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Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy
—private offices in New York and New Jersey—
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Manhattan, NY, Bergen, NJ
New York Local: (212) 996-3939
New Jersey Local: (201) 226-1880
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Psychotherapy, Counseling and Medication Management
We'll Match You with the Right Therapist
Adult, Marriage, Couples, Family, Child, Adolescent
Manhattan, NY, Bergen, NJManhattan, NY, Bergen, NJ
* Call us and receive a Free Phone Consultation when you mention our URL (psychotherapynynj.com)
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Addictions
Did you know that addictions are dangerous and expensive? They hurt everyone and everything around them, including a person’s work, home, self, and relationships. Some of the most common things people are addicted to are alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, internet and sex.
Anything can be an addiction. A person is addicted to something when it becomes the only thing in their life. They ignore everything else, and might hurt themselves or the people around them to “get a fix” or while “high”. Did you know that addictions are caused by chemical reactions in the brain? According to researchers, both physical and psychological addictions have the same effects on the brain. A “high” is caused by beta-endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain. An addicted person’s body wants more of these chemicals than normal and has learned that certain behaviors make more of these chemicals. That is where the addiction comes from. Most addictions involve both a person’s mind and body, so it is very hard to end an addiction. Nobody knows exactly what makes addictions come about – it could be genetic, environmental, or some combination of the two.
What are the characteristics of addiction?
- Do you or somebody you know show the following signs of an addiction? If so, get help now!
- Is the person obsession with an activity, object, or substance?
- Does the person have cravings? Are they willing to do anything to “get high”, regardless of the consequences?
- Do they compulsively do the addictive behavior?
- Does the person experience withdrawal when they aren’t “getting a fix”? (Symptoms of withdrawal include craving, depression, irritability, and restlessness)
- Do they have no control over how long, how much, or how often they “get a fix”?
- Does the person deny that they have an addiction or that it causes problems?
- Do they hide the fact that they are addicted or that they are “getting a fix”?
- Do they forget what happened when they were “high”?
- Is the person depressed, anxious, or have low self-esteem?
What treatments are available for addictions?
Psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, counselor, and nurse practitioner. professional who can provide support in a non-judgmental atmosphere and/or medication can help you to recognize your repetitive dysfunctional behaviors so that you can learn new behaviors that can lead to greater social and professional satisfaction. Occasionally, medication can be useful for the person with a addictions.
In a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere, psychotherapy or counseling with a licensed psychologist, counselor, psychotherapist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social worker, or psychiatrist can help the individual with the disorder to gain awareness, achieve positive behavioral change, and improve functioning in school, work, and relationships.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, and you’d like more information about the treatment of addictions, call our office at 212-996-3939 to speak to someone today. |
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