Chemical Dependency
Learn more about different types of addictions from alcoholism to nicotine addiction. You’ll find information on how to recognize chemical dependency and identify substance abuse in the workplace.
Gambling Addiction
For most of the gambling industry’s patrons, gambling is fun and a form of harmless entertainment. For the four to six percent of gamblers who become problem or pathological (compulsive) gamblers, however, it can be a devastating illness that negatively affects every aspect of their lives. This section offers an in-depth examination of pathological gambling with information about the comprehensive programs offered for treatment, counseling and family support.
Youth Gambling Addiction
With the growing availability of gambling opportunities and the social acceptance of gambling as a safe, harmless diversion, young people are being drawn into compulsive gambling behavior at an even higher rate than adults. As with adults, youth gambling addiction can negatively impact every aspect of life, from learning and school performance, to mental and physical health. It can lead to criminal and other anti-social behavior, and other addictions. This section provides an overview of the problem, and the treatment, counseling and family support programs available.
Addiction in the Workplace
Because an addiction impacts every facet of a person’s life, the problem must be addressed at many different levels, including the place of employment.
Food Addiction
Food is a necessity of life. But for some, it becomes a dreaded enemy. This section describes the physical, emotional and psychological impact of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the two most common eating disorders. Included is a self-test to help determine if you or someone you know might have an eating disorder.
Internet Addiction
The internet is an incredible way to gather information and communicate with people around the world. For most people, it is simply a means of communication. For others, the internet can become a substitute for real life relationships and a threat to financial and emotional stability. Use this section to learn the signs of internet addiction, the problems it causes, and treatment options.
Sexual Addiction
Many people have never thought of sex as an addiction, but for some, sexual addiction is a grave reality. This section will tell you what sexual addiction is, how to identify it, and how to get help if you or someone you know struggles with it.
Compulsive Shopping and Spending
Compulsive shopping and spending is described as a pattern of chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes difficult to stop and ultimately results in harmful consequences. It is defined as an impulse control disorder and has features similar to other addictive disorders without involving use of an intoxicating drug.
Chronic Pain with Addiction
Chronic pain generally persists for six months or more, and continues after the expected cessation of the pain. It tends to elicit severe depression as a result of long-term limitations and hopelessness. Overall, experts agree on the importance of acknowledging pain as a subjective experience which is very real to the patient and should be understood and accepted as real by treating professionals. However, once questions about addiction are introduced into the equation, it can become more complicated. In this section, you will find information on how the Institute for Addiction Recovery assesses and treats for chronic pain with addiction.
Treatment and Counseling Programs
There are many comprehensive treatment and counseling services to help persons with addictions, as well as their families, friends and employers. Our assistance with reccommendation ranges from the most modern, intensive medical care available to prevention counseling.