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ADDICTION

 

Like diabetes, addiction is a chronic illness. And like diabetes it must be managed correctly. Left unchecked, chronic illnesses progress in a fairly predictable way. 

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It is a misconception that addiction means a lack of willpower. That perception is harmful and incorrect. Usually when people are struggling with the cycle of addiction and relapse it is because they have not figured out how to manage their chronic illness.

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How do you manage addiction? The answer is up to you and what you are willing to do. I will help you design a treatment plan that makes sense to you because it is designed by you. Together we will identify your goals and create small, achievable steps that you can take toward your goal. 

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Kicking an addiction is a process. Any process requires a step by step approach with an end-goal in mind. Whether you want to gradually reduce or quit cold turkey, as long as you don't skip the steps in your own process, you will be prepared for what comes next. Just like school, you wouldn't expect a middle schooler to go off to college and be successful.

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Give yourself permission to stop judging yourself. Guilt feeds addiction. When we denigrate the self, our system goes into fight/flight/freeze mode and the primitive brain takes over. The primitive brain shifts us into survival mode which is ruled by fear, and we do not make good decisions out of fear. When we are able to accept ourselves the way we are, flaws and all, we operate with the mammalian brain that is hard-wired for connection, empathy and love. We are all flawed and we are all worthy of love anyway. 

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If you are looking for treatment for addiction in downtown Los Angeles or West Los Angeles, call or email for a free phone consultation at 917-563-4210.

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