Process Addiction Intervention

The definition of a process addiction states that it is a compulsive type of habit, one that the patient cannot help but try to accomplish, whenever the urge hits. This is often used as a blanket term to describe the impulsive need to behave in a certain manner, completely dependent upon those actions.Examples of a process addiction, according to this definition include, gambling addiction, shopping addiction, or sex addiction. As with other types of addictive behaviors, the first stage to getting the afflicted the help they need is to stage a process addiction intervention.

Commonly Overlooked And Misdiagnosed

Most compulsive disorders might go undiagnosed until the patient shows signs of a chemical change of some kind. Ironically, with a process addiction, the chemical change is already present, but goes unnoticed until the behavior pattern grows more obsessive, to the point where it is inescapable, and disruptive.It is much easier to diagnose someone that has an actual physical addiction to a chemical initially, rather than a chemical imbalance that causes a physical addiction.Even so, as most victims also develop that physical addiction to chemical stimulants, the actual process addiction disorder is ignored. The suffering is real, the loss of family and lifestyles is real, and all the signs of a debilitating condition are present.It is the lack of understanding, and knowledge about such conditions that leads experts to misunderstand, and misdiagnose. The actual disorder is often not found until the drug addiction has been dealt with.

Understanding Process Addiction

This is a complex disorder, and will have many factors. The mental state of the afflicted, family genetics, and past experiences all have an influence on how the obsessions grow, and change.Like those suffering from a substance addiction, the reward center of the brain will cause the release of chemicals into the body that feed the addiction, increasing the satisfaction of accomplishment, and the need to repeat those actions for more fulfillment.It becomes a constant chase to repeat that feeling of good that comes from meeting the obsession.This is not that unusual a condition if you think about it. A lot of people enjoy a similar rush, or natural high when they do something that excites them, like gambling wins or racing a car on a whim.Splurging because we got a raise, which in turn makes us feel good about ourselves is much like the sensation the addict feels, only they have to do it over and over. Once will never be enough, unless the behavior can be changed, other types of interventions can help with other addictions.

Process Addiction Intervention

As with most disorders, the situation will inevitably reach a point at which a process addiction intervention would be in order. This is often a very caring confrontation, where loved ones let the addict know how much they mean to them, and how much the addiction is hurting their relationship.The loved ones accept the reality that the addict has a problem, and needs their help. It is hoped, by them, that the addict will accept the reality of having a problem, and will also accept their love and aid.A professional should be present during any process addiction intervention, as it can quickly become an emotional powder keg. The emotions of anger, frustration, and sorrow can quickly arise on both sides, and may block any attempts to negotiate treatment options for the addict.[blockquote style=”font-size:20px;”]With the help of a professional, emotional flares can be quelled in the interest of progress, and general caring for the addict’s well being. [/blockquote]Respect is crucial, otherwise the intervention can quickly devolve in the eyes of the addict into an ultimatum, forcing them to give up what they most desire, or else.Professional, essential help is here at Intervention Services. Call us at 1 (219) 226-6050 to start the intervention process.Want to learn more about the Intervention Services team and what makes us great? Check out our About page.