Does My Addiction Define Me?
Addiction changes people physically and psychologically. It alters brain chemistry and re-wires neural pathways to drive behavior much more powerfully than rational thought or will. The addicted mind will come up with seemingly limitless excuses, denials and justifications for substance abuse, while simultaneously ignoring or diminishing the effects the disease is having on Tennessee friends and loved ones. Nearly everything in the life of the addict (relationships, values, actions and words) are driven by the disease. Unlike a disease such as cancer, addiction takes over a people’s lives, often stripping them of everything they once loved.
How Addiction Affects Tennessee Residents
Tennessee residents who do not struggle with addiction may see your disease as the defining feature of your identity. When they interact with you they are actually interacting with your addiction. People adapt to this reality, often demonstrating negative psychological side effects known as co-dependency. They may make excuses for you to others. They may need to disconnect from you emotionally because of the pain your disease causes. They may lash out at others as the frustration they feel with you builds. Friends and loved ones in Tennessee face a range of potentially devastating side effects that are both emotional and physical and may include the following:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression (including suicidal thoughts and actions)
- Eating disorders or other compulsive behaviors
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty communicating honestly
- Financial distress or even ruin
- Physical injury due to abuse or accidents
- Negative learned behavior (increased likelihood of substance abuse on their part)
For many Tennessee addicts it is the effect their disease is having on people they love that ultimately causes them to get the help they need.
How Tennessee Residents Can Overcome Addiction
The first step in addiction recovery is simple. The addict must realize that she has a problem she is unable to fix without help. She must override the defensiveness and denial in her mind and place herself in an environment where successful recovery is likely to happen. As hard as this admission is for many Tennessee addicts to make, it is ultimately the key to their future happiness. Once you decide to reach out for help you’ll find no shortage of people who will rush to your aid.
Your addiction may currently define you, but that does not need to be true for long. Millions of people have stared down their own demons – the denial and confusion in their addicted minds – and have come out victorious. Beating back an addiction is a challenge, and you can become a person recognized for the strength of will, character and humility it took to conquer your disease.
What Happens in Addiction Rehabilitation?
The most effective recovery programs treat all aspects of the addiction – the physical and the emotional – along with any and all co-occurring or underlying disorders that may have led to your disease in the first place. This happens through a range of possible therapeutic services including the following:
- Personal counseling
- Health-promoting, restful environments
- Introduction to healthy new coping and relaxation skills
- The formation of supportive new relationships
- Spiritual care
- Empowering education about the causes and effects of addiction
- Strategic preparation for life after rehab
Addiction Help for Tennessee Residents
Our toll-free helpline is open 24 hours a day for any Tennessee resident. Our staff is ready to answer any questions you have and to connect you with the best recovery resources for your unique needs. Call today.
