Addiction

Supporting you on your journey of recovery.

What is addiction? It’s the compulsive need to indulge in an activity or substance despite its harmful consequences.

Addiction is complicated because it involves changes in brain functioning related to reward and motivation. The brain becomes addicted to the reward or pleasure that comes from indulging in that specific activity.

Ultimately, this makes it hard to get out of the addictive cycle.

Types of Addiction

Contrary to popular notions, addiction is not just about indulging in substances. It can also be behavioral. This involves the compulsive need to engage in specific behaviors that elicit pleasure.

Addictions can revolve around some of the following things:

  • Substances like drugs and alcohol

  • Smoking

  • Food 

  • Gambling

  • Porn

  • Gaming

  • Shopping

  • Sex

  • Social Media

Black and white silhouette of a man smoking something.

Causes of Addiction

While every individual is unique and has different driving forces, some of the most common causes of addiction include:

Symptoms of Addiction

People who are battling addiction display several signs that could point to a problem.

Here are some of its common symptoms:

  • Increased desire to indulge in addictive behaviour

  • Inability to function without the addictive stimulus

  • Actively seeking situations to indulge in the addictive activity

  • Changes in money spending practices 

  • Loss of energy in everyday activities 

  • Visible changes in appearance 

  • Changes in appetite

  • Defensiveness (when confronted)

  • Downplaying harmful consequences 

Impact of Addiction

Addiction can severely impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being and how they behave around other people in the following ways:

  • Negative impact on relationships 

  • Changes in academic or work performance 

  • Bankruptcy 

  • Deceptive behaviour 

  • Damaged physical health

  • Impaired memory 

  • Worsening of existing mental health conditions 

  • Intense symptoms upon withdrawal

Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a serious illness that requires immediate attention. Forms of intervention that aid recovery include addiction treatment centres as well as counselling. The treatment process is highly personalized and involves a combination of behavioural therapy and medication. 

Many people may be struggling with an addiction, but also be very high functioning. As a result, they might not even realize or acknowledge that they have a problem.

A woman battling addiction sits on a wooden deck and looks out at sea.

We Can Help

Located in the beautiful Orchard Treatment & Wellness Center at 4012 Perth Rd #107, Shakespeare Ontario, we are local to Stratford, Tavistock, New Hamburg, and the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Our clinicians also offer remote therapy across Ontario so that you can access the support you need - no matter where you are!

To get started you can fill out a contact form, call (226) 215-4244, or book an appointment online with one of our counsellors by clicking below.

We’re looking forward to supporting you!