Addiction Recovery

Addictions can go beyond cigarettes, drugs and alcohol and include excessive gambling, overeating, gaming and pornography. Any obsessive activity that interferes with an individual's daily life can be destructive and may require intervention.

Intervention

• Interventions are usually performed by concerned friends or family members with the assistance of a counselor. The goal is to convey to the addict how his behavior has negatively impacted loved ones. If the intervention is successful the addict will acknowledge her problem and agree to seek help.

Rehab

• Certain addictions, such as those involving substance abuse, require supervised treatment at rehab centers. Special inpatient facilities are designed to offer comfort during the recovery period. The length of time it takes to complete the treatment varies based on the severity of the addiction and may last only a few weeks or several months.

Therapy

• Therapy can be helpful in uncovering and working through internal conflicts and unresolved issues that contribute to obsessive behavior and addictions. Group therapy also offers a support system for recovering addicts.

Relapse Prevention

• Recovering from an addiction is an ongoing process, and it's tempting to fall back into familiar old routines. Recovering addicts should make an effort to distance themselves from places, events, activities and even people who may trigger a relapse. A strong support system is important.

Help

• If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, there are numerous organizations that will help. See Resources below for more information.