Addiction & Recovery
Addiction clouds an individual’s judgment, making them engage in activities that give them immense pleasure but have become detrimental to their everyday lives. The added confidence, control, validation, or other emotions normally lacking in one’s life give them a special kind of high, which may not stop until the root of the problem is addressed.
Addiction changes the brain through the limbic system, also known as the “brain reward system.” This part of the brain is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and will manifest thoughts deluding them to keep repeating the satisfying act. The abuse of addictive substances and behaviors triggers this system, prolonging a continuous cycle of destructive behavior.
Common addictions include, but are not limited to:
- Drug or Alcohol Abuse
- Codependency & People-Pleasing
- Gambling
- Internet
- Shopping
- Food
Depression & Anixiety
People who develop addictions are often unaware that their behavior is erratic and unpredictable, which is why coaching is essential to working through and managing their condition. Dependence can be exhausting, and one should never have to go through the addiction recovery process alone.
During these sessions, clients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), their triggers, and what helped them control impulses in the past. Clients also learn coping skills so they can manage their compulsions without relapsing.
During these sessions, clients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), their triggers, and what helped them control impulses in the past. Clients also learn coping skills so they can manage their compulsions without relapsing.
Eating Disorders
Skewed body image affects how individuals view their bodies, which can result in eating disorders and other health concerns. This happens to anyone across the globe, regardless of gender, race, age, and culture.
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), about 30 million Americans suffer from a type of eating disorder, making it a record holder for the highest mortality rate compared to other mental illnesses. It is so common among the population that someone dies of an eating disorder every 62 minutes.
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), about 30 million Americans suffer from a type of eating disorder, making it a record holder for the highest mortality rate compared to other mental illnesses. It is so common among the population that someone dies of an eating disorder every 62 minutes.
Types of Eating Disorders:
- Anorexia Nervosa - People reduce the amount of food intake required for their weight, age, gender, development, and physical health.
- Bulimia Nervosa - Individuals consume large amounts of food and then induce themselves to vomit to stop weight gain.
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED) - Eating large amounts of food in short periods.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) 14 – With this disorder, children just don’t become finicky; they also tend to become malnourished due to food restrictions.
- Diabulimia - This only affects people with type 1 diabetes and happens when someone reduces or stops taking their insulin to lose weight.
Due to the severe toll that eating disorders may have on an individual’s physical health, our coaching may not be enough. In severe cases, the person suffering from an eating disorder could be hospitalized or placed in residential care.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from an eating disorder and needs help, call the helpline at (800) 931-2237. An eating disorder is a serious medical and health concern that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from an eating disorder and needs help, call the helpline at (800) 931-2237. An eating disorder is a serious medical and health concern that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
Panic attacks are defined as brief episodes of extreme fear, which can be mistaken for heart attacks or strokes but are psychological rather than physical. Panic attacks can occur suddenly, peak within 10 minutes, and usually end within 20 to 30 minutes. Some symptoms include:
- Chills
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Chest Pain
- Palpitations
- Shaking
- Feelings of Suffocation
Sometimes panic attacks are isolated incidents, but when a person has had at least two panic attacks and lives in fear of having another, they may have a panic disorder. A panic attack can happen without a clear cause. People with panic disorder may develop phobias related to something they associate with panic attacks, including open spaces and large crowds.
Panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder, and like other forms of anxiety, it is commonly treated with a combination of counseling, medications, and healthy lifestyle changes. People with anxiety are also encouraged to do breathing exercises, exercise regularly, and avoid stimulants.