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Addictions
of all types have in common
an underlying sense of feeling
out of control which is manifested
in an inability to stop the
compulsive behavior. Some addictions
can become life threatening
such as drugs, alcohol and
over/under eating, while others
may have legal or social consequences
such as addiction to sex, spending,
gambling or the internet.
Coping
with an addiction can feel
overwhelming and hopeless.
Having a safe place to talk
about the difficult feelings
that often arise when one wants
to stop a certain behavior
can be very helpful. In addition
to sharing your unique difficulties
with a therapist you will be
given guidance and support
as you transition from using
habitual destructive coping
mechanisms to productive, positive
ways of living.
If you grew
up in a home with an alcoholic
or drug addict, you may experience
some of the following symptoms:
you feel frightened by authority
figures, you seek other's approval,
you see yourself as a victim,
you find it easier to consider
what others want rather than
what you want, you judge yourself
harshly. Please also
visit www.adultchildren.org for
more information.
Some
codependent patterns include: a
need to help others, needing
others to be dependent on oneself,
having difficulty starting
and maintaining relationships,
difficulty with saying “no,” discomfort
with having fun and relaxing,
not being aware of what one
wants, fear of abandonment
and staying in bad relationships.
Please also see www.codependents.org for
more information.
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