Addiction cycle
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Addiction Cycle
Addiction cycle, or cycle of addiction, refers to the circular pattern characteristic of addiction. While there are many different types of addiction – alcohol, substance abuse, sex, overwork, overspending, gambling, nonmedical use of prescription drugs, overeating, etc. – the addiction cycle is common to each of them. It consists of phases, which may, depending on the type of addiction, be of short or long duration, and generally progress in a repetitive pattern unless treatment is undertaken and proves effective.
Phases of the Addiction Cycle
Although each addict is different, they each spend some time in the various phases of the addiction cycle. The exact number of phases or stages in the addiction cycle varies depending on how broad or distinct each phase is identified. Some addiction treatment experts group the phases as changes in thought processes, changes in dealing with life and others, leading to physical and mental breakdown.
Others take a more in-depth approach to the phases of the addiction cycle, singling out anxiety as the cycle trigger, followed by ingestion of the substance, temporary relief, euphoria, reduction of pain and anxiety, improved social changes, feeling of power, dissolution of limits, reduction of effects, problem recognition, and stress.
Still others see the cycle of addiction this way:
• It begins with a problem that the individual cannot resolve or an emotional void that he then fills by trying an addictive substance or engaging in an addictive behavior.
• The person feels good after trying the substance or behavior – at least, temporarily.
• Because the drugs or alcohol, for example, appear to resolve the problems or underlying feelings of anxiety, depression, worthlessness, etc., the person continues to use them in order to avoid the return of those feelings.
• He or she uses them to deaden pain, to achieve euphoria, and/or relief from stress and problems.
• Sooner or later, gradual use turns to more frequent use, which, in turn, often leads to compulsive use and addiction.
• When fully addicted, the individual loses all self-control, and every waking moment becomes consumed with thoughts of the next use – despite serious negative consequences as a result of the addictive behavior.
• Some addicts recognize the problem and seek treatment, often with the best intentions. They may, however, not seek formal treatment and attempt to kick the habit on their own. The result is usually predictable: their efforts at abstinence fail and they resume their addictive behavior.
• Even with treatment, relapse afterwards is possible, especially in early recovery.
• Some addicts repeat the addiction cycle many times before finally achieving a successful recovery.
Stages of the Sexual Addiction Cycle
Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., the leading expert in sexual addiction in the United States, and currently Executive Director of the Gentle Path Program at the Pine Grove Behavioral Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the author of Out of the Shadows. Dr. Mark Laaser is the author of Faithful & True. Both men have well documented the sexual addiction cycle which consists of fantasy, ritual, acting out, and shame.
In essence, sexual addiction starts in the mind (fantasy), launches the habit (ritual), leading to the sexual behavior (acting out), resulting in shame and despair (shame), which restarts the addictive cycle.
Stages of Gambling Addiction Cycle
Experts in treating gambling addiction identify multiple stages in the addiction cycle. Some say there are three stages, while others list a fourth and still others, a fifth.
• Stage One – the Winning Phase
• Stage Two – the Losing Phase
• Stage Three – the Desperation Phase
• Stage Four – the Hopelessness Phase
• Stage Five – the Recovery Phase
During each of the phases, the problem or compulsive gambler spends an inordinate amount of time on gambling – as his or her life spirals out of control. Treatment experts for gambling addiction say that it’s often impossible to reach the compulsive gambler before the hopelessness stage, as they are not ready for treatment, don’t believe they have a problem, don’t want treatment, or are still in self-delusion about their ability to recoup their losses.
Treatment to Break the Addiction Cycle
The only effective way to break the addiction cycle is through treatment. While an addict can be coerced into participating in a treatment program, the best results are obtained when the individual acknowledges his problem and fully commits to getting help. Addiction treatment programs are not cookie-cutter plans. They are tailored according to the individual’s needs, type of addiction, length of duration, frequency of use, physical and mental health, family history, and many other factors.
There is also no set amount of time that treatment for addiction takes. It varies by individual.
To be most effective, treatment should be multi-disciplinary. It may include detoxification, medication for use in alleviating symptoms and cravings, individual and group counseling, 12-step group participation, relapse prevention, and aftercare.
There are various types of therapeutic behavioral approaches used in addition treatment, including (but not limited to):
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT (helping patients recognize, avoid and cope with situations where they are most likely to use drugs, alcohol, or engage in addictive behavior)
• Multi-dimension family therapy (addressing a range of influences on drug abuse patterns as well as improving overall family functioning)
• Motivational interviewing (capitalizing on the individual’s readiness to enter treatment)
• Motivational incentives or contingency management (using positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from additive substances or behavior)
• Therapeutic communities (structured residential treatment programs for persons with severe problems)
For many addicts, the combination of medication and counseling may prove to be the most effective treatment in ending the addiction cycle.
--Suzannekane 20:03, 31 March 2010 (UTC)
