Many people are aware of co-occurring issues of substance addiction, such as someone who is co-addicted to alcohol and cocaine. They are also aware of co-occurring issues of addiction and mental illness, such as someone who is addicted to methamphetamines and also struggles with bipolar II disorder. Yet, these same people are unfamiliar with the common occurrence of substance and process addictions.
Better Understanding Substance Addictions
Substance use disorder (SUD) affects tens of millions of people all around the world. Many of these people will also never receive the help that they so desperately need.
There are many different types of substance addictions as well. This includes alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is actually one of the most common types of addiction.
It is also important to remember that SUD and AUD are diseases. They are not some type of moral failing or “choice” as many stigmas have long had people believe. Addictions are also family diseases because they affect the entire family and not just the individual who is struggling.
Better Understanding Process Addictions
Now, many people who struggle with SUD also struggle with process addictions (also known as behavioral addictions). These are addictions like sex addiction, online addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction, and exercise addiction. The primary difference between substance and process addictions is that a behavioral addiction requires no outside substance. This could actually make a process addiction more destructive.
The reason for this is that one can engage in many process addictions virtually anywhere at any time. For example, people with exercise addiction can exercise anywhere and they often do by coming up with creative ways to engage in their compulsion.
Process addictions also consume all of an individual’s time. This is both when they are engaging in the process and when they are thinking about engaging with the process. It is constantly consuming. This is all compounded when one has both substance and process addictions.
Better Understanding Substance and Process Addictions
Many people engage in process addictions as a result of their substance use. Ultimately, this can lead to a dual addiction. For example, one may need to drink an excessive amount to build up the courage to engage in risky behavior like sex addiction. When this goes on long enough, an individual can become addicted to alcohol as well as sex.
The same is true with online addiction, especially true with younger populations. Younger populations are utilizing prescription stimulants like Adderall to go for extended periods of time online and on social media sites. What’s worse is that these same people will create social media videos touting their substance misuse and process addiction.
The Signs and Symptoms of Substance and Process Addictions
There are many signs and symptoms of substance and process addictions. Many of them overlap as well. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating from friends and family
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Not being able to concentrate on anything other than the substance and/or the process
- Going through withdrawals without the substance and/or engaging in the process
- Feeling depressed
- Having feelings of anxiety and nervousness
- Trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
- Having a co-occurring mental illness
- Experiencing trouble at home, work, or school
- Committing self-harm
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these are serious signs and symptoms. This is why seeking professional help as soon as any are present is crucial. The good news is that once a diagnosis is made, there are many effective ways to recover from substance and process addictions.
Recovering From Substance and Process Addictions
Substance and process addictions can be treated in tandem. In fact, they should be treated in tandem. This ensures that both addictions receive the same amount of attention. If one addiction is treated and the other isn’t, there is a much higher chance of relapse.
Both substance and process addictions can be treated with a multi-angled approach that pulls from all areas of recovery. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It also includes experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy. Other modalities that utilize holistic healing methods like yoga and meditation can be highly effective at treating co-occurring addictions.
Healing Whole Mind-Body at Lantana Recovery
The iconic American author and philosopher Joseph Campbell famously said, “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” That is why we here at Lantana Recovery always have a focus on the future, while also keeping our feet planted firmly in the present.
Recovery is a journey that one will not want to miss. That journey can start right here at Lantana Recovery. The time is now. Let us help.
Many people don’t realize how common it can be to have both a substance and process addiction simultaneously. They also don’t realize how important it is to treat them both at the same time for a full recovery, and ultimately a full recovery should be the goal of anyone looking for long-term success. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about co-occurring process and substance addictions, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
