Sexual, Gambling and Internet Addictions Treatment
Addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. Everyone is addicted to something to some extent at some point in their life. The obvious addictions are substance addictions which include tobacco, alcohol and drugs. And then there are the "process" addictions, the mood-altering behaviors or activities which include gambling, sex, love, work, shopping, computers, cell phones, etc. There is a growing recognition that many addicts are addicted to more than one substance or process.
Whenever we engage in an activity with the intention of avoiding our painful feelings, we are using that activity as an addiction. We can use anything as a way of avoiding how we feel and to avoid taking responsibility for our feelings. Anything can be an addiction, depending on our intention. For example, when you do something because it is something you really enjoy doing and your intention to take care of yourself then that activity is not being used as an addiction. But when the intent is to avoid painful feelings or to seek approval, then the activity is being used as an addiction.
There is help for persons who are struggling with a process addiction and getting life "back on track".
Sexual Addiction Treatment
Let's start off with what no one wants to say - Sex Addicts, Sex Addiction. With this out of the way we must look at sexual addiction from a clinical aspect. The person who is a sex addict has a compulsion that haunts them. It is like the alcoholic who suffers from closet drinking and then gets caught, the difference is the sex addict has so much shame around it.Alta Mira Treatment Programs treats sexual addiction using the framework of dealing with compulsion. The internet has created an atmosphere where compulsion can be acted out in a private manner so that someone afflicted by the compulsion of masturbating, having live chat, sending pornographic pictures can be done in isolation. The sex addict who is online also acts out off line. The secrets and fantasy lives of a sex addict stay hidden until they seek help.
Are you seeking help? If so you have found the right place! Alta Mira Treatment Programs treats heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian men and women in a safe and therapeutic environment. We approach the compulsion with education, group therapy, individual therapy and family therapy. We are a residential program located in Sausalito California. We recommend a patient to stay in our environment so they can, from the very beginning, CHANGE THE ROUTINE. It is imperative at Alta Mira Treatment Programs to address the physical and psychological issues surrounding this compulsion.
Many times when a client will call, their biggest fear is that they will not be able to stop acting out. We are here to say YES YOU CAN. Learning new behaviors is essential. There are several studies dating back to the early seventies where it is documented that there is a neuron-chemical change that takes place in the body during sexual behavior. Patrick Carnes states, “Contrary to enjoying sex as a self-affirming source of physical pleasure, the sex addict has learned to rely on sex for comfort from pain, for nurturing or relief from stress," comparable to the alcoholic's purposeful use of alcohol.
Sex addiction can manifest in a variety of ways, however, through group and individual counseling, a sex addict begins to see the similarities in their manifestations compared to peers dealing with compulsions.
Please call Alta Mira Treatment Programs at 866.922.1350 for a free phone consultation - you do not have to be alone, we can help you!
Problem and Compulsive Gambling
The urge and craving to gamble despite the consequences is a simple definition for problem and compulsive gambling. With the onset and popularity of poker both played in casinos and online, we have seen an upsurge in families torn apart by this issue. Pathological gambling is the clinical term used when treating gambling addiction. Problem behaviors around gambling are addressed. These problems include sports betting, casino gambling, racetrack betting, and manipulation of stocks, bonds and futures commodities, both on the internet and in regular business.Alta Mira Treatment Programs has developed an approach to help the gambler identify the real problem - how to live again without gambling. Most compulsive gamblers can admit that there are some problems but to seek treatment is a big step. Untreated gambling affects every single aspect of the gamblers life and their loved ones.
Like most addictions the gambler thinks they can stop for good any time they want to and truly cannot understand why they need to stop NOW! But they do need to stop NOW and at Alta Mira we focuses on how to stop and how to stay stopped. We approach this from a spiritual and psychological approach. An individual treatment approach is the only way we have found a gambler to truly recover. It is imperative to address issues that cause triggers and also address the devastation that having an addiction such as this causes to the family.
Many studies have determined that the change is brain chemistry in gambling addiction is similar in nature to chemical addiction. When faced with a situation that can cause a thrill of excitement or stress of possibly losing, the gambler will actually have a chemical reaction that can be similar to a cocaine addict receiving an infusion of cocaine. As debts build up the gambler at times can turn to other forms all self destructive behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse or even theft. The lack of impulse control becomes overwhelming.
Alta Mira Treatment Programs has an excellent medical and clinical staff. We are up to date on the latest treatments for gambling addiction. There are medications that can be quite helpful for some, while others learn to address the emotional turmoil in a more holistic way. Regardless of what preconceptions are out about gambling addictions - Alta Mira's approach is unique, affordable, and state of the art.
Please call now for more information 866.922.1350
Internet Addiction
Internet Addiction has become prevalent in the United States. This addiction has been described as an impulse control disorder. The interesting and obvious point is that internet addiction is very similar in nature to pathological gambling.Many internet addicts find themselves compulsively drawn to online communities. Before long hours have passed and all normal daily activities have gone by the wayside. Sexual compulsivity at times is the root of the internet addict or online gambling. The preoccupation and anticipation of what is waiting for the addict takes away from being present in conversations and activities. As a result of this preoccupation and poor impulse control we see more and more internet addicts suffering from increased anger, poor hygiene, poor social skills, and loss of important relationships.
Alta Mira Treatment Programs addresses the impulse control and helps the internet addict choose their individual road to recovery. Our program excels at designing the right approach for each individual. Please call us for a free phone consultation to see if you are a fit for our internet addiction 14 day intensive track.
Call Now...866.922.1350