clients when they return to their regular lives.
To learn more about our transformative treatment programs, call 508-794-4400.