WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

I had never realized how much alcohol was affecting my life until I started working with April Wilson. Through her non-judgmental approach, I was able to begin examining what was happening, not just to me, but to all the people I loved. It wasn't easy, but I felt like I had someone who was there to help each step of the way, and now I've started to get my life back.”

—Anonymous

Addictions Counseling


Addictions Counseling

Whether it is chocolate, caffeine, nicotine, exercise, sex, gambling, alcohol, prescriptions, or a street drug, all of us at one time or another probably have wondered if we were addicted to something. The idea of relying on something to make us feel better or dull the pain is a concept we can all relate to. But just when does feeling better cross the line into something that is destructive and detrimental? How do you know when your behavior is harmful?

In our society the concept of addiction has been applied to all sorts of things: video games, shopping, pornography, gambling, and food. Yet not one of these produces a physiological dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal, all hallmarks for what has historically been considered addiction.

Heroin, cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and assorted prescription medications are what most of us think of when we hear the word “addiction.” However, addiction isn’t limited to just psycho-active chemicals that can produce physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. Addiction has now been recognized to encompass a host of other behaviors: gambling, video games, sex, shopping, pornography, and even food. How can these things be considered addictions? In these instances, “addiction” refers to a recurring compulsion by and individual to engage in some activity despite harmful consequences.

Do you find yourself engaged in some type of behavior that you know is interfering with living your life to the fullest? Have you tried to cut down or stop something that you know is damaging your life, your relationships, or maybe your health, and yet you are unable to do so? For some people this may take the form of alcohol or drugs; for others gambling, shopping, or pornography. Whatever it is, the behavior has become compulsive.

You can get help. Call the Samaritan Counseling Center and speak with our addictions counselor or one of our other therapists to get the help you deserve.