Addiction is a serious but treatable chronic condition that typically requires the expert care of a behavioral health specialist. More than just a problem of willpower, addiction is a true brain disorder that affects a person’s relationships, quality of life and physical health.
If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, help is available. At Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, we offer comprehensive, outpatient and inpatient behavioral health services to help people in Memphis and the surrounding communities overcome addiction and regain control over their lives.
Defining Addiction
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment and an individual’s life experiences.”
After years of research, we now know that addiction is a brain disorder that affects how the brain responds to rewards, stress and self-control. It causes a compulsive use of substances or participation in certain behaviors, even if the person knows the substances or behaviors could be harmful.
Types of Addiction
Mental health specialists group addictions into two categories.
Substance addictions, also called substance use disorders, involve an addiction to using a specific substance.
Behavioral addictions involve compulsions to pursue certain activities.
Within those two broad categories, there are many different types of addictions. Whether an addiction involves a substance or behavior, they all involve the obsession with — and pursuit of — something that rewards the brain.
Substance Use Disorders
Alcohol use disorder, a type of substance use disorder, is the most common addiction. Other substances that can lead to addiction include:
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids, such as codeine or heroin
- Stimulants, such as cocaine or prescription amphetamine
- Tobacco or nicotine
Behavioral Addictions
Many behaviors can become addictive, including:
- Compulsive sexual behavior
- Gambling
- Gaming
- Problematic social media use
- Shoplifting
- Shopping
Symptoms of Addiction
Addiction can affect a person’s mental and physical health in many different ways. Symptoms of an active addiction may include:
- Difficulty completing work or life responsibilities
- Impulsiveness or a lack of control
- Inability to stop using a substance or performing an activity
- Increased tolerance of a substance
- Intense focus on a substance or activity
- Relationship problems
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Withdrawal from family members and friends
When people with addictions try to stop using a substance or participating in an activity, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Vomiting
Risk Factors for Addiction
Addiction is a complex medical condition caused by many different biological, genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors. While anyone can develop an addiction, certain factors increase the risk. They include:
- Being exposed to or using alcohol or drugs at a young age
- Experiencing conflict in relationships or family life
- Experiencing peer pressure to use a substance or behave in a specific way
- Experiencing trauma or chronic stress
- Having a family history of addiction
- Having a personal history of addiction or other mental health conditions
Mental Health Conditions and Addiction
Having another mental health condition may be one of the most significant risk factors for addiction. The links between the conditions are complex and may occur for several reasons, including how addictions and certain mental health conditions affect the brain.
Mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder, can lead someone to misuse substances or adopt risky behaviors to cope with their symptoms.
The reverse is also true: People with an addiction are more likely to develop mental health disorders.
Treatment and Recovery From Addiction
At Methodist Le Bonheur, we’re committed to providing people in our community with access to compassionate care and treatment options that can help them overcome addictions of all kinds.
Addictions can lead to crisis situations, such as serious traffic accidents and thoughts of self-harm and suicide. If you see a loved one or find yourself in an addiction-related crisis, you can call Methodist Behavioral Health Center, where our dedicated behavioral health teams offer 24/7 care and detoxification services. You can also reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for assistance in a crisis.
For less immediate needs, you can talk to a Methodist Le Bonheur provider about our many other addiction treatments and paths to recovery. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy and participation in support groups.
Integrated Behavioral Health
If you think you may have an addiction or are concerned about a loved one, a primary care provider may be able to help. Through integrated behavioral health, Methodist Medical Group primary care providers work with in-office behavioral health consultants to identify a person’s needs and develop a tailored treatment plan based on their addiction.
Medications for Addiction
Providers can prescribe medications to treat a substance use disorder, such as an opioid addiction. These medications can help reduce cravings and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
People with addictions may also need medications to treat a mental health condition along with addiction. Those medications can help indirectly treat addiction by alleviating the symptoms of the other condition.
Talk Therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy involves talking through thoughts and behaviors. One type of talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is frequently used as part of addiction treatment. During CBT sessions, you’ll work to identify negative thought patterns and build coping tools that can help you overcome addiction.
Support Groups
Support groups are often recommended for people with addiction and their loved ones. They serve as a place to talk about the challenges of addiction with others in similar circumstances. Your Methodist care team can help you identify which community support groups might be most helpful for you.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy habits support a healthy body and a healthy mind — and they can help many people face and overcome addiction.
Our mental health professionals and behavioral health consultants can help you or your loved one find the changes needed to support recovery. They can offer tips and strategies for:
Eating a diet filled with fruits, vegetables and lean protein
Exercising regularly
Finding healthy ways to manage stress
Getting enough quality sleep
Get Help Today!
If you or someone you love is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, call 988.
For addiction treatment and to get started on a path to recovery, talk with a Methodist Medical Group primary care provider. Need a provider? Find one in our directory.