Portraits of Addiction
Jared’s kids are at home, probably in bed, but his wife is working late and he’s down the street playing Texas Holdem, losing a significant buy-in (and his sobriety). He’s down to about half of the chips he’s brought with him at this point, but he’s not lost hope yet. If anything, being down on his luck will make this win so much greater.
With pocket Aces, he thinks he has this hand in the bag. The ante grows, and he goes from being all in to throwing his car keys on the table.
Michael’s days dealing with surly customers in Cambridge at bank all week is a lot to endure, but he knows how to ease the pressure. It used to just be a couple of beers at lunch, but he’s since moved on to screwdrivers for breakfast and a bottle of bourbon tucked away in his car for “cigarette” breaks. No one ever seemed to pick up on his secret until one customer made a complaint when he returned to his desk with a distinct aroma on his breath.
Be Honest About Your Dependency
You can become addicted to just about anything, really. It can be a substance like alcohol, prescription drugs and even caffeine, or it can be a behavior, as in the case of shopping and exercise (yes, seemingly harmless or even beneficial things can become addictions).
Regardless of the object or the physical or psychological nature of your addiction, the truth is that it’s getting in the way of your life.
Signs and symptoms of addiction include:
- Increased tolerance toward a substance
- Legal issues as a result of the repeat engagement
- Uncharacteristic weight loss or gain
- Disinterest in anything other than the addiction
- Shaky hands, impaired coordination or speech
- Bloodshot eyes
- Uncharacteristic risk taking
- Depression and anxiety
- Decreased performance at work, school or other daily activities
- Lack of motivation
- Inability to concentrate
Get Help This Week, If Not Within 24 Hours
Perhaps your addiction started with as an experiment that you enjoyed so much, you returned to it again and again. It’s now years later and what was previously a way to unwind is now the only thing you know of that keeps you functioning. We can help.
Or, maybe you turned to your current addiction as a means of dealing with the loss of a family member, financial hardships or depression? Well, what was once your coping mechanism has now become a full-fledge threat to your existence and the wellbeing of those you love. Thriveworks Boston Addiction Therapy can help.
You need to regain control of your life while also addressing the issues that might have played a role in establishing your dependency. It’s OK. You’re not alone. Our clinicians are some of the most trusted in the field, have been featured in industry-leading news outlets and have had great success with helping people just like you learn how to ditch the addiction for the much more abundant pleasures of meaning and joyfulness.